The Coinbase-supported L2 solution Base has launched the Azul update on its testnet. Developers have described it as the first independent upgrade ahead of its mainnet activation, scheduled for May 13.
Base Azul is live on testnet — our first independent network upgrade.
Azul makes Base more secure, performant, and easier to build on.
More on what’s inside: https://t.co/Ls6bGGCxVP
— Base (@base) April 21, 2026
What’s New
Azul is built around a multi-proof system, combining two types:
- Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) proofs;
- Zero-Knowledge (ZK) proofs.
The Base team explained that each type can finalize a block independently, and together they reduce asset withdrawal time to one day. In case of conflict, ZK takes precedence over TEE.
The update will also simplify the network’s software infrastructure—Base will transition to a unified client stack:
- base-reth-node will become the sole execution client;
- base-consensus—a new consensus solution based on Kona—will enhance blockchain performance and optimize operations.
Testing has already yielded initial practical results. Over the past two months, the number of empty blocks has decreased by 99%—from 200 to two per day. The blockchain withstood several peak loads of 5000 TPS.
Progress Towards Decentralization
According to developers, Azul will be a key step for Base towards the next stage of decentralization—Stage 2.
The update will align the L2 solution with the latest specifications of the Osaka component, activated on Ethereum’s execution layer as part of the Fusaka hard fork.
Most applications will not require changes—only some node operators and developers using specialized functions. Users also need not take any action until Azul is implemented on the mainnet.
Before activation, Base is conducting an audit competition on the Immunefi platform—applications are accepted until May 4. The prize fund for finding critical vulnerabilities is $250,000.
Plans
In the coming months, Base plans to release several more updates.
By the end of June, a performance upgrade will be released: an integrated token standard, Flashblock access lists, a unified binary client, and accelerated withdrawals.
In August, developers will introduce a user experience update with native account abstraction.
In mid-May, Base will launch Vibenet—a public network for developers to experiment with future features before they go live on the mainnet.
“Azul is the first network update on a stack we fully control. This marks the beginning of a sustainable rhythm of independent upgrades on the path to a global, free on-chain economy for the next billion users,” noted the L2 solution team.
Back in February, Base abandoned the Optimism stack in favor of its own unified architecture.