Base, the L2 solution supported by Coinbase, has launched the Azul update on its testnet. Developers have described it as the first independent upgrade before the 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 that combines 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 a 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, which will enhance blockchain performance and optimize operations.

Testing has already yielded practical results. Over the past two months, the number of empty blocks has decreased by 99% — from 200 to just two per day. The blockchain has handled several peak loads of 5000 TPS.

Movement Towards Decentralization

According to developers, Azul will be a key step for Base towards the next level of decentralization — Stage 2.

The update will align the L2 solution with the latest specifications of the Osaka component, activated on the Ethereum execution layer as part of the Fusaka hard fork.

Most applications will not require changes — only some node operators and developers using specialized features will need to adapt. Users also do not need to 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 pool for identifying critical vulnerabilities is $250,000.

Future Plans

In the coming months, Base plans to release several more updates.

A performance upgrade will be released by the end of June, featuring an integrated token standard, Flashblock access lists, a unified binary client, and accelerated fund withdrawals.

In August, developers will implement 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 upgrade on a stack that 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,” said the L2 solution team.

Recall that in February, Base abandoned the Optimism stack in favor of its own unified architecture.