In preparation for an upcoming Sepolia test, one of Ethereum’s primary validator clients implemented a software update just hours before the event, allowing each block to support up to 200 million gas.
By Shaurya MalwaUpdated Oct 6, 2026, 12:53 a.m. EDTPublished Oct 6, 2026, 12:49 a.m. EDT2 min readMake preferred on ShareShare this articleCopy linkX (Twitter)LinkedInFacebookEmailMake preferred on Graphic illustrating the Ethereum symbol on a grid with screens. (Ethereum)SummaryShow- Developers for Ethereum released an urgent update for Prysm, ensuring validators automatically generate blocks with a gas limit of 200 million during the Glamsterdam upgrade's Sepolia test.
- Without this update or a manual adjustment, some validators would have created blocks limited to Sepolia's previous cap of 60 million gas, compromising the test's integrity.
- This test aims to evaluate the validators' ability to manage blocks significantly larger than the previous limit before a determination is made regarding Ethereum's main network capacity.
In a timely move, Ethereum developers deployed a last-minute software update ahead of the Glamsterdam test scheduled for Tuesday on Sepolia, which rectified a configuration issue that could have resulted in some validators producing smaller-than-expected blocks.
The Glamsterdam upgrade represents a crucial advancement for Ethereum, initially rolling out on Sepolia, a testing environment where developers can trial modifications using tokens that do not hold real-world value. A key aspect of this Tuesday's test is the increase of Sepolia's gas limit from approximately 60 million to 200 million.
Gas serves as the metric within Ethereum for quantifying the computational workload that can fit into a block. A higher gas limit allows the network to handle more transactions and complex operations simultaneously, although it also increases the demands placed on the computers that support Ethereum.
Prysm, a software utilized by Ethereum validators, launched version 7.2.1 just before this update, incorporating the 200 million gas setting. The prior version was finalized before this new limit was integrated into Sepolia's configuration, meaning validators operating it would have defaulted to the 60 million limit unless they manually adjusted the settings.
Read More: Ethereum’s upcoming Glamsterdam upgrade clears rehearsal for a big jump in capacity
With the latest version, validators will begin proposing blocks with a gas limit of 200 million automatically when Glamsterdam activates on Sepolia at 13:53:36 UTC on October 6.
Producing blocks at the previous limit would have undermined the test's purpose, which is designed to assess the network's performance under increased block size.
Ethereum has been gradually increasing its block capacity, testing its limits to determine the threshold beyond which operating a validator becomes overly challenging or costly. Expanding block space may ultimately facilitate more trades, stablecoin transfers, and other applications before users start to compete for space, leading to higher fees.
The 200 million gas limit is applicable solely to Sepolia, with Glamsterdam yet to be activated on Ethereum's main network.
This Tuesday's test will reveal whether validators can reliably manage blocks that exceed three times the previous default size on Sepolia, ahead of developers making decisions on the suitable capacity for Ethereum itself.
Read More: Ethereum developers warn ‘any teenager’ could disrupt upcoming Glamsterdam test
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As stablecoins transition into regulated finance, the Asia-Pacific region is becoming a critical testing ground. This report outlines the area's regulations, use cases, and the role of RLUSD.
By CoinDesk ResearchSep 15, 2026Commissioned byRippleAs stablecoins transition into regulated finance, the Asia-Pacific region is becoming a critical testing ground. This report outlines the area's regulations, use cases, and the role of RLUSD.
Why it matters:
As stablecoins transition into regulated finance, the Asia-Pacific region is becoming a critical testing ground. This report outlines the area's regulations, use cases, and the role of RLUSD.
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