Base Launches Azul Upgrade on Testnet Ahead of May Mainnet Rollout

The update introduces a multiproof system combining TEE and zero-knowledge proofs, allowing either method to finalize proposals while reducing withdrawal finality to as little as one day when both agree. Azul also makes base-reth-node the sole execution client and adds the new base-consensus client. The upgrade also aligns Base with Ethereum’s Osaka specifications.

Base Rolls Out Azul on Testnet

Base launched the Azul upgrade on testnet, and described it as its first fully independent upgrade ahead of an expected mainnet activation on May 13. The move forms part of Base’s mission to strengthen infrastructure, improve performance, and move closer to greater decentralization in the Ethereum Layer 2 ecosystem.

At the center of Azul is a new multiproof system that is designed to enhance network security and efficiency. This model combines trusted execution environment (TEE) proofs with zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, giving the network multiple ways to validate transactions and finalize proposals. 

Either proof type can finalize a proposal independently, providing redundancy and resilience. When both systems agree, withdrawal finality can reportedly be reduced to as little as one day, which is a massive improvement for users moving assets between chains. Base also pointed out that if a conflict occurs between the two systems, permissionless ZK proofs can override permissioned TEE proofs.

Beyond proofs, Azul introduces major backend changes to simplify Base’s software stack. The upgrade makes base-reth-node the network’s sole execution client while adding base-consensus, a new consensus client derived from Kona. These changes are part of an initiative to streamline operations, reduce complexity, and increase reliability across the chain.

According to Base, the results are already visible. Over the past two months, empty blocks on the network have reportedly dropped by around 99%, falling from approximately 200 per day to just two. During the same period, the network handled multiple transaction bursts of up to 5,000 transactions per second.

Azul also aligns Base with Ethereum’s latest Osaka execution-layer specifications. This compatibility update will improve the developer experience while also avoiding disruptive changes for most applications. Base explained that the majority of developers and apps will not need to make adjustments, though node operators and teams using specialized tools may need to prepare before the mainnet rollout.

(Source: X)

To test the system before launch, Base is hosting an audit competition on Immunefi through May 4, offering rewards of up to $250,000 for critical vulnerabilities.