Ethereum Foundation to Discontinue Holesky Testnet by September 2025

The Ethereum Foundation has declared its intention to discontinue support for the Holesky testnet by September 2025. This move follows a series of issues that have impeded testing on the network, particularly during the Pectra upgrade test last month. The Holesky testnet, which was launched in September 2023, has encountered significant problems, notably due to changes in deposit contract configurations that affected various Ethereum testnets.

One of the most pressing issues was the mass exit of validators from the Holesky testnet. This mass exit resulted in extensive inactivity leaks during the recovery process, extending the timeline for removing exited validators from the system. The recovery process is estimated to take nearly a year, further complicating the testing environment. The Foundation noted that while Holesky still allows stakers to test deposits and other Pectra features, its exit queue limits broader testing. Consequently, Ethereum has decided to shift Pectra testing to the Hoodi testnet.

In response to these challenges, Ethereum has introduced a new testnet called Hoodi. This new network is designed to facilitate validator testing and will activate the Pectra network upgrade at epoch 2048, scheduled for March 26, 2025. Hoodi is intended to be a crucial platform for staking operators and infrastructure providers, offering a more stable environment for testing. Despite this change, Holesky will remain available for select tests, including gas limit increases, until its support officially ends in September 2025.

The decision to end support for the Holesky testnet is likely driven by the need to consolidate resources and efforts on more stable and widely used testnets. The Ethereum Foundation has outlined the purposes and lifespans of its testnets. Holesky, designed for validators and staking providers, will be supported until September 2025. Sepolia, primarily for application and tooling developers, will be supported until September 2026. Hoodi, focused on validators and staking providers, is expected to have a lifespan until September 2028. A planned replacement for Sepolia is anticipated to launch in March 2026.

These developments reflect Ethereum's ongoing efforts to enhance its infrastructure and ensure robust testing environments for future upgrades. As the blockchain ecosystem continues to evolve, Ethereum's proactive approach in addressing testnet challenges is crucial for maintaining its position as a leading platform in the cryptocurrency space. The introduction of Hoodi and the phasing out of Holesky demonstrate Ethereum's commitment to improving its testing frameworks and ensuring a smoother transition for stakeholders.