Base Activates Azul Upgrade as Decentralization Push Gains Momentum

• Base launched the Azul upgrade with multiproof validation architecture.
• New client infrastructure reduced empty blocks and boosted throughput.
• Base plans additional upgrades while expanding layer-two market leadership.

Base has rolled out the Azul upgrade on mainnet, bringing a new proof system and client architecture to its Ethereum layer-2 network. The update aims to reduce centralization, strengthen censorship resistance, and improve network performance as Base advances toward its Stage 2 decentralization objectives.

The upgrade introduces a multiproof framework that combines trusted execution environment (TEE) proofs with zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs. Under the new design, either proof type can independently finalize proposals. However, when both systems reach the same conclusion, withdrawal finality can be achieved in as little as one day.

Additionally, the network allows permissionless ZK proofs to override permissioned TEE proofs whenever conflicts emerge. This structure reduces dependence on trusted operators and increases the role of permissionless verification within the protocol.

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Azul Introduces New Client Stack and Performance Improvements

Alongside the proof system changes, Base has consolidated its infrastructure around a new client stack. The network now operates with base-reth-node as its execution client and base-consensus as its consensus client. Base-consensus is built on OP Kona and represents a key part of the network’s evolving architecture.

Notably, Azul marks the first protocol upgrade executed independently by Base. Consequently, the milestone highlights the network’s growing operational maturity and technical independence.

According to Base, the new client stack has already delivered measurable improvements. Empty blocks reportedly declined from roughly 200 per day to approximately two. Moreover, the network sustained multiple transaction bursts reaching 5,000 transactions per second during testing and deployment.

The upgrade also introduces the CLZ opcode and aligns Base with Ethereum’s Osaka execution-layer repricing specifications. As a result, most developers can continue building without major application changes. Meanwhile, node operators using op-node, op-geth, nethermind, or kona must migrate to the new software stack.

Base first launched Azul on testnet in April ahead of the mainnet deployment. During the testing phase, the network conducted an Immunefi audit competition that offered rewards of up to $250,000 for critical vulnerability discoveries.

Base Maintains Strong Position in the Layer-2 Market

The latest upgrade arrives as Base continues to rank among the largest Ethereum scaling networks by deposits. Data cited in the report shows the network held approximately $4.4 billion in total value locked during late May. Additionally, Base maintained nearly $4.98 billion in stablecoin market capitalization. That figure places the network among the leading destinations for USDC liquidity across optimistic rollups.

Looking ahead, Base plans two more upgrades during the second half of the year. One release will focus on performance enhancements by the end of June. Another update targeting user experience improvements is expected around the end of August. The roadmap also includes native account abstraction as Base continues advancing its decentralization strategy.

The Azul upgrade expands Base’s decentralization framework while delivering infrastructure improvements across the network. Through its new proof model, client architecture, and planned future releases, Base continues strengthening its position within Ethereum’s growing layer-2 ecosystem.

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