TLDR
- Fusaka upgrade to launch on Hoodi testnet on October 28 2025.
- Ethereum mainnet rollout expected on December 3 2025 after testing.
- PeerDAS in Fusaka cuts validator bandwidth and lowers costs.
- Sepolia and Holesky test runs succeeded before Hoodi deployment.
The Ethereum network is moving closer to another key upgrade as developers prepare to launch the Fusaka upgrade on the Hoodi testnet on October 28, 2025. This will be the final rehearsal before the mainnet rollout, which is tentatively planned for December 3, 2025. The event marks an important milestone in Ethereum’s roadmap, aiming to enhance network efficiency and reduce operational costs for institutional users.
Final Test Phase Before Mainnet Activation
During the All Core Devs Consensus (ACDC) meeting on October 16, Ethereum developers confirmed the Fusaka upgrade’s deployment schedule on the Hoodi testnet. This marks the last major testing stage before activation on the main Ethereum network.
The Hoodi testnet, launched earlier this year, was designed to closely replicate Ethereum’s mainnet conditions. This allows developers to assess how the Fusaka upgrade will perform under real-world scenarios. A successful rollout on Hoodi will give developers confidence to finalize the upgrade’s mainnet launch in early December.
The Ethereum team has already tested Fusaka on the Holesky and Sepolia testnets, both of which reported smooth outcomes. These successful trials have paved the way for the final rehearsal on Hoodi, ensuring that all technical components and validator processes function as intended.
Purpose and Design of the Fusaka Upgrade
The Fusaka upgrade comes only months after Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade and focuses on improving scalability and reducing transaction costs. It introduces a feature known as PeerDAS (Peer Data Availability Sampling), a data verification method that allows validators to handle only portions of transaction data, often referred to as “blobs.”
By allowing validators to process smaller data sets, PeerDAS reduces bandwidth requirements and enhances data efficiency across the network. This change is expected to lower fees, particularly for layer-2 networks and institutional clients that rely heavily on Ethereum’s infrastructure.
Developers have indicated that the Fusaka upgrade will help make Ethereum more competitive by easing congestion during periods of high activity. This improvement is especially important for enterprises that manage large-scale transactions and need predictable costs.
Developers and Community Reactions
Ethereum’s development community has expressed optimism about the upgrade’s potential benefits. During the ACDC meeting, contributors emphasized the importance of the Hoodi testnet launch as the final step before mainnet activation.
Community members see Fusaka as another advancement in Ethereum’s ongoing shift toward efficiency and scalability. The upgrade builds on the progress made through previous transitions, such as the Merge and the Pectra upgrade, which refined consensus and data management mechanisms.
Investor and television personality Kevin O’Leary recently commented on Ethereum’s network performance issues. He noted that during a recent market downturn, Ethereum’s transaction fees surged above $1,000, calling the situation unsustainable. “That’s like paying a thousand-dollar toll to drive on a one-lane highway,” O’Leary said. Developers believe that upgrades like Fusaka will help address such congestion problems.
Next Steps Toward Ethereum’s Mainnet Upgrade
If the Hoodi testnet launch proceeds without issues on October 28, developers are expected to confirm the December 3 mainnet activation date shortly after. This timeline will allow validators and node operators to prepare for the transition.
Ethereum’s upgrade cycle remains steady as the network continues to evolve its structure and capabilities. With Fusaka nearing its final test phase, Ethereum aims to strengthen its position as a leading platform for decentralized applications and enterprise blockchain use cases.
