Ethereum Launches New Testnet To Finish Pectra Update

Eliminating Hurdles

By combining features from Prague and Electra, Pectra aims to improve staking and optimize Ethereum’s execution and consensus layers. However, delays have been caused by client readiness, synchronization bugs, and infrastructure issues.

Source: Ethereum Magicians

Hoodi will therefore focus on validator exit mechanisms, a key hurdle before Pectra can proceed. Testing will continue on Sepolia and Holesky testnets. After Pectra, the Fusaka upgrade will introduce PeerDAS and the Ethereum Virtual Machine Object Format (EOF) for better data handling and smart contract efficiency.

Cautiously Optimistic

Tim Beiko from the Ethereum Foundation stated that Pectra’s mainnet activation won’t happen until at least 30 days after Hoodi forks, with April 25th being the earliest possible date.
Delays have resulted from validator exit, synchronization, and client compatibility issues. Problems with the Holesky and Sepolia testnets have further pushed back the timeline. Despite frustrations, the community remains hopeful about Pectra’s long-term benefits.