Base Launches Azul Upgrade With Multiproofs and 5,000 TPS Surge

TLDR

• Base deploys Azul Upgrade, enabling multiproofs and faster withdrawals

• Azul Upgrade cuts empty blocks by 99% and boosts network reliability

  

• Base hits 5,000 TPS as Azul Upgrade improves chain performance

• Multiproof system in Azul Upgrade strengthens Base decentralization

• Base aligns with Ethereum Osaka specs under Azul Upgrade rollout

Coinbase’s Layer 2 network Base has introduced the Azul Upgrade on testnet, marking a key step toward its May 13 mainnet rollout. The Azul Upgrade integrates multiproofs and a new client stack to improve speed and reliability. Moreover, the Azul Upgrade has already reduced empty blocks and supported transaction bursts reaching 5,000 transactions per second.

Multiproof System Drives Security and Faster Withdrawals

The Azul Upgrade introduces a multiproof system that combines trusted execution environment proofs with zero-knowledge proofs. This design allows either proof type to finalize transactions independently, while joint validation reduces withdrawal time to one day. Permissionless zero-knowledge proofs can override permissioned proofs when conflicts occur, strengthening system integrity.

The Azul Upgrade aligns with Ethereum’s broader decentralization roadmap and supports Stage 2 requirements. The system detects proof inconsistencies directly onchain, which improves fault tolerance and reduces reliance on a single validation method. Attackers must compromise multiple systems to manipulate withdrawals, which raises overall network security.

The Azul Upgrade improves capital efficiency by enabling faster withdrawals and reducing settlement delays. The network aims to move toward full zero-knowledge proving with near-instant finality over time. The multiproof system acts as a transitional step toward a fully decentralized and faster execution environment.

Client Stack Consolidation Boosts Performance

The Azul Upgrade simplifies Base’s infrastructure by consolidating its client stack into a single execution and consensus framework. The network now uses base-reth-node as its sole execution client, replacing multiple legacy clients. This change improves efficiency and provides higher performance capacity for scaling.

The Azul Upgrade introduces base-consensus, a new consensus client derived from Kona. This client improves historical synchronization speeds and enhances validator performance across the network. As a result, Base has already recorded sustained transaction bursts of 5,000 TPS during testing phases.

The Azul Upgrade has significantly reduced empty block production, dropping from around 200 daily blocks to about two. This improvement reflects better builder reliability and stronger network coordination. The team also plans to merge execution and consensus components into a single binary, further simplifying operations.

Developer Alignment and Roadmap Expansion

The Azul Upgrade aligns Base with Ethereum’s Osaka execution-layer specifications, which simplifies development requirements. Most applications require no changes, although certain high-load use cases may need adjustments. Developers benefit from improved compatibility without facing major disruptions.

The Azul Upgrade strengthens Base’s position within the Coinbase ecosystem as it pushes toward greater decentralization. Base continues to operate as an Ethereum Layer 2 built on the OP Stack and it focuses on scalability and efficiency. Therefore, the upgrade supports long-term infrastructure goals while maintaining developer accessibility.

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