#What Happened to Holešky?
The Ethereum Foundation has officially announced the winding down of Holešky, a testnet that played a crucial role in testing new validator functionalities and upgrades. This testnet, launched in 2023, allowed developers to conduct significant trials, including the recent Fusaka upgrade, which introduced the PeerDAS protocol to optimize bandwidth use for validators. With the completion of the Fusaka upgrade, the Foundation made it clear that planned node shutdowns would commence two weeks later, urging operators to transition their testing efforts to the Hoodi and Sepolia testnets.
#Why is the Shift from Holešky Important?
As the Ethereum ecosystem evolves, it must adapt its testing infrastructure to meet new demands and challenges. Holešky's decommissioning marks a strategic move toward purpose-built testnets designed for specific upgrades. Its legacy includes hosting major upgrade tests that substantially enhanced the Ethereum network's scalability and efficiency.
#What are the Alternatives for Testing?
With Holešky's sunset, developers and validators must now look to alternatives that sustain their testing and development needs. Hoodi, which launched in March 2025, offers a fresh environment tailored for validators. Meanwhile, Sepolia continues to serve as the primary network for application development within the Ethereum framework. By leveraging these new testnets, stakeholders can ensure they remain at the forefront of the Ethereum network's advancements.
Overall, the transition from Holešky to Hoodi and Sepolia reflects Ethereum's commitment to innovation and adaptability in the blockchain space, ensuring that it can better support the needs of developers and the broader community.