Base Azul upgrade goes live on testnet ahead of May 13 mainnet

Base has launched the Azul upgrade on testnet ahead of a planned May 13 mainnet activation. The upgrade targets Ethereum Layer 2 performance, security, and decentralization, with a focus on a new “multiproof” system combining trusted execution environment (TEE) proofs and zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs. Either proof type can independently finalize proposals, while agreeing proof results can reportedly cut withdrawal finality to as little as one day. If the two systems conflict, permissionless ZK proofs can override permissioned TEE proofs. Azul also changes Base’s backend to streamline the software stack: base-reth-node becomes the sole execution client, and a new base-consensus client (derived from Kona) is added. Base says network efficiency is already improving—empty blocks dropped about 99% over the last two months (roughly 200/day to around 2/day). It also reports transaction bursts reaching up to 5,000 TPS. Finally, Azul aligns Base with Ethereum’s Osaka execution-layer specifications to reduce breaking changes for most developers and applications. Node operators and teams using specialized tooling may need preparation before the mainnet rollout. Base is also running an Immunefi audit competition through May 4, offering up to $250,000 for critical vulnerability reports for Azul-related code. Overall, this Azul upgrade pushes Base toward faster finality and more robust verification, while signaling execution/client consolidation and closer Ethereum compatibility.