Taiko launches Hoodi testnet to replace shutting Hekla network

Taiko has launched its new Taiko public testnet, Hoodi, officially replacing Hekla as the main developer playground for its Ethereum rollup ecosystem. The Taiko public testnet went live on Sept. 25, providing a more advanced environment for builders as the long standing Hekla testnet prepares for sunset on Sept. 30.

The move aligns with the Ethereum Foundation’s decision to retire the Holesky testnet which Hekla was based on. With Hekla now winding down, the public testnet ensures continuity for developers while introducing new tools to accelerate adoption.

From Hekla to Hoodi: smooth migration for developers

Since its debut, Hekla supported experiments with Ethereum scaling through Taiko’s first based rollup, Alethia. Developers used it to refine integrations, test dApps and prepare for mainnet launches. With Holesky’s deprecation, the transition to the public testnet is critical for maintaining momentum across the ecosystem.

Taiko has urged teams currently active on Hekla to migrate their applications and remove testnet assets before Sept. 30 to avoid disruptions.

Key features of Hoodi

The Taiko public testnet Hoodi introduces preconfirmations an innovation that allows early transaction confirmations before full finality. This feature lets developers test faster transaction flows and better simulating real mainnet conditions.

In addition, the Taiko public testnet is tightly integrated with Ethereum’s validator and staking infrastructure offering a reliable sandbox for real world applications. Developers can easily access Hoodi via Taiko’s bridge and faucet tools ensuring migration remains straightforward.

The underlying layer 1 supporting the Taiko public testnet will remain operational until 2028, giving validators, stakers and infrastructure providers long term reliability.

Roadmap and upcoming updates

Looking ahead, the Taiko public testnet will continue evolving as part of Taiko’s roadmap. Planned improvements in Q4 2025 include the Shasta hard fork and the launch of the Gwyneth testnet. These updates will reduce transaction fees, enhance base fee mechanics and complete the transition to zero knowledge proofs.

Later this year, Taiko also plans to bring preconfirmations to its mainnet extending the performance benefits currently being tested on the Taiko public testnet Hoodi.