Edited By
Fatima Al-Badri

Critical upgrades are on the way for Zilliqa's network, as the team aims to enhance speed, stability, and EVM compatibility ahead of a significant hard fork. This move is expected to elevate user experience and overall performance.
Starting with the testnet already operational, the mainnet upgrade is projected to happen at Block 19,486,411 around February 5, 2026. Hereβs a quick overview of whatβs coming:
Cancun-compatible EVM: Unlocks new opcodes.
QUIC-based networking: Faster and more stable connections.
Granular RPC rate limiting: Improves API performance.
Parallelized checkpoint generation: Leads to quicker preparation times.
These upgrades are designed to deliver several benefits:
Faster syncing of network nodes.
More resilient infrastructure to withstand high traffic.
Built to scale, accommodating growing demands.
However, as excitement builds, some users are questioning the practicality of these advancements. A comment on a forum stated, "All great! Now, whoβs actually using it, and for what?" This highlights a lingering skepticism about real-world applications.
Skepticism on Usage: Some people are unsure about how many are actually using the network.
Curiosity About Future: Others wonder what the upgrades will mean for the ecosystem as a whole.
Support for Speed: Many are positive about the improvements aimed at faster processing.
"Zil is still alive??" one user quipped, indicating a mix of surprise and excitement toward the updates.
With the hard fork approaching, validators are urged to update their nodes before the scheduled height. This suggests an organized effort to ensure that all participating nodes can handle the incoming changes smoothly.
β³ Upcoming fork encourages crucial updates from validators.
β½ Ongoing debates about the practical use of the network persist.
β» "Faster syncing could revolutionize how we interact with the platform" - Forum comment.
Amid the upgrades, Zilliqa seems poised for a potentially transformative period. Will these enhancements be enough to foster a robust user base? Only time will tell as the crypto community watches closely.
As Zilliqa rolls out its upgrades in February 2026, there's a strong chance that the network will attract a notable influx of people looking to leverage its enhanced capabilities. With the transition to a Cancun-compatible EVM and improvements in connectivity, experts estimate around a 30% increase in network activity. This uptick could be crucial for Zilliqa to build a thriving ecosystem if developers actively integrate these upgrades into their projects. Conversely, skepticism may deter some potential adopters, particularly if practical use cases remain unclear. Thus, Zilliqaβs fate will largely hinge on how quickly it can demonstrate tangible benefits to its community.
Looking beyond the crypto space, think of the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s. Many tech ventures back then drew substantial investment and hype without clear applications, much like the current buzz surrounding Zilliqaβs upgrades. Just as some companies faltered while more innovative ones adapted, we could see Zilliqa carving its niche or faltering amid a flood of skepticism. The difference today lies in the lessons learned from that era, as people are now more discerning, demanding solid proof of how these technological advancements will serve real-world needs.