Ethereum to End Support for Holesky Testnet in September

Ethereum developers have announced that they will discontinue support for the Holesky testnet in September 2025. The decision comes after a mass exit of validators during the Pectra upgrade testing, which led to major disruptions on the network. Although Holesky is functioning again, the lengthy process of removing the exited validators is expected to take about a year, making it unsuitable for testing scenarios involving validator exits.

Until the September shutdown, developers can continue testing deposits, consolidations, and other features related to the Pectra upgrade on Holesky. However, for validator exit testing, developers are advised to use the new Hoodi testnet, which will implement the Pectra upgrade starting on March 26, 2025.

Holesky has been a key testnet for Ethereum for over two years, playing a critical role in testing Ethereum network upgrade features since its launch in September 2023. The testnet’s end of life is planned for September 30, 2025, though there are discussions about repurposing it for testing gas limit increases and other protocol changes.

Before Holesky, Ethereum developers had already phased out other testnets, including Kiln, Rinkeby, Ropsten, and Goerli. This transition is part of Ethereum’s ongoing efforts to streamline its testing environment and ensure the network’s continued growth and development.