After having delimited the Pectra forka success interoperability event and four devnets, we are now launching the first short-lived Pectra testnet: Mekong!
The Mekong testnet includes all EIPs proposed for the next Pectra fork on Ethereum. These changes include UX changes via EIP-7702Staking changes via EIP-7251evolution of deposits and exit mechanisms via EIP-6110/ EIP-7002 and more. An exhaustive list of EIPs as well as implemented specifications are available here.
Mekong is meant to be a playground for wallet developers to experiment with UX changes and for stakeholders to gain confidence in the upcoming changes. The testnet will be short-lived and is complete with all EIPs planned for Pecter. We might see some minor changes in specifications or smaller EIPs, but the features included here will be integrated into existing public testnets and ultimately the Ethereum mainnet.
To start
To start using Mekong, please visit the network website landing page. There you can add the network to your browser wallet, view block explorers, request funds on tap, and connect to a JSON RPC endpoint.
This upgrade contains UX-specific EIPs and we’re really excited to see how wallets will use them. So please experiment with the changes and give us your feedback. Some answers to frequently asked questions can be found here.
Run a node
Please follow the guide here in order to run a node on the Mekong testnet. As with the Ethereum mainnet, you will need to run an execution and consensus layer node.
Stakeholders
Major changes will be made to the staking workflow in Pectra and the Mekong testnet will be the first place to test them. There are changes to deposit and withdrawal methods, so please refer to the FAQ found here for more details. Please read the FAQs for more information on how to activate a validator on the Mekong.
Does this affect Ethereum Mainnet, Holesky or Sepolia in any way?
No. Mekong is a new testnet and does not affect other Ethereum networks. However, testing on the Mekong will inform the rollout of the Pectra upgrade to other Ethereum networks.
As a non-staking node operator, what should I do?
Mekong is a new testnet, so you won’t need to do anything if you run your node on Holesky/Sepolia or the Ethereum Mainnet. However, if you want to run a node on the new network, use the instructions and your Ethereum client version listed in the link here.
As a staker, what should I do?
Please refer to “As a non-staking node operator, what should I do?” » to run a node first. Then you can make a deposit and run a validator on the new Mekong network.
We recommend that you read the Pectra FAQ. There is information on basic actions you may want to take as a staker.
As an application or tool developer, what should I do?
Application and tool developers should review upgrade changes to ensure fixes are made or to understand how to use newly introduced features.
Wallet developers should review the upgrade, especially for EIP-7702, to ensure the latest features are supported.
Why “Mekong”?
The Devcon that will take place before the Pectra upgrade will take place in Southeast Asia. We wanted to choose a name that resonated with this place. The Mekong River, which runs through several countries in Southeast Asia, seemed like a wise choice.
My question was not answered: where can I go?
We recommend reading the full FAQ here. If your question remains unanswered, please ask one of these places:
Cover image by Jules Nehlig
