The Eth2 Upgrades
Upgrading Ethereum to radical new heights
What is Eth2?
Eth2 refers to a set of interconnected upgrades that will make Ethereum more scalable, more secure, and more sustainable. These upgrades are being built by multiple teams from across the Ethereum ecosystem.What do you need to do?
If you're a dapp user or ETH holder, you don't need to do anything. If you're a developer or want to start staking, there are ways you can get involved today.Get involved in Eth2
The vision
To bring Ethereum into the mainstream and serve all of humanity, we have to make Ethereum more scalable, secure, and sustainable.
More scalable
Ethereum needs to support 1000s of transactions per second, to make applications faster and cheaper to use.
More secure
Ethereum needs to be more secure. As the adoption of Ethereum grows, the protocol needs to become more secure against all forms of attack.
More sustainable
Ethereum needs to be better for the environment. The technology today requires too much computing power and energy.
Dive into the vision
How are we going to make Ethereum more scalable, secure, and sustainable? All while keeping Ethereum's core ethos of decentralization.
The Eth2 upgrades
Eth2 is a set of upgrades that improve the scalability, security, and sustainability of Ethereum. Although each is being worked on in parallel, they have certain dependencies that determine when they will be deployed.
The Beacon Chain
The first Eth2 addition to the ecosystem. The Beacon Chain brings staking to Ethereum, lays the groundwork for future upgrades, and will eventually coordinate the new system.
The Beacon Chain is live
The merge
Mainnet Ethereum will need to “merge” with the Beacon Chain at some point. This will enable staking for the entire network and signal the end of energy-intensive mining.
Estimate: 2021
Shard chains
Shard chains will expand Ethereum's capacity to process transactions and store data. The shards themselves will gain more features over time, rolled out in multiple phases.
Estimate: 2022
Want to help with Eth2?
There are plenty of opportunities to weigh in on the Eth2 upgrades, help with testing, and even earn rewards.Staking is here
Key to the Eth2 upgrades is the introduction of staking. If you want to use your ETH to help secure the Ethereum network, make sure you follow these steps.
1. Set up with the launchpad
To stake in Eth2 you’ll need to use the launchpad – this will walk you through the process.
Visit staking launchpad2. Confirm staking address
Before you stake your ETH, be sure to check you’ve got the right address. You must have gone through the launchpad before doing this.
Confirm deposit contract addressLearn about staking
The beacon chain will bring staking to Ethereum. This means if you have ETH, you can do a public good by securing the network and earn more ETH in the process.
Frequently asked questions
When will Eth2 ship?
Eth2 is a set of distinct upgrades with different ship dates.
Is Eth2 a separate blockchain?
It’s not accurate to think of Eth2 as a separate blockchain.
How do I prepare for Eth2?
You don't have to do anything right now to prepare for Eth2.
What is Eth1?
Eth1 refers to the Ethereum Mainnet you transact on today.
How do I stake?
You’ll need to use the staking launchpad or join a staking pool.
What do I need to do with my dapp?
Your dapp won’t be affected by any imminent upgrades. However future upgrades may require some changes.
Who's building Eth2?
Many different teams from all over the community are working on the various Eth2 upgrades.
Why is Eth2 needed?
The Ethereum we use today needs to offer a better experience to end users and network participants.
How can I contribute to Eth2?
You don't have to be technical to contribute. The community is looking for contributions from all kinds of skillsets.
What are the Eth2 phases?
Phases relate to phases of work and focus in the Eth2 technical roadmap.
Stay up to date
Get the latest from the researchers and developers working on the Eth2 upgrades.
Danny Ryan (Ethereum Foundation)
Take part in the research
Ethereum researchers and enthusiasts alike meet here to discuss research efforts, including everything Eth2.
Head to ethresear.ch