The Ethereum Foundation plans to launch the first short-lived Pectra testnet, Mekong, in Q1 of 2025. The testnet will allow developers to experiment with future upgrades before they reach the Ethereum mainnet.
The foundation noted that the Mekong testnet would enable developers to explore user experience (UX) updates and get acquainted with the upcoming changes in the Prague-Electra, or “Pectra,” fork on Ethereum.
“Mekong is meant to be a playground for wallet developers to experiment with UX changes and for stakers to gain confidence in the upcoming changes. The testnet will be short-lived and will feature complete with all the intended EIPs for Pectra,” the foundation wrote.
The non-profit organization also noted that developers would experience minor spec changes or smaller Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs), but the features included will eventually make it into existing public testnets and the Ethereum mainnet.
Tim Beiko, protocol support at the Ethereum Foundation, also described the short-lived testnet as a “pre-devcon treat” in reference to the upcoming Devcon conference in Bangkok. The testnet’s name, Mekong, honors the Mekong River, which flows through several Southeast Asian nations, including Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
The Ethereum Foundation stated that the Mekong testnet incorporates all EIPs slated for the Pectra fork. These updates cover a range of modifications, including user experience, staking processes, deposit functions, and exit protocols.
Additionally, the testnet integrates other proposed EIPs and technical specifications for further testing.
The non-profit organization encouraged developers to test the user experience updates and share feedback with the organization.
While the Mekong testnet provides developers with a platform to examine the upcoming enhancements, the Ethereum Foundation noted that it will not affect the mainnet or other Ethereum test environments, such as Holesky and Sepolia.
“Mekong is a new testnet and does not affect other Ethereum networks. However, testing on Mekong will inform the deployment of the Pectra upgrade on other Ethereum networks,” the foundation added.
As for stakers, the Ethereum Foundation mentioned that major changes to the staking workflow are coming to Pectra.
The foundation further noted that the Mekong testnet will be the first location to try them out.
