Deep Dive
1. Prover Optimization & Hash Migration (v0.14.1, Dec 2025)
Overview: This update changes how smart contract code is hashed internally, shifting from the Poseidon to the Blake2s hash function. For everyday users, this change is invisible but is a critical step to prepare for Starknet's next-generation prover.
The compiled class hash is a key component in verifying smart contracts. With the upcoming "Stwo" prover, Blake2s is roughly 8x more efficient to prove than Poseidon. This migration happens gradually; existing contracts update their hash automatically when used in a successful transaction. The change only affects the final state root, not how contracts execute.
What this means: This is bullish for STRK because it lays the technical groundwork for significantly faster and cheaper proof generation in the near future. Lower proving costs can translate to lower overall network fees and better scalability, making Starknet more competitive.
(Starknet)
2. EIP-1559 Fee Market & Predictability (v0.14.1, Dec 2025)
Overview: Starknet has fully activated a fee market similar to Ethereum's EIP-1559. This creates a target price for L2 gas (measured in FRI), making fees more predictable and directly tied to network demand.
The mechanism adjusts the base fee per block based on how full the previous block was. During low congestion, blocks can finalize in as little as 2 seconds. This means fees now accurately reflect real-time network usage, moving away from a fixed cost model.
What this means: This is neutral-to-bullish for STRK because it creates a healthier, self-regulating economic model for the network. Users benefit from more stable fee estimates, while the system becomes more sustainable long-term, though simple transfers remain under a cent.
(Starknet)
3. Faster Block Times & Decentralized Sequencing (v0.14.0, Sep 2025)
Overview: This major upgrade, known as "Grinta," made Starknet significantly faster and began its journey toward decentralization. The block time was reduced from ~30 seconds to ~6 seconds, and block production was distributed among three sequencers.
The sequencers use Tendermint consensus to take turns building blocks, which improves censorship resistance and network resilience. The upgrade also introduced a mempool for better transaction ordering and pre-confirmations for near-instant user feedback.
What this means: This is bullish for STRK because it delivers a tangibly better user experience with faster transactions and enhances network security through initial decentralization. A more robust and performant network is fundamental for attracting developers and users.
(Starknet)
Conclusion
Starknet's recent development trajectory is clearly focused on enhancing core performance through prover optimizations, implementing sustainable economic mechanics with its fee market, and cementing network reliability via decentralized sequencing. How will the completed migration to the Stwo prover later this year further redefine Starknet's cost and speed advantages?