Checkpoint #8: Jan 2026

This Checkpoint update captures the state of Ethereum core development as of January 2026, highlighting the successful rollout of the Fusaka upgrade, the active scoping and devnet progress for the next fork (Glamsterdam), and the early proposal window for the following fork (Hegota). It's a snapshot of a network in motion-scaling, reorganizing its roadmap, and refining governance processes as the protocol becomes increasingly modular and complex.

Key Ideas

Fusaka lands with Data Availability Sampling + flexible blob scaling - Fusaka introduces PeerDAS, enabling Ethereum to scale L2 data throughput more securely. Crucially, Blob Parameter Only (BPO) forks are now live, allowing blob count adjustments without full fork cycles. Ethereum now targets 14 blobs per block (max 21), a 2.3 times increase in L2 data capacity compared to pre-Fusaka. This marks a shift toward more agile, demand-responsive scaling.
Glamsterdam is fully scoped, with ePBS as the heavy lift - Glamsterdam's two headline features-enshrined Proposer-Builder Separation (ePBS) and Block-level Access Lists (BALs)-are progressing, though ePBS is significantly more complex and will take longer to reach stable devnets. Meanwhile, developers narrowed 50+ non-headliner EIPs down to 17 high-impact candidates, which will be added incrementally to devnets and potentially trimmed if they threaten timelines.
Hegota proposals open, with FOCIL as the early favorite -the next-next fork, Hegota, is entering its headliner proposal window. Fork-choice Inclusion Lists (FOCIL), a censorship-resistance mechanism, has strong support and was moved from Glamsterdam to Hegota to reduce scope. Competing proposals may emerge, including encrypted mempools and possibly 6-second slots, though the latter may slip to a later fork. Decisions on headliners are expected by February 26.

Why It Matters?

This update reflects a protocol that's becoming more adaptive and more deliberate. Fusaka's flexible blob scaling shows Ethereum embracing operational agility, while Glamsterdam's careful scoping demonstrates a maturing discipline around complexity management. The early debates around Hegota, especially around censorship resistance and mempool design - this signals that Ethereum's next frontier is not just scaling, but ensuring credible neutrality under increasing global pressure. For builders, the message is clear: the protocol is stabilizing its scaling path, tightening its governance loops, and preparing for deeper structural changes.