Ethereum just rolled out its most significant upgrade since The Merge this week, on Wednesday, December 3rd… It’s Fusaka!
It may not sound as revolutionary as previous upgrades, but make no mistake, this is a major turning point in Ethereum’s evolution to become the global settlement layer for Web3.
Let’s break down what changed, why it matters, and how it affects the way we use Ethereum.
What Is Fusaka?
Fusaka is the combined name of two sets of changes: Osaka on one side (which updates how transactions run) and Fulu on the other (which updates how the network agrees on them). Together, they form a coordinated upgrade that helps Ethereum handle more activity smoothly and efficiently.
But the part most of the people are talking about is PeerDAS (Peer Data Availability Sampling). It can sound technical, but the idea is quite simple once you strip away the jargon so let’s see what changes concretely.
- Before Fusaka - Every validator had to download all the data from rollups (the L2s) which kept things secure but created a lot of heavy lifting.
- After Fusaka - Validators only have to check small, random pieces of that data, and because everyone checks different random pieces everything still stays secure but the workload decreases dramatically.
To put it in everyday terms, let’s imagine a class where every student has to read a whole book to verify it was correct. Now, each student reads just a few random pages and the group is still able to know the whole book is valid. Same trust but way less work. This is exactly what PeerDAS brings to Ethereum.
What This Means for Users
Fusaka acts like infrastructure work behind the scenes but its impact will be very real for anyone using Ethereum or L2s, and allows for several new advantages.
Faster, Cheaper L2 Transactions
Rollups have more space to post data, and that extra capacity translates directly into lower fees and quicker confirmations. Over time, you’ll feel things move more smoothly and quickly even during busy times.
Fewer Fee Spikes
When the network gets congested, prices usually go up but Fusaka gives Ethereum more room to breathe in a way, so the surprising and unpleasant fee spikes should become less common.
A Smoother Login Experience
Ethereum now supports passkeys, meaning that wallets can integrate Face ID, Touch ID, and other device-native authentication methods. Signing into a wallet will feel like unlocking your phone with just a smile (or not) or a press of your finger, becoming more simple, intuitive, and much friendlier for people new to crypto.
A More Reliable Network
Node operators get an upgraded network now lighter and easier-to-run. This might not be visible to everyday users, but it absolutely affects how reliable Ethereum feels. With fewer overloaded nodes there should be fewer hiccups across the entire ecosystem.
Overall, the whole system becomes lighter, quicker, and more user-friendly.
Other Fusaka Upgrades Worth Knowing
Fusaka bundles a total of 13 EIPs (Ethereum Improvement Proposals). We’re not going to detail everything because anyway it will be hard to memorize them, but here’s a snapshot of what they unlock for the network:
- More room for transaction data during peak hours
- Faster sync times for nodes
- Better tools for long-term scalability
- A base layer that’s easier to maintain and upgrade
- Improved reliability across the network, especially for rollups
This upgrade isn’t about adding flashy new features that will make everyone go crazy but it’s rather about building a stronger and smarter foundation for the future.
What It Means for Ethereum’s Future
The Fusaka upgrade represents the moment Ethereum’s scaling roadmap becomes modular, iterative, and predictable. Instead of waiting for huge and disruptive upgrades, Ethereum is now able to scale more continuously.
We won’t feel all the changes overnight as this update will take time to ripple through the ecosystem. But in a few weeks, a few months, or even a few years, Ethereum will feel enhanced — faster, cheaper, smoother.
Fusaka is the quiet infrastructure upgrade that makes Ethereum level up.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Interacting with blockchain, crypto assets, and Web3 applications involves risks, including the potential loss of funds. Venga encourages readers to conduct thorough research and understand the risks before engaging with any crypto assets or blockchain technologies. For more details, please refer to our terms of service.