Sonic Labs Launches Testnet 2.1 With Ethereum Pectra Upgrade Support

Sonic Labs launched Testnet 2.1, adding full compatibility with Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade. The update, announced on August 12, allows developers to deploy smart contracts, test Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) applications, and access Sonic’s high-speed transaction capabilities.

Pectra, deployed to Ethereum’s mainnet in May 2025, introduced 11 Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) aimed at enhancing staking, account abstraction, gas efficiency, and smart contract functionality. By integrating these features into its Layer 1 blockchain, Sonic aims to combine EVM compatibility with its own optimized virtual machine performance, delivered through the SonicVM.

Why Pectra Support Matters for Sonic

Ethereum remains the industry benchmark for decentralized applications, but scalability challenges persist. While Layer 2 solutions have helped relieve congestion, Sonic’s approach is different: it is a Layer 1 chain built to scale EVM workloads natively.

The Testnet 2.1 upgrade gives Sonic:

• Account abstraction for flexible wallet management.
• Enhanced validator tools for improved staking operations.
• Gas optimization to reduce transaction costs.
• Compatibility with ERC-20 and ERC-721 standards for seamless integration of existing Ethereum dApps.

These features ensure developers working on Ethereum can adapt their applications to Sonic with minimal changes, while gaining higher throughput and lower latency.

Performance Goals and Technical Improvements

Sonic Labs says its infrastructure is optimized to handle over 400,000 transactions per second (TPS) in testing scenarios. The SonicVM includes execution-layer improvements designed to process EVM transactions faster while maintaining security and deterministic finality.

The integration of Pectra features into Sonic means that applications designed for Ethereum’s upgraded network can run on Sonic with the same capabilities—plus the performance boost of Sonic’s architecture. This makes it easier for developers to create decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, non-fungible token (NFT) platforms, and Web3 services without hitting the same scaling bottlenecks.

Developer-Centric Testnet Environment

Testnet 2.1 is designed for experimentation and refinement before Sonic’s upcoming mainnet launch. Developers can:

• Deploy smart contracts directly to the Sonic testnet using familiar Ethereum tools.
• Test dApps with Sonic’s faster block finality and lower gas costs.
• Interact with the network using the same token standards as Ethereum, ensuring cross-chain compatibility.

This setup allows teams to migrate or build new projects without overhauling their existing codebases, while also preparing for Sonic’s unique performance characteristics.

Interoperability and Cross-Chain Potential

Pectra compatibility strengthens Sonic’s interoperability with Ethereum. Assets, data, and smart contracts can move more easily between the two ecosystems. For users, this means faster transactions and lower costs without losing access to Ethereum’s liquidity or dApp network. For developers, it expands the design space for applications that span multiple blockchains.

Cross-chain operability is increasingly important as Web3 infrastructure grows more interconnected. Sonic’s alignment with Ethereum’s latest upgrade ensures that it stays in step with one of the most influential networks in the space.

Path to Mainnet

The release of Testnet 2.1 marks a key milestone ahead of Sonic’s mainnet launch. Sonic Labs says it is using this phase to:

• Collect feedback from developers and early testers.
• Identify and resolve any performance bottlenecks.
• Fine-tune validator and staking configurations.

While no firm date has been announced, the team has indicated that the mainnet upgrade will follow successful testnet validation.

FAQs

1. What is Sonic Labs Testnet 2.1?
   It is the latest public test network for the Sonic blockchain, adding Ethereum Pectra upgrade compatibility, higher performance, and developer tools ahead of mainnet release.

2. What does Ethereum Pectra compatibility mean for Sonic?
   It means Sonic supports the same features introduced in Ethereum’s May 2025 upgrade, including account abstraction, gas optimizations, and improved staking operations.

3. When will Sonic’s mainnet upgrade go live?
   Sonic Labs has not confirmed an exact date but says mainnet launch will follow after successful testing and community feedback from Testnet 2.1.

Conclusion

Sonic Labs’ Testnet 2.1 integrates Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade into a high-throughput Layer 1 environment, combining EVM compatibility with Sonic’s own execution-layer enhancements. Developers gain a familiar toolset with faster transaction speeds, lower gas costs, and built-in scalability—plus the option to connect seamlessly with Ethereum’s network.

With Sonic's mainnet launch approaching, the focus remains on delivering an efficient, interoperable blockchain for decentralized applications.

Resources:

1. Sonic Labs Official Documentation - Fee Monetization

2. Sonic Labs Blog - Points and Gems Program

3. CoinMarketCap - S Token Information