Wormhole to Deprecate Support for Multiple Blockchain Networks by Summer 2025: What This Means for the Crypto Community
By Alvin Lang, Feb 12, 2025
Wormhole, a pivotal player in the cross-chain messaging landscape, has recently made headlines with its announcement regarding the deprecation of support for several blockchain networks, set to take effect by the summer of 2025. This decision marks a significant shift not only for Wormhole but also for the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem, affecting popular networks like Terra, Oasis, and Acala, while also adjusting its approach to selected Cosmos chains.
The Ripple Effects of Network Deprecation
The Guardian Network, Wormhole’s security governing body, has conducted a meticulous review of network metrics, including transaction volumes and overall resource utilization. Consequently, they determined that specific networks would no longer receive support, thereby initiating a transformative phase for those stakeholders involved.
Affected Networks
As Wormhole gears up for this transition, the following networks will see full deprecation:
- Terra
- Terra2
- Oasis
- Aurora
- Acala
- Karura
- Xpla
This decision means that Wormhole will disconnect the full nodes of these chains from its platform, halting outgoing messages and token transfers entirely. However, users can still expect incoming transfers to be operational, provided a majority of Guardians continue to back them.
The Shift for Cosmos Chains
In a noteworthy shift, select Cosmos chains will also undergo significant changes. Networks such as Injective, Osmosis, Evmos, and Kujira will transition to community-supported frontends. It’s essential to note that Wormhole will stop subsidizing its Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) relaying for these chains.
While this may raise concerns over accessibility, Wormhole has assured the community that existing IBC connections will remain whitelisted. This provides opportunities for developers and service providers to establish their own frontends and relaying solutions, thereby maintaining the flow of token transfers across these ecosystems.
Implementation Timeline: What to Expect
Wormhole is committed to ensuring a smoother transition for all affected parties. The deprecation will occur in two distinct phases:
-
Disconnecting Nodes: During the first phase, affected networks will see their nodes disconnected from the Wormhole platform.
- Delisting from Portal Frontend: In the second phase, these chains will be removed from Wormhole’s Portal frontend interface.
This two-step approach is expected to take place by the summer of 2025, allowing stakeholders ample time to adapt and migrate their operations as necessary.
Resources for Developers and Users Alike
Wormhole encourages developers who wish to explore independent setups to utilize the Wormhole Connect frontend widget and the @certusone/wormhole-sdk. For those eyeing IBC relaying solutions, service providers like CryptoCrew Validators are available to assist with the requisite infrastructure.
Why Wormhole Matters
Wormhole is more than just an interoperability platform; it is the backbone of a thriving blockchain ecosystem, connecting over 30 networks and enabling decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), governance, and much more. Having facilitated the transfer of over $40 billion through more than a billion cross-chain messages, Wormhole’s reliability is a cornerstone for many blockchain projects, including high-profile entities like Circle and Uniswap.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for the Community
As we navigate these impending changes, it’s essential for the crypto community to remain informed and proactive. The shift toward community-supported chains signals a need for increased collaboration and development efforts among stakeholders. Adaptability will be key, and Wormhole provides the resources and support necessary to make this transition as seamless as possible.
At Extreme Investor Network, we will keep you updated with the latest industry insights and developments to help you make informed decisions in this ever-evolving landscape. Stay tuned, and together, let’s embrace the future of blockchain innovation!
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