Privacy-focused Ethereum Layer 2 Aztec Networks Ignition Chain switched on Wednesday, becoming the first fully decentralized Layer 2 protocol on the mainnet.
“Aztec just shipped Ignition Chain, the first fully decentralized L2 on Ethereum. This launches the decentralized consensus layer that powers the Aztec Network,” Aztec announced on X.
The incident occurred when the validator queue hit 500, a key checkpoint that signals readiness to secure the network and start block production
The ignition chain is the engine that drives Aztec’s goal of being a fully decentralized “private world computer” that enables developers to create DeFi applications while maintaining total secrecy.
It combines zero-knowledge proofs with Ethereum’s robust security, enabling truly private, scalable blockchain transactions. So users get the speed and cost savings of L2, plus privacy that has been lacking in many decentralized finance (DeFi) applications.
Anyone can become a validator or sequencer by staking AZTEC tokens to earn rewards, and early birds get a bonus to jumpstart decentralization. The AZTEC token auction is scheduled for December 2nd, opening the door for more community engagement.
The debut means that privacy-focused, decentralized L2 networks are not just experimental projects, they are becoming vital infrastructure shaping the future of blockchain.
Why 500 validators?
Ethereum’s consensus depends on distributed trust – meaning lots of independent validators verifying transactions. But if too many validators try to participate at once, network stability risks taking a hit. So new validators are queued up and come in stages.
Reaching 500 validators means Aztec Ignition Chain has hit critical mass: a strong, resilient base of participants ready to defend the network. More validators means better decentralization, a lower risk of a bad actor taking control, and a network secure enough to fully launch on Ethereum.
