The privacy-focused Aztec Ethereum Layer 2 Network Ignition Chain flipped the switch on Wednesday, becoming the first fully decentralized Layer 2 protocol on the mainnet.
“Aztec has just delivered 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 event occurred when the validator queue reached 500, a key checkpoint that signals the desire to secure the network and begin block production.
The Ignition Chain is the engine that powers Aztec’s goal of being a fully decentralized “private world computer,” allowing developers to build DeFi applications while maintaining complete secrecy.
It combines zero-knowledge proofs with the robust security of Ethereum, enabling truly private and scalable blockchain transactions. Thus, users benefit from the speed and savings of L2, as well as the privacy that many decentralized finance (DeFi) applications lack.
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 2, opening the door for greater community involvement.
These beginnings mean that decentralized, privacy-focused L2 networks are not just experimental projects, they are poised to become vital infrastructure that shapes the future of blockchain.
Why 500 validators?
Ethereum’s consensus depends on distributed trust, meaning many independent validators confirm transactions. But if too many validators try to join at the same time, the stability of the network risks suffering. So new validators queue up, entering in stages.
By reaching 500 validators, Aztec Ignition Chain has reached critical mass: a strong and resilient base of participants ready to defend the network. More validators means better decentralization, lower risk of a bad actor taking control, and a secure enough network to fully launch on Ethereum.
