Optimism Activates Isthmus Hard Fork for Ethereum Features

Optimism activated the Isthmus hard fork on May 10, 2025, implementing Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade features into its OP Stack and Superchain ecosystem. The upgrade was executed shortly after Ethereum’s own Pectra upgrade went live on its mainnet.

The event signifies an alignment with Ethereum’s latest technology, enhancing Optimism’s Layer 2 capabilities and supporting broader market momentum.

The Isthmus hard fork brings Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade features into the Superchain ecosystem, including Prague Features and Operator Fee enhancements. Optimism announced the upgrade on its X (formerly Twitter) platform shortly after Ethereum’s own mainnet upgrade.

Optimism Activates Isthmus Hard Fork for Ethereum Features

Key players involved include the Optimism team, although statements from founders are not detailed. The upgrade impacts multiple OP Stack chains in the Superchain, aligning capabilities with Ethereum Features. Participants include OP Mainnet and other chains.

Immediate effects are seen as the Superchain now supports nearly 70% of Layer 2 activity in transaction fees. The broader crypto market has shown positive trends, with Bitcoin and Ethereum experiencing gains amidst this technological upgrade.

Financially, each OP chain contributes revenue to the Optimism Collective supporting governance and security. Market dynamics show Bitcoin trading above $103,170, and Ethereum up 5.03%. These movements align with technological advancements.

“The Isthmus hard fork represents a significant advancement for the entire Optimism ecosystem, aligning our Layer 2 technology with Ethereum’s latest features while introducing optimizations specific to the Superchain architecture.” — Optimism Team

Potential outcomes suggest improved technological collaboration between Optimism and Ethereum, enhancing chain scalability and resource management. Historical precedents point to increased Layer 2 activity benefiting from this synchronized technological update.