Base Cuts Block Times to 200ms With Flashblocks Ahead of Q2 Mainnet Launch

Details

• Base has implemented Flashblocks on its Sepolia testnet, slashing block confirmation times from two seconds to just 200 milliseconds with preconfirmation blocks streamed at this faster interval.
• Developed in collaboration with Flashbots, Flashblocks introduces native revert protection and positions Base to surpass Solana as the fastest EVM-compatible chain.
• The announcement, made during ETHDenver 2025, also unveiled two additional tools: Appchains, which enable custom Layer 3 rollups, and Smart Wallet Sub Accounts for seamless user management.
• Uniswap has adopted similar technology, deploying 250ms block times on its Unichain Layer 2 using the Flashblocks architecture as well.
• A mainnet rollout featuring Flashblocks is planned for Q2 2025, targeting applications like high-frequency DeFi trading and real-time gaming.

Impact

Base’s move sets a new standard for EVM chain speeds, potentially outpacing competitors and enabling more robust real-time applications in DeFi and gaming. These upgrades strengthen Base’s position as a leading Layer 2 solution and could attract greater enterprise adoption as demand grows for high-performance blockchain infrastructure.