<p>Goerli is gone. The Ethereum Foundation officially deprecated it, and as of mid-2026, the two supported public testnets are Sepolia (for application and smart contract testing) and Hoodi (for validator and staking workflows). Holesky, which many migration guides pointed developers toward, was also deprecated in September 2025. If your project still targets Goerli, your test environment is running on a dead network. This article explains what replaced it, why, and exactly how to move your contracts and CI pipelines to the current stack.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading tablecontent">What is Goerli?</h2>



<p>Goerli is a cross-client proof-of-authority Ethereum test network that was launched in 2019. It was designed to unify various test networks, offering a stable and reliable environment for Ethereum developers to test their smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) before deploying them on the mainnet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading tablecontent">Which Testnet Should You Use Now?</h2>



<p>The short answer depends on what you are building.</p>





<p style="margin:0 0 16px 0;font-size:16px">
👉 <strong>Quick takeaway:</strong> Sepolia is the active testnet for smart contract and dApp development. Hoodi is the active testnet for validator and staking work. Goerli and Holesky are both deprecated — do not build on either.
</p>
<div style="overflow-x:auto;margin:0 0 24px 0">
  <table style="width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:16px;line-height:1.5;min-width:850px;border:1px solid #e5e7eb"><thead><tr style="background-color:#f8fafc;text-align:left"><th style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb">Testnet</th><th style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb">Status</th><th style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb">Best For</th><th style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb">Faucet Available</th><th style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb">Wallet Support</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb"><strong>Sepolia</strong></td><td style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb">
          <span style="color:#15803d;font-weight:600">🟢 Active</span>
        </td><td style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb">
          Smart contract and dApp development<br/>
          <span style="color:#15803d;font-weight:600">🏆 Primary testnet for dApp developers</span>
        </td><td style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb">
          <span style="color:#15803d;font-weight:600">🟢 Yes</span>
        </td><td style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb">MetaMask, all major providers</td></tr><tr style="background-color:#fcfcfd"><td style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb"><strong>Hoodi</strong></td><td style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb">
          <span style="color:#15803d;font-weight:600">🟢 Active</span>
        </td><td style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb">
          Validator testing, staking, protocol upgrades<br/>
          <span style="color:#15803d;font-weight:600">🏆 Primary testnet for validator and staking work</span>
        </td><td style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb">
          <span style="color:#15803d;font-weight:600">🟢 Yes</span><br/>
          <span style="font-size:14px;color:#6b7280">via EF tooling</span>
        </td><td style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb">
          Growing<br/>
          <span style="font-size:14px;color:#6b7280">Check EF ecosystem list</span>
        </td></tr><tr><td style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb"><strong>Goerli</strong></td><td style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb">
          <span style="color:#dc2626;font-weight:600">🔴 Deprecated</span>
        </td><td style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb">
          <span style="color:#dc2626;font-weight:600">🔴 Nothing. Do not use.</span>
        </td><td style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb">
          <span style="color:#dc2626;font-weight:600">🔴 No</span>
        </td><td style="padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb">
          <span style="color:#dc2626;font-weight:600">🔴 Discouraged in current MetaMask builds</span>
        </td></tr><tr style="background-color:#fcfcfd"><td style="padding:14px 16px"><strong>Holesky</strong></td><td style="padding:14px 16px">
          <span style="color:#dc2626;font-weight:600">🔴 Deprecated</span>
        </td><td style="padding:14px 16px">
          <span style="color:#dc2626;font-weight:600">🔴 Nothing. Do not use.</span>
        </td><td style="padding:14px 16px">
          <span style="color:#dc2626;font-weight:600">🔴 No</span>
        </td><td style="padding:14px 16px">
          <span style="color:#dc2626;font-weight:600">🔴 Removed from active support</span>
        </td></tr></tbody></table>
</div>




<p>If you are building or testing a dApp, smart contract, or ERC token: use Sepolia. If you are running a validator client, testing staking configurations, or working on protocol-level upgrades: use Hoodi. Those are the only two options the Ethereum Foundation currently maintains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading tablecontent">Reasons for Goerli Deprecation</h2>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">1. Evolution of Ethereum Networks</h5>



<p>Ethereum completed its shift from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake with the Merge in September 2022. Goerli did transition to PoS before being deprecated, so the network&#x27;s consensus mechanism was not itself the reason for its retirement. The actual driver was testnet lifecycle management: the Ethereum Foundation decided to consolidate around fewer, purpose-built testnets rather than maintain several general-purpose ones indefinitely. The term &#x27;Ethereum 2.0&#x27; is no longer used by the EF; the upgraded network is simply Ethereum, with a consensus layer and an execution layer.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">2. Introduction of New Testnets</h5>



<p>Sepolia launched as a permissioned testnet in 2021 and became the Ethereum Foundation&#x27;s recommended default for application development after Goerli&#x27;s sunset. Hoodi followed as the dedicated validator testnet after Holesky was deprecated in September 2025. Ropsten was deprecated years before Goerli and is not a current option. The consolidation around two purpose-specific testnets reflects a deliberate EF strategy: one network for app developers, one for validator operators, with no overlap.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">3. Resource Optimization</h5>



<p>Maintaining multiple test networks requires significant resources. By deprecating Goerli, the Ethereum Foundation can reallocate these resources to enhance and maintain fewer, more efficient test networks. This streamlining process ensures that developers have access to high-quality, well-supported environments for their testing needs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading tablecontent">Implications of Goerli Deprecation</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="325px" height="183px" srcSet="https://d2ly46a6b1u3g6.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/24025345/Goerli-Deprecation-Explained-300x169.webp 300w, https://d2ly46a6b1u3g6.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/24025345/Goerli-Deprecation-Explained-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://d2ly46a6b1u3g6.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/24025345/Goerli-Deprecation-Explained-768x432.webp 768w, https://d2ly46a6b1u3g6.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/24025345/Goerli-Deprecation-Explained.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 425px) 150px, 450px" src="https://ll-blog-dev.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/24025345/Goerli-Deprecation-Explained-1024x576.webp" alt="Goerli Deprecation Explained" class="wp-image-5520"/></figure>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">1. Developer Transition</h5>



<p>Developers still targeting Goerli need to move to Sepolia for application work or Hoodi for validator testing. There is no &#x27;new Ropsten.&#x27; The transition involves three concrete changes: updating your network configuration (chain ID, RPC endpoint, and block explorer URL), redeploying contracts on Sepolia or Hoodi, and switching your faucet source for test ETH. MetaMask has removed active support for Goerli following the Dencun network update, so wallet-connected testing on Goerli is no longer reliable.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">2. Learning Curve</h5>



<p>While transitioning to new test networks, developers will encounter a learning curve. Each network has its unique characteristics and configurations. It is essential for developers to familiarize themselves with the new environments to ensure seamless application performance.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">3. Testing and Debugging</h5>



<p>Testing and debugging processes will need to be revisited. Developers must conduct extensive testing on the new test networks to identify and resolve any potential issues that may arise due to differences between Goerli and the new networks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading tablecontent">Migration Checklist: Goerli to Sepolia</h2>



<p>This applies to most dApp and smart contract developers. Validator operators should follow the Hoodi path instead (see the validator section below).</p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Update your network config. Sepolia chain ID is 11155111. Replace any hardcoded Goerli chain ID (5) in your project.</li>



<li>Swap your RPC endpoint. Update your hardhat.config.js, foundry.toml, or truffle-config.js to point to a Sepolia RPC. Most major providers (Infura, Alchemy, QuickNode) support Sepolia.</li>



<li>Update your .env file. Replace GOERLI_RPC_URL and GOERLI_PRIVATE_KEY references with SEPOLIA equivalents.</li>



<li>Redeploy your contracts. Contracts deployed on Goerli do not carry over. Run your deployment scripts against Sepolia.</li>



<li>Get Sepolia ETH. Use an EF-approved faucet. Goerli faucets are offline or unreliable.</li>



<li>Update your block explorer links. Replace goerli.etherscan.io references with sepolia.etherscan.io.</li>



<li>Update your CI/CD pipeline. Replace any Goerli network flags in your GitHub Actions, CircleCI, or equivalent config files.</li>



<li>Notify your team. If your project has a public testnet deployment, update your documentation and any external links pointing to Goerli contract addresses.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading tablecontent">Validator and Staking Developers: Use Hoodi</h2>



<p>Hoodi is not a drop-in replacement for Goerli or Holesky in a general sense. It is purpose-built for validator testing, staking client development, and protocol upgrade rehearsals. If your work involves running beacon nodes, testing withdrawal credentials, or simulating validator operations, Hoodi is your network.</p>



<p><a href="https://blog.ethereum.org/2025/09/01/holesky-shutdown-announcement" data-type="link" data-id="https://blog.ethereum.org/2025/09/01/holesky-shutdown-announcement">Holesky was deprecated</a> by the Ethereum Foundation in September 2025. The EF blog post announcing the shutdown confirmed Hoodi as its successor for this use case. Sepolia does not serve this purpose.</p>



<p>What this means practically: if you run a staking client like Lighthouse, Prysm, Teku, or Nimbus and you were targeting Holesky for testnet validator operations, switch your beacon node configuration to Hoodi. Check the Ethereum.org networks page for current Hoodi genesis and bootnodes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading tablecontent">The Current Testnet Lifecycle</h2>



<p>As of mid-2026, the Ethereum Foundation&#x27;s position is clear: Sepolia and Hoodi are the two maintained public testnets, and the EF intends to keep the testnet count small. The deprecation of both Goerli and Holesky reflects a deliberate move away from maintaining multiple overlapping networks.</p>



<p>The Ethereum.org networks page is the authoritative reference for lifecycle status. It was last updated June 23, 2026, and lists Goerli as deprecated with no planned reactivation. Monitor that page and the EF blog for any future changes.</p>



<p>For most development teams, the practical implication is stability: Sepolia and Hoodi are not expected to be deprecated on any near-term timeline based on current EF guidance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading tablecontent">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Can I still get Goerli ETH?</h5>



<p>No. Goerli is deprecated and faucets are offline or unreliable. Get Sepolia ETH from an EF-recommended faucet for app development, or Hoodi ETH for validator testing.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Is Holesky still usable?</h5>



<p>No. The Ethereum Foundation deprecated Holesky in September 2025. Hoodi is its replacement for validator and staking workflows.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Does MetaMask support Goerli?</h5>



<p>Goerli is discouraged or unsupported in current MetaMask builds following the Dencun network update. Switch to Sepolia for wallet-connected testing.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">What chain ID does Sepolia use?</h5>



<p>Sepolia&#x27;s chain ID is 11155111. Replace chain ID 5 (Goerli) in all your network configs.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Where do I monitor future testnet changes?</h5>



<p>The Ethereum.org networks page (last updated June 23, 2026) and the Ethereum Foundation blog are the two sources to watch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading tablecontent">Conclusion</h2>



<p>Goerli is deprecated. Holesky is deprecated. The Ethereum ecosystem now runs two maintained public testnets: Sepolia for application development and Hoodi for validator testing. If you are still on Goerli, the migration checklist above covers every config change you need to make. Check the Ethereum.org networks page for the latest lifecycle status before your next deployment.</p>

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Goerli and Holesky are deprecated. Sepolia handles dApp development. Hoodi replaced Holesky for validator work. Learn what each testnet does and which one your project needs.