Polygon to Shut Down zkEVM Mainnet Beta Sequencer on July 1

Polygon (POL) Labs has confirmed that the Polygon zkEVM mainnet beta sequencer will be officially shut down on July 1, 2025. The move marks a significant transition for the layer-2 scaling network, which has been operating in beta since its launch in March 2023.

What the Shutdown Means for Users

All users holding assets on the Polygon zkEVM mainnet beta are required to complete the bridging process before the July 1 deadline. After the sequencer is shut down, no further transactions will be processed on the network. However, Polygon Labs has provided a safety net: any assets that have not been bridged by the deadline will be automatically transferred to the Ethereum Layer 1. Users will then need to claim these assets through a dedicated interface provided by Polygon.

The shutdown affects only the zkEVM mainnet beta sequencer, not the Polygon proof-of-stake (PoS) chain or other Polygon products. The zkEVM network itself will remain operational in a read-only state after July 1, but no new transactions will be accepted.

Background and Context

Polygon zkEVM is a zero-knowledge rollup that aims to scale Ethereum by processing transactions off-chain and submitting validity proofs to the Ethereum mainnet. The mainnet beta launched in March 2023 and has since processed millions of transactions. Polygon Labs has been developing the technology as part of its broader strategy to provide multiple scaling solutions for Ethereum.

The decision to shut down the beta sequencer comes as Polygon Labs focuses on transitioning to its next-generation architecture, which includes the POL token upgrade and the development of a more unified ecosystem. The company has not provided a specific reason for the shutdown, but industry analysts suggest it may be related to the planned migration to a more advanced version of the zkEVM technology or a strategic shift in resource allocation.

Timeline and Key Dates

Users should note the following critical dates:

• July 1, 2025: The zkEVM mainnet beta sequencer is shut down. No further transactions will be processed.
• After July 1: Unbridged assets are automatically transferred to Ethereum Layer 1. Users must claim them through a dedicated interface.

Why This Matters

The shutdown of the zkEVM mainnet beta sequencer is a significant event for the Polygon ecosystem and the broader Ethereum layer-2 landscape. It underscores the experimental nature of zk-rollup technology and the challenges of maintaining multiple scaling solutions. For users, the key takeaway is the urgency to bridge assets before the deadline to avoid potential complications in the claiming process.

Polygon Labs has assured users that the automatic transfer and claiming mechanism will ensure no funds are lost, but the process may introduce delays and require users to interact with a new interface. This event also highlights the importance of staying informed about network upgrades and changes in the rapidly evolving blockchain space.

Conclusion

Polygon’s decision to shut down the zkEVM mainnet beta sequencer on July 1 represents a planned transition rather than an unexpected failure. Users with assets on the network should prioritize bridging before the deadline to ensure a smooth experience. The automatic transfer mechanism provides a safety net, but proactive action is recommended. Polygon Labs continues to develop its scaling technology, and this move may pave the way for future improvements.

FAQs

Q1: What happens if I don’t bridge my assets before July 1?
After July 1, any unbridged assets will be automatically transferred to Ethereum Layer 1. You will need to claim them through a dedicated interface provided by Polygon Labs.

Q2: Will the Polygon PoS chain be affected by this shutdown?
No. The shutdown only affects the Polygon zkEVM mainnet beta sequencer. The Polygon proof-of-stake chain and other Polygon products will continue to operate normally.

Q3: Is this the end of Polygon zkEVM?
Not necessarily. The shutdown of the mainnet beta sequencer may be part of a transition to a more advanced version of the technology. Polygon Labs has not confirmed whether a new zkEVM network will be launched in the future.