Wormhole’s Decision to End Multi-Blockchain Support Rattles Crypto Community
In a surprising turn of events, Wormhole, a well-known cross-chain messaging platform, has recently announced its decision to deprecate support for several blockchain networks by the summer of 2025. This move is set to impact popular networks such as Terra, Oasis, Acala, and more, while also transitioning certain Cosmos chains to community-supported services.
Affected Networks: A Strategic Shift
The Guardian Network, responsible for overseeing the security and sustainability of Wormhole’s operations, has made the tough call to discontinue support for a handful of blockchain networks. This decision follows a comprehensive review of various network metrics, including transaction volumes and resource utilization.
Among the networks facing full deprecation are Terra, Terra2, Oasis, Aurora, Acala, Karura, and Xpla. Wormhole will take the necessary steps to disconnect the full nodes of these chains from its platform, effectively putting a stop to outgoing messages and token transfers. However, incoming transfers will still be possible as long as there is continued Guardian support.
Transition for Cosmos Chains: Embracing Community Support
In addition to the networks facing full deprecation, select Cosmos chains like Injective, Osmosis, Evmos, and Kujira will transition to community-supported frontends. This means that Wormhole will no longer provide subsidized IBC relaying for these chains, and the Portal frontend, which facilitates token transfers, will no longer host these chains.
While existing IBC connections will remain whitelisted, allowing interested parties to set up their own frontends and relaying solutions, this shift marks a significant change in the support structure for these Cosmos chains.
Implementation Timeline: A Methodical Approach
The deprecation process is set to occur in two phases. Initially, the Guardian Network will disconnect the affected chains’ nodes, followed by their delisting from the Portal frontend. These changes are expected to take effect in the summer of 2025, ensuring a smooth transition without any disruptions before this period.
Support and Resources: Empowering Developers
Wormhole is encouraging developers to make use of the Wormhole Connect frontend widget and the @certusone/wormhole-sdk for creating their own solutions in light of these changes. For those interested in IBC relaying, service providers like CryptoCrew Validators are available to assist with the necessary infrastructure.
About Wormhole: A Pillar of Interoperability
With a rich history of connecting over 30 blockchain networks and facilitating various decentralized applications like DeFi, NFTs, and governance, Wormhole is a trusted platform in the blockchain space. Having facilitated over $40 billion in transfers through more than a billion cross-chain messages, Wormhole continues to be a key player for numerous blockchain projects, including prominent names like Circle and Uniswap.
The decision to end support for multiple blockchain networks is undoubtedly a significant development in the crypto world. As Wormhole navigates this transition, developers and users alike will need to adapt to the changing landscape of multi-blockchain interoperability.
