Not every network upgrade is just about bug fixes or performance tweaks. Some mark a turning point for the entire ecosystem. Rootstock Upgrade 8.0.0 is exactly that kind of update.

Why This Upgrade Matters

This release isn’t optional. It changes the consensus rules of the Rootstock network, which means running older versions will leave nodes out of sync.

Here’s when it went live:

• Mainnet: Block 8,052,200

• Testnet: Block 6,835,700

The goal is simple: make Rootstock stronger, more cost-efficient, and more developer-friendly.

Main Highlights of Upgrade 8.0.0

Strengthening the Bitcoin–RSK Peg

The peg between Bitcoin and RSK is at the core of Rootstock’s security model. This upgrade expands the PowPeg signatory set to 20 participants, boosting decentralization and reducing single points of failure.

On top of that, the cost of peg-out transactions has been lowered, making BTC withdrawals faster and cheaper – a clear win for both businesses and end users.

Cryptography at Scale

One of the most developer-focused changes is the addition of precompiled contracts for Secp256k1 operations (point addition and scalar multiplication).

Why does this matter?

• Heavy cryptographic operations are now much more efficient.

• Developers can experiment with advanced use cases such as zk-proofs or new DeFi protocols, without prohibitive gas costs.

RSKIPs That Power the Upgrade

Rootstock 8.0.0 bundles several proposals, including:

• RSKIP-305: More efficient peg-outs with SegWit.

• RSKIP-516: Precompiled contracts for Secp256k1 math.

• RSKIP-518: A formal definition of the RSK upgrade process.

Each of these proposals addresses long-standing challenges while opening doors for new opportunities in dApps and financial applications.

What It Means for the Ecosystem

Taken together, these changes strengthen Rootstock’s claim as the most secure, Bitcoin-powered smart contract platform. Developers and users alike benefit from:

• Lower fees

• Greater peg security

• Better tooling for building scalable applications

This upgrade is more than a technical change – it’s about creating a healthier foundation for decentralized apps, DeFi, and enterprise adoption.

NOWNodes: Ready from Block One

At NOWNodes, we upgraded our Rootstock nodes the moment the new version went live. That means:

• No downtime

• No interruptions

• No uncertainty for our partners and developers

For us, this isn’t just about staying up to date. It’s about showing long-term commitment to supporting Rootstock’s innovation and providing the reliable infrastructure that the ecosystem can build on.