BNB Chain to Halve Block Times with Maxwell Upgrade

BNB Chain's Maxwell upgrade halves block times to 0.75s, boosting validator sync, DeFi speed, and GameFi responsiveness across the network.

New consensus rules and faster validator messaging ensure improved network stability, quicker finality, and seamless transaction flow.

Developers must adapt dApps to handle rapid block intervals while MEV builders face tighter bid windows under Maxwell’s sub-second design.

BNB Chain is getting up for a network milestone with the Maxwell upgrade scheduled for June 30, 2025, according to Wu Blockchain. Through this hardfork, transaction throughput and network responsiveness will be improved by cutting BSC block times from 1.5 to 0.75 seconds. Supported by BEP-524, BEP-563, and BEP-564 proposals, the update seeks to improve block syncing, expedite validator coordination, and provide speedier confirmations. Developers, node operators, validators, and users will all gain from these modifications. Consequently, BSC is aiming for better GameFi response and speedier DeFi interactions as it enters the sub-second age.

Faster Blocks and Smoother Performance

The Maxwell upgrade builds upon the foundation set by the Lorentz hardfork. Previously, Lorentz reduced block times from 3 seconds to 1.5 seconds. This shift helped improve validator performance, network stability, and finality. Reorg frequency dropped from five per day to two, and block processing latency improved.

Now, with BEP-524, block intervals drop again—from 1.5 seconds to 0.75 seconds. Hence, transactions will confirm almost instantly, making dApps and swaps more seamless. BEP-563 improves validator communication, enabling faster block proposal messaging and reducing sync delays. This ensures validators stay aligned even under increased frequency.

Higher Performance, Lower Latency

Additionally, the upgrade changes key consensus parameters. Epoch length increases from 500 to 1000 blocks. TurnLength doubles from 8 to 16 blocks, maintaining 12-second validator turns at 0.75 seconds per block. As a result, fast finality becomes achievable in 1.875 seconds, enhancing network consistency and reliability.

Moreover, MEV strategies will face new constraints. With less than a second to submit bids, MEV builders must adapt quickly. Some existing methods may become obsolete due to the reduced time window.

Besides that, developers must revise dApps to align with the new block speed. Time-based logic and syncing need close attention to prevent race conditions. Validators and node operators are advised to assess infrastructure compatibility before mainnet deployment.

Before full rollout, the testnet must demonstrate stable 0.75-second block production. There must be no increase in reorgs, and validators should sync without delays. Additionally, explorers, RPCs, and indexers must confirm full performance support.

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