MegaETH, the high-performance Ethereum Layer 2 network, kicks off an unprecedented stress test this Thursday, targeting 11 billion transactions in seven days — a figure that would set a new record across all EVM-compatible chains. The test pushes throughput between 15,000 and 35,000 transactions per second under sustained load.
Stress Scenarios: Gaming, DeFi, and Backend Swaps
The test mixes latency-sensitive applications like Stomp.gg, Smasher.fun, and Crossy Fluffle, along with Ethereum backend transfers and decentralized exchange swaps via Kumbaya.xyz. This blend simulates real-world concurrency, stressing not just peak TPS but continuous stability under high pressure.
The team stated bluntly: “Stress tests only matter if they’re uncomfortable.” They plan to identify and fix potential weaknesses before mainnet goes live. The global test is designed to be genuinely challenging, not a mere formality.
Pre-Deposit Bridge Refund: A Corrective Move for USDm
In November 2025, MegaETH returned all funds raised from its Pre-Deposit Bridge after the event failed to meet expectations. The goal was to preload collateral for a 1:1 conversion of its native stablecoin USDm at mainnet. The team acknowledged the shortfall and refunded to ensure a clean stablecoin launch.
This decision shows caution around USDm, which will serve as the network’s core stablecoin, providing predictable sequencer costs and shielding developers from gas fee volatility.
Mainnet Launch and Performance Edge
The mainnet goes live immediately after the stress test, with day-one applications powered by USDm. MegaETH is built for low-latency, high-throughput use cases, targeting both DeFi and consumer dApps. Founded in 2022, the project raised $20 million in seed funding from Dragonfly Capital, Vitalik Buterin, and Joseph Lubin.
MegaETH’s scalability approach directly tackles Ethereum’s performance bottlenecks. If the stress test succeeds, it could become a top choice for developers seeking a high-speed Layer 2 — but the 11-billion-transaction bar leaves no room for error.