---
title: "Ethereum Schedules Glamsterdam Upgrade for Sepolia Testnet on Oct. 6"
description: "The testnet hard fork brings enshrined proposer-builder separation, block-level access lists, and a scheduled 200M gas limit at epoch 353,024."
url: https://basisdesk.news/news/ethereum-schedules-glamsterdam-upgrade-sepolia-testnet
published: 2026-10-06T10:01:46.877Z
modified: 2026-10-06T10:01:46.877Z
section: Ethereum & L2s
author: Basis Desk Newsroom (AI-generated, source-verified)
sentiment: neutral
tickers: [ETH]
tags: [Ethereum, Glamsterdam, Sepolia, Testnet, ePBS, Gas Limit]
license: Quote with attribution to Basis Desk (basisdesk.news). Not financial advice.
---

# Ethereum Schedules Glamsterdam Upgrade for Sepolia Testnet on Oct. 6

The testnet hard fork brings enshrined proposer-builder separation, block-level access lists, and a scheduled 200M gas limit at epoch 353,024.

## At a glance

- **What happened:** Ethereum core developers scheduled the Glamsterdam upgrade to trigger on Sepolia at epoch 353,024 on October 6, 2026 [1].
- **Why it matters:** The upgrade activates enshrined proposer-builder separation, block-level access lists, and a 200M testnet gas target [1], [2].
- **Who is affected:** Sepolia node operators, testnet validator runners, and developers testing contracts sensitive to gas repricing [1].
- **Takes effect:** October 6, 2026, 13:53:36 UTC
- **What's next:** Client teams will determine activation timetables for the Hoodi testnet and Ethereum mainnet [1].
- **Primary source:** [Glamsterdam Testnet Announcement](https://blog.ethereum.org/2026/09/17/glamsterdam-testnet-announcement) — blog.ethereum.org

## Key points

- Glamsterdam activates on the Sepolia testnet at epoch 353,024 on October 6, 2026, at 13:53:36 UTC [1].
- The fork introduces enshrined proposer-builder separation (EIP-7732) and block-level access lists (EIP-7928) [1].
- Sepolia schedules a 200M block gas limit, though Prysm and Teku clients default to 60M without manual flags [1], [2].

## Editorial remark

- **Context:** Glamsterdam represents the subsequent major milestone following Fusaka, integrating Amsterdam and Gloas to restructure Ethereum block construction and state expansion mechanics [1].
- **Impact:** Sepolia testnet operators, validator clients, and application developers with fixed gas stipend contracts must adjust parameters ahead of epoch 353,024 [1].
- **Watch:** Client release coordination and scheduling dates for the Hoodi testnet and Ethereum mainnet [1].

Ethereum core developers have scheduled the Glamsterdam network upgrade to activate on the Sepolia testnet at epoch 353,024, slot 11,296,768, landing on October 6, 2026, at 13:53:36 UTC [1]. The upgrade pairs the Amsterdam execution layer overhaul with the Gloas consensus layer release, succeeding the Fusaka hard fork on Ethereum's Layer-1 development roadmap [1]. At the time of writing, $ETH changed hands at $2,710 amid broader market consolidation.

Glamsterdam incorporates enshrined proposer-builder separation (ePBS) via EIP-7732 and enforced block-level access lists (BALs) under EIP-7928 [1]. Under ePBS, the Ethereum consensus protocol directly manages validator proposer commitments and builder payload payments, removing reliance on external relay middleware and segregating consensus checks from execution validation [1]. BALs log accessed accounts, storage slots, and post-transaction state alterations, enabling client software to execute parallel transaction validation and accelerate state root computation [1]. Alongside these structural mechanisms, a Sepolia configuration commit schedules a block gas limit jump to 200,000,000 gas starting at epoch 353,024 [2].

## Client Requirements and Gas Overrides

Node operators running Sepolia validators must upgrade both execution and consensus clients prior to the activation timestamp [1]. Compatible consensus client releases include Grandine 3.0.0-rc.0, Lighthouse 8.3.0-rc.0, Lodestar 1.49.0, Nimbus 26.10.0, Prysm 7.2.0, and Teku 26.9.1 [1]. On the execution side, teams have validated Besu 26.9.0, Ethrex 29.0.1, Erigon 3.7.1, go-ethereum 1.17.7, Nethermind 2.1.0, and Reth 2.7.0 [1]. 

Notably, client teams documented that Prysm 7.2.0 and Teku 26.9.1 default to a 60,000,000 gas limit post-activation; node runners wishing to propose blocks matching the 200M target must configure explicit flags or v2 proposer settings [1], [2]. The upgrade also introduces separate metering and higher costs for state creation under EIP-8037 and updates access expenses via EIP-8038 [1]. Application developers relying on static gas limits or fixed gas stipends must audit their smart contracts accordingly [1]. Activation timetables for the Hoodi testnet and Ethereum mainnet remain unconfirmed [1].

## FAQ

**Do Ethereum mainnet node operators or ETH holders need to update software?**

No. The scheduled activation applies strictly to the Sepolia testnet. Mainnet and Hoodi activation schedules will be decided and announced separately [1].

**What is the primary operational change for Sepolia validators?**

Stakers must upgrade both consensus and execution clients before slot 11,296,768, review ePBS payload timeliness duties, and adjust flags if targeting a 200M proposing gas limit [1], [2].

## Sources

1. [Glamsterdam Testnet Announcement](https://blog.ethereum.org/2026/09/17/glamsterdam-testnet-announcement) — blog.ethereum.org, 2026-10-06
2. [Schedule 200m gas limit at the Glamsterdam upgrade (#130) · eth-clients/sepolia@237ad0d](https://github.com/eth-clients/sepolia/commit/237ad0dcfa4b93921fbfb178b2317b52d3c3e767) — github.com, 2026-10-06

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Basis Desk Newsroom · AI-generated, source-verified · https://basisdesk.news/about/how-we-use-ai
