Testnet-02 Transition & The Roadmap to Mōhalu
As we progress through the Hilo phase and prepare for the upcoming milestones of the Midnight Network, we are adjusting testing environments to ensure a seamless transition to a decentralized mainnet.
Midnight Testnet-02 has been a monumental success, serving as the crucible for Midnight’s zero-knowledge capabilities. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the over 180+ Cardano Stake Pool Operators (SPOs) who actively participated in the Testnet-02 environment and their ongoing support for the Midnight project.
In previous communications, we signaled that SPOs would migrate directly to the Midnight Preview environment at this stage. However, as we refine the roadmap toward the Kūkolu (Federated Mainnet) phase, we have made a strategic pivot.
While Testnet-02 validators may continue to run their nodes until February 28, 2026, the Midnight Preview environment will be temporarily maintained by core engineering. This shift allows us to:
- Perform high velocity testing and rapid iterations.
- Finalize the integration of novel features such as the DUST Capacity Exchange.
- Ensure a stable, rapid-test environment for core development that would otherwise cause unnecessary disruption and downtime for independent SPOs.
| Phase | Milestone | SPO & Validator Role |
|---|---|---|
| Hilo | Token Genesis | Initial liquidity and NIGHT "Glacier Drop" on Cardano. |
| Kūkolu | Federated Mainnet | Ecosystem partners maintain stability during rapid development. |
| Mōhalu | Incentivized Mainnet | SPO Onboarding begins including other testing. |
| Hua | Full Decentralization | Block production transitions to community. |
This keeps the structure clean and focused on phases, milestones, and roles.
Please note: All dates are estimates.
We acknowledge that this change differs from previous expectations, but we believe this path ensures the highest quality environment for SPOs to return for Mōhalu.
Validator documentation status
To avoid confusion during this transition, current validator documentation will be temporarily unpublished or hidden from the main site. This ensures that when you return to the docs for the Mōhalu phase, they will be 100% accurate, refreshed, and aligned with the new architecture.
Direct action on your feedback
We recently conducted a feedback survey to understand your operational experience. We heard your feedback regarding documentation, setup friction, and infrastructure control. In preparation for the Mōhalu phase, we are implementing the following changes:
- We are moving away from a Docker-only distribution. We are now delivering pre-compiled binaries for
midnight-nodeand restructuring our documentation to be binary and source-first. While containerization is useful, we recognize that barebones instructions are fundamental for professional SPO infrastructure. - The next node version will completely remove the registration wizard, allowing for a more direct and scriptable registration process.
- We are prioritizing new architecture recommendation for secrets management and air-gapped signing guidance. We recognize that for a privacy-focused chain, the security of our validators' keys is paramount.
- In the lead up to Mōhalu, we promise more structued communication cadence and dedicated SPO/ validator calls.
Staying informed: Subscribe to Midnight Validator Updates
👉 To ensure you receive the latest technical specifications, onboarding guides, and timeline adjustments for the Mōhalu phase, we encourage all SPOs to subscribe via the Midnight Validator Digest: https://mpc.midnight.network/midnight-validator-digest
👉 Join other validators and builders in the Midnight Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/midnightnetwork