Starknet v0.14.1 update brings faster blocks, BLAKE hashes, and JSON-RPC improvements; The STRK token is still trading near multi-week lows after major changes.
Summary
- The Starknet v0.14.1 update transitions the network to the BLAKE hash family, following SNIP-34 for better testing efficiency and cost reductions for developers.
- The update introduces logic for faster block closure during low activity conditions and improves the JSON-RPC format to improve tools and indexers.
- Despite advances in infrastructure, the price of the STRK token remains depressed, underperforming the broader crypto market, according to data from CoinGecko and DeFiLlama.
Starknet deployed its v0.14.1 mainnet update on November 25, according to an announcement from StarkWare, the development company behind the Ethereum Layer 2 network.
He updateDeveloped by StarkWare and the Starknet core team, it introduces faster block production during periods of low network activity, a new hash function standard, and an improved JSON-RPC stack, according to the company’s post on X.
The update implements a complete transition from Poseidon to the BLAKE hash family for compiled_class_hash. The change follows the SNIP-34 standard and aligns the network with the architecture of the Stwo tester, according to Stark Ware. The company stated that the modification is designed to reduce testing costs for developers.
Starknet update brings new standards
The update includes logic to close blocks more quickly when network activity is low, with the goal of reducing user wait times during silent periods. Nodes are now adopting JSON-RPC v0.10.0, which updates the delivery of state differences, events, and subscriptions, providing a standardized format for indexers and tool teams.
StarknetPublic timelines indicate the upgrade is operational, representing another step in the network’s 2025 roadmap.
The deployment follows two significant changes to Starknet’s infrastructure. On November 5, the team deployed its Stwo tester to the mainnet, replacing the previous test system.
As of November 26, the native STRK (STRK) token was trading near multi-week lows, with 24-hour trading volume reaching hundreds of millions of dollars on major exchanges, according to market data. CoinGecko Data shows a notable decline over the seven-day period, with the token underperforming compared to the broader cryptocurrency market and other smart contract tokens over the same time period.
The token remains significantly below its 2024 peak, based on historical price data.
DeFiLlama data tracks the total value of Starknet decentralized finance locked in tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. According to the platform, stablecoin balances on the network have increased modestly over the past month.
Over the past 24 hours, decentralized currency trading volumes on the network were modest compared to perpetual futures volume, indicating substantial derivatives activity within the ecosystem, according to trading data.
