Privacy-focused Ethereum Layer 2 Aztec Network's Ignition Chain flipped the switch on Wednesday, becoming the first fully decentralized Layer 2 protocol on the mainnet.

"Aztec just shipped the Ignition Chain, the first fully decentralized L2 on Ethereum. This launches the decentralized consensus layer that powers the Aztec Network," Aztec announced on X.

The event happened when the validator queue hit 500, a key checkpoint that signals readiness to secure the network and initiate block production

The Ignition Chain is the engine powering Aztec's goal of being a fully decentralized "private world computer," enabling developers to create DeFi applications while maintaining total secrecy.

It combines zero-knowledge proofs with Ethereum’s robust security, enabling truly private, scalable blockchain transactions. So, users get the speed and cost savings of L2, plus privacy that’s been missing in many decentralized finance (DeFi) applications.

Anyone can become a validator or sequencer by staking AZTEC tokens to earn rewards and early birds get a bonus to jumpstart decentralization. The AZTEC token auction is scheduled for Dec. 2, opening the doors for more community involvement.

The debut means privacy-focused, decentralized L2 networks are not just experimental projects, they’re about to become vital infrastructure shaping the future of blockchain.

Why 500 validators?

Ethereum’s consensus depends on distributed trust—meaning lots of independent validators confirm transactions. But if too many validators try to join all at once, network stability risks taking a hit. So new validators queue up, entering in stages.

Reaching 500 validators means Aztec Ignition Chain has hit a critical mass: a strong, resilient base of participants ready to defend the network. More validators mean better decentralization, a lower risk of a bad actor taking control, and a network secure enough to launch fully on Ethereum.