Kaspa Releases Node Version v1.0.0: Crescendo Hardfork is Coming

Kaspa has reached a major milestone with the release of Node Version v1.0.0, now available on GitHub:
https://github.com/kaspanet/rusty-kaspa/releases/tag/v1.0.0

This version includes support for the upcoming Crescendo Hardfork, marking the completion of a multi-year development effort that began with KIP1 and continued through to KIP15.

What’s New in v1.0.0

This release introduces a significant protocol upgrade for the Kaspa network:

  • Transition from 1 BPS to 10 BPS: The block rate will increase tenfold, enhancing transaction throughput and overall network capacity.
  • Shorter Block Intervals: Reduced block times will result in a faster and more responsive network.
  • Improved User and Developer Experience: Enhanced throughput and performance lay the groundwork for broader adoption and usability of Kaspa-based applications.
  • Protocol Version 7: The update includes a protocol version bump to ensure network-wide compatibility during the transition.

What You Need to Know About the Crescendo Hardfork

Kaspa has just released Node Version v1.0.0, and with it comes one of the biggest changes in the network’s history — the Crescendo Hardfork.

This upgrade isn’t just another technical tweak. It’s the result of years of development and a major step forward for Kaspa’s speed, efficiency, and performance. If you’ve been following Kaspa or just recently got interested, here’s what’s happening — in plain English.

What Is the Crescendo Hardfork?

hardfork is a change to the rules that a blockchain follows. In Kaspa’s case, the Crescendo Hardfork is about making the network ten times faster.

Right now, the Kaspa network creates one block per second (BPS). After the hardfork, it will move to ten blocks per second. This means transactions will be confirmed more quickly, the network will feel more responsive, and it will be better able to handle more users and more activity at the same time.

Why It Matters

Think of it like this: if Kaspa was a single-lane road before, it’s now becoming a multi-lane highway. Everything moves faster, and traffic jams are less likely.

This kind of upgrade is a big deal, especially for a blockchain like Kaspa that focuses on being fast, decentralized, and secure — all at once.

When Will It Happen?

The Crescendo upgrade is scheduled to go live on May 5, 2025, around 15:00 UTC.

It’s not something you need to do anything about unless you’re running a Kaspa node. But even if you’re just a user, this change will improve your experience — faster wallets, quicker confirmations, and a more powerful network behind the scenes.

What’s New with Node Version v1.0.0?

This latest version of the Kaspa node software includes everything needed to support the Crescendo Hardfork. It’s a major milestone, showing that all the planned upgrades from past proposals (called KIPs) have now been completed.

For those running nodes, it’s important to upgrade before the hardfork happens. After the switch, old versions won’t work with the new system.

Final Thoughts

The Crescendo Hardfork and v1.0.0 release mark a turning point for Kaspa. It’s not just about faster blocks — it’s about proving that Kaspa can scale without sacrificing what makes it special: decentralization, security, and speed.