BNB Chain cuts block time to 0.45s after 2025–26 hard forks

Key Takeaways:

• BNB Chain hard forks reduce block time to rapid 0.45 seconds.
• Sub-second blocks aim to enhance speed, confirmations, and network responsiveness.
• Upgrade program targets faster throughput while maintaining predictable finality and reliability.

BNB Chain executed four hard forks in 2025 that collectively reduced average block time from about three seconds to roughly 0.45 seconds. The upgrades, Lorentz, Pascal, Maxwell, and Fermi, prioritized speed alongside predictable finality and network reliability.

The multi-fork program compressed the interval between blocks by more than sixfold, reshaping user experience for trading, payments, and on-chain apps. Shorter blocks can reduce perceived wait times and help smooth congestion when activity spikes.

According to Messari, Lorentz first moved block time from around three seconds to about 1.5 seconds, and Maxwell later halved it again to roughly 0.75 seconds. The report attributes stability at these speeds to consensus-parameter changes and BEPs that strengthened validator communication and node synchronization.

As reported by bsc.news, finality targets were tightened in step with faster blocks, improving the predictability of confirmations. The figures cited show an improvement from roughly 7.5 seconds to around 1.125 seconds.

An arXiv study examining mid-2025 activity found that two builders produced more than 96% of blocks and captured about 92% of MEV. The authors argue that shorter block windows can favor lowest-latency actors, raising fairness and censorship concerns.

Lorentz initiated the sequence by cutting block time to roughly 1.5 seconds and adjusting validator rotation parameters. Pascal followed as an incremental tuning release to prepare the network for the next reductions.

Maxwell reduced the interval again to about 0.75 seconds, paired with BEPs aimed at faster peer messaging and improved sync. This stage positioned the chain to attempt sub‑second blocks without destabilizing validator voting.

The BNB Chain Fermi upgrade completed the program by targeting approximately 0.45‑second blocks alongside strengthened fast‑finality rules to keep validators aligned under load. Reflecting the public framing of its aims: “faster without compromising reliability,” said Nina Rong, Executive Director of Growth, BNB Chain.

At the time of this writing, BNB traded around $581.29, providing neutral context for the upgrade cycle’s backdrop. Market levels are subject to change and do not imply any outlook.

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