Polygon 2.0 Update: POL Contracts Are Live on Testnet

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The evolution of the Polygon ecosystem is accelerating with a major milestone: POL contracts are now live on the Goerli testnet. This marks a pivotal step in the rollout of Polygon 2.0, a transformative vision aimed at redefining scalability and decentralization in the Ethereum ecosystem.

Three weeks ago, the community was introduced to a comprehensive Polygon Improvement Proposal (PIP-17) outlining the design and functionality of POL, the upgraded native token set to replace MATIC. Today, those plans have moved from concept to code, with the deployment of POL smart contracts on testnet — a critical phase in ensuring security, compatibility, and community-driven validation.

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What Is POL and Why It Matters

POL stands as the cornerstone of Polygon 2.0, representing more than just a token upgrade — it's a foundational shift toward a decentralized, community-governed ecosystem built on zero-knowledge (zk) technology. Designed as the successor to MATIC, POL enables advanced features such as:

As outlined in PIP-17, POL introduces new smart contracts responsible for token emission, staking mechanisms, and the transition process from MATIC. This upgrade positions Polygon not just as a scaling solution, but as the value layer of the internet, where economic activity is secure, transparent, and user-owned.

Polygon 2.0: A Vision for Mass Web3 Adoption

Polygon 2.0 isn’t merely a technical refresh — it’s a complete reimagining of how blockchain networks can scale sustainably while preserving decentralization. The architecture integrates multiple zero-knowledge rollups (zk-Rollups) into a unified, interconnected system known as Polygon Supernets.

This modular design allows developers and enterprises to launch customized, high-performance chains that inherit Ethereum’s security while benefiting from near-instant transactions and ultra-low fees.

The deployment of POL contracts on testnet signals the beginning of Phase 0: Frontier, as defined in PIP-18. This phase focuses on laying the groundwork for staking, governance, and economic alignment across the ecosystem — all powered by POL.

Key PIPs Driving the Transition

While PIP-17 sets the foundation for POL, two additional proposals have recently gone live to support the broader upgrade:

PIP-19: Native Token Transition

PIP-19 proposes the adoption of POL as the native gas and staking token on the Polygon PoS chain. This means that over time, POL will replace MATIC for transaction fees and validator rewards, aligning incentives across both legacy and next-generation Polygon chains.

PIP-24: EIP-1559 Burn Mechanism Update

Since early 2022, Polygon PoS has implemented EIP-1559, a fee-burning mechanism that removes MATIC from circulation with every transaction. To date, over 20 million MATIC tokens have been permanently burned, reducing supply and increasing scarcity.

Now, PIP-24 calls for updates to this system, including changes to the burn recipient address — a necessary adjustment to ensure compatibility with Polygon 2.0’s multi-chain architecture. This update is a prerequisite for launching Phase 0 and ensuring smooth interoperability between chains.

PIP-25: Ensuring Token Supply Consistency

One of the most important aspects of any token migration is trust. PIP-25 addresses this by proposing a mechanism to ensure that every MATIC token previously burned under EIP-1559 is accounted for in the new POL economy — maintaining a 1:1 equivalence in value destruction.

This creates continuity in economic policy and reinforces confidence among long-term holders and participants.

Why Testnet Deployment Is Crucial

Launching POL on the Goerli testnet allows developers, validators, and security researchers to:

Testnet deployment is not an end goal — it’s a critical checkpoint in a community-governed process. No action is required from regular users or token holders at this stage. Instead, the focus is on rigorous validation before mainnet launch.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What should I do as a MATIC holder?

Nothing at this time. The testnet launch does not affect your current holdings. POL is still in development, and any migration from MATIC to POL will be communicated well in advance through official channels.

Do node operators or stakers need to take action?

No immediate action is required. However, node operators are encouraged to monitor GitHub repositories and community forums for upcoming software updates. Once PIPs are approved, new client versions will be released to maintain network compatibility.

Are there breaking changes for dApp developers?

Most applications on Polygon PoS should experience no disruptions. However, developers are invited to test POL integrations on the Goerli testnet, review PIP documentation, and provide feedback. Early testing helps identify edge cases and ensures smoother mainnet deployment.

Will POL replace MATIC entirely?

Yes — in the long term. POL is designed to succeed MATIC as the primary utility and governance token across the Polygon ecosystem, including both PoS and zk-based chains. The migration will be gradual and community-guided.

How can I participate in governance?

You can join the governance discussion on the Polygon Forum, where all active PIPs are open for feedback. Community input plays a vital role in shaping the future of Polygon 2.0.

Is now a good time to invest in Polygon?

While this update strengthens Polygon’s long-term vision, investment decisions should be based on thorough research. With enhanced staking, governance, and zk-infrastructure coming online, Polygon remains one of the most ambitious projects in Ethereum scaling.

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Looking Ahead: The Road to Mainnet

With POL contracts now live on testnet and key PIPs open for community review, the path toward mainnet activation is taking shape. Over the coming weeks, expect increased activity from core teams and contributors focused on:

The full rollout of Polygon 2.0 will happen in phases, ensuring stability and adoption at each step.

Core Keywords:

As Polygon continues its transformation into a fully decentralized Web3 platform, staying informed and engaged becomes more valuable than ever. Whether you're a developer, investor, or builder, now is the time to understand how POL will power the next era of blockchain innovation.