Securing the Multichain Future: Pessimistic Proofs Go Live on Polygon’s AggLayer

#Polygon has achieved a significant milestone in its mission to build a secure, interoperable multichain ecosystem. With the launch of pessimistic proofs on #AggLayer Mainnet v0.2, the network introduces a new zero-knowledge (ZK) security model that safeguards the shared bridge connecting multiple blockchains. This development lays the foundation for a truly multistack future, where chains with different architectures and security mechanisms can safely interoperate through AggLayer without forgetting $POL | $BTC | $ETH

The pessimistic proof is a #cryptographic system designed to assume the worst-case scenario from any connected chain. Rather than trusting that each chain will behave correctly, the proof verifies three core criteria: that chains update properly, maintain accurate internal accounting, and do not attempt to withdraw more than they’ve deposited into the bridge. If any chain misbehaves, the pessimistic proof ensures that only that chain suffers the consequences—without affecting the rest of the network.

This upgrade provides two key advantages. First, it gives flexibility—chains no longer need full ZK execution proofs to connect to AggLayer. Second, it enhances security by preventing over-withdrawals and fraud, even when chains operate under different trust models. This opens the door for diverse ecosystems—gaming chains, DeFi apps, and general-purpose L2s—to connect seamlessly and securely.

Pessimistic proofs represent a shift away from relying on wrapped assets or third-party verifiers. Instead, they enable native cross-chain asset transfers, improving user experience and system integrity. The shared bridge is anchored on Ethereum, making it a trust-minimized and decentralized hub for liquidity and communication.

Polygon plans to launch AggLayer v0.3 by the end of Q1 2025, with full multistack EVM chain support, marking another leap toward full Web3 aggregation.

For more information, read the official Polygon blog post here:

👉 https://polygon.technology/blog/major-development-upgrade-for-a-multistack-future-pessimistic-proofs-live-on-agglayer-mainnet