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![DaanteFi Avatar](https://lunarcrush.com/gi/w:24/cr:twitter::1276725024322236418.png) DaanteFi [@DaanteFi](/creator/twitter/DaanteFi) on x 1085 followers
Created: 2025-07-21 19:35:41 UTC

Hostages of Success: Why Portal Had to Rethink Testnets

Here’s my take on why Portal shifted direction with Testnet v2 👇

The goal was bold
simulate a fully functioning cross-chain DEX with BTC

-> Lightning
-> ETH
-> Solana
-> and Portal Chain

Internally it worked
but opening it up to the public created real challenges

Faucets were hit by relentless bot attacks
Infra couldn’t keep up with 900K+ wallets a day

And worst of all
it pulled engineers away from what really matters Mainnet

From where I stand this wasn’t a failure
it was a necessary stress test

It proved that swaps work
but public testnets at this scale aren’t sustainable

So now they’re doing it right a private testnet
-> invite-only
-> built for devs and real feedback
-> no noise
-> just signal

It’s a focused move and it keeps Mainnet on track

Respect the pivot -> @geoburke @csentropy @Metamorfozzz_

![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GwZ5HewXwAAuu5I.jpg)

XX engagements

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**Related Topics**
[infra](/topic/infra)
[bitcoin](/topic/bitcoin)
[coins layer 1](/topic/coins-layer-1)
[coins bitcoin ecosystem](/topic/coins-bitcoin-ecosystem)
[coins pow](/topic/coins-pow)
[ethereum](/topic/ethereum)
[solana](/topic/solana)
[coins defi](/topic/coins-defi)

[Post Link](https://x.com/DaanteFi/status/1947379976954622446)