Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has declared that the network requires a new path forward that relies less on layer-2 scaling solutions. He stated that the original vision for L2s no longer fits, citing slow progress on decentralization and Ethereum’s own scaling improvements. Buterin warned that some L2s have compromised on core principles and should not be considered branded extensions of Ethereum, urging developers to find a value proposition beyond simply scaling the main network.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin said the network must find a new path involving less dependence on layer-2 scaling networks. He wrote in a public post that “The original vision of L2s and their role in Ethereum no longer makes sense.”
The long-term scaling goal was once seen as best achieved via third-party L2s like Base, Polygon, Arbitrum, and Optimism. Buterin now argues the Ethereum mainnet is scaling sufficiently and some L2s cannot be trusted to meet its standards.
He stated that “L2s are not able or willing to satisfy the properties that a true ‘branded shard’ would require.” Buterin referenced at least one network suggesting it may never reach full decentralization due to customer regulatory needs.
He first laid out a framework for “stage 1” and “stage 2” networks based on decentralization in 2022. Buterin now proposes that L2s be viewed on a spectrum, where some sacrifice principles for other perks.
This announcement marks a potential shift for L2 development and marketing strategies. For years, their core pitch has centered on “scaling Ethereum,” a framing Buterin says will no longer suffice.
“What would I do today if I were an L2?” Buterin asked. His advice was to “Identify a value-add other than ‘scaling.'” This positions the statement as a watershed moment for the ecosystem’s future direction.
