Vitalik Buterin has proposed a radical change for Ethereum. He indicated that, given the slow progress of the Layer 2 ecosystem, the priority will be to scale the main network directly.
In a recent reflection published on the X network, Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, acknowledged that the strategy of focusing exclusively on rollups and layer-2 solutions no longer represents the best path for the ecosystem. He explained that the initial plan to scale Ethereum through these networks has progressed more slowly than expected, in terms of decentralization and technical development.
Buterin praised the work of the teams that built the Layer 2 infrastructure, although he highlighted that the main network itself, Layer 1, has exceeded expectations in terms of scalability, following the implementation of updates such as Spectra y FusakaCurrently, transaction fees on the network remain very low, and developers are preparing new improvements, such as Glamsterdamwhich will allow for a significant expansion of gas limits, further strengthening the performance and scalability of the base chain.
Given this scenario, the founder of Ethereum proposes a renewed vision. Instead of viewing second-layer networks as mere extensions of the main chain, he proposes understanding them as a diverse set of specialized services that complement the Ethereum ecosystem. For him, this redefinition could open the door to a more flexible and cooperative model between Layer 1 and Layer 2, aimed at strengthening the blockchain network as a whole.
Buy ETH, the true engine of the crypto ecosystemThe end of the rollup-centric roadmap: A new opportunity for Layer 1
For years, the official narrative of the Ethereum Foundation held that the main network would function solely as a security and settlement layer, while Layer 2 solutions would handle the processing of the massive volume of transactionsHowever, Buterin recently admitted that this vision has encountered insurmountable technical and regulatory obstacles for many developers.
"The progress of L2s towards 'Stage 2' of decentralization has been much more difficult than expected."Buterin explained. At the same time, he indicated that "L1 itself is escalating, rates are very low, and gas limits are expected to increase considerably in 2026."
The "Stage 2" that Buterin refers to in his publication represents the highest level of autonomy, where a network does not depend on centralized security or multisignature boards to operate. According to the programmer, some L2 projects have even stated that they may never reach this level due to the control requirements of their own corporate clients or specific regulatory frameworks.
Paradoxically, while L2 networks struggle to decentralize, the main network itself of Ethereum has made progress in efficiency.Buterin emphasized that current tariffs are very low and that the planned increase in gas limits by 2026 will allow Layer 1, or the main network, to handle a significantly larger workload without the need for intermediaries.
Trade Ethereum from Bit2Me"L1 no longer needs L2s to be its only scaling fragments, because L1 itself is becoming that scaling engine.", said.
A new ecosystem: L2 as a spectrum of services specializing in Ethereum
Given this new scenario, Buterin proposes that Layer 2 networks cease to be seen as mandatory extensions of the main network and begin to be treated as a spectrum of options with varying levels of trust. Instead of simply extending Ethereum's capacity, the co-founder urged L2 developers to seek added value other than scalability.
Among the new features suggested for these secondary networks are enhanced privacy, specialized virtual machines not necessarily compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), ultra-low latency for high-frequency trading, and non-financial applications focused on identity and artificial intelligence.
"Don't just be a mirror of L1, look for something new to add."Buterin emphasized.
To facilitate this transition, Buterin revealed that he is increasingly convinced of the value of implementing native rollup precompilations in the base protocol. This would allow Ethereum to verify zero-knowledge tests (ZK-EVM) natively, reducing dependence on centralized bridges and allowing much smoother and more secure interoperability between different networks in the ecosystem.
Access Ethereum seamlesslyEthereum's path in 2026
To conclude his remarks, Buterin indicated that as Ethereum redefines its roadmap, the freedom developers will have will also bring new risks. In his view, building in a completely open environment could allow some solutions to exhibit security flaws or rely on trust mechanisms that compromise transparency. For him, the key is to embrace this reality maturely and clearly communicate what kind of guarantees each project offers, strengthening the foundation upon which the entire Ethereum ecosystem rests.
Looking ahead to 2026, the ecosystem is preparing for a scenario where Layer 1 regains its technical prominence. Layer 2 networks wishing to maintain their status must, at a minimum, reach "Stage 1" decentralization if they manage native Ethereum assets; otherwise, Buterin suggests they should be considered simply as sidechains with a bridge.
In general, this new approach paves the way to an era of more integrated compositionwhere the security of the base network is combined with the flexibility of its secondary layers to shape a more robust, coherent, and less fragmented blockchain ecosystem.
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