TL;DR
- Vitalik Buterin recognized that the rollup-based scaling plan advanced much slower than expected and that many Layer 2 networks remain centralized.
- He proposed a new direction that strengthens the Ethereum base layer while redefining the role of L2 solutions.
- The debate highlights a broader pro-crypto discussion about how Ethereum can scale without losing decentralization or innovation.
Ethereum cofounder Vitalik Buterin signals that the model guiding development for years requires adjustments. He stated that L2 decentralization progressed far slower than early projections while the Ethereum base layer delivered concrete upgrades. The comments mark a shift in how the ecosystem views its future growth.
There have recently been some discussions on the ongoing role of L2s in the Ethereum ecosystem, especially in the face of two facts:
* L2s' progress to stage 2 (and, secondarily, on interop) has been far slower and more difficult than originally expected
* L1 itself is scaling,…— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) February 3, 2026
The original roadmap expected rollups to handle most transactions and later settle on Ethereum. That structure promised lower fees and higher capacity without weakening the security of the main chain. The market evolved in another way. Dozens of rollups launched, yet only a few reached real governance independence. At the same time, developers improved Ethereum with better data availability, blob enhancements and research on native ZK-EVM proofs.
Competition from other blockchains influenced the review. Solana and similar networks promoted integrated scaling and questioned fragmentation. Those arguments gained attention through 2024 and 2025 and pushed Ethereum researchers to reconsider priorities. Buterin now describes L2 systems as a broad spectrum of tools with different levels of connection to Ethereum rather than uniform shards.
Ethereum Rollup Strategy And The New Direction
The updated vision keeps rollups at the center but introduces stricter expectations. Buterin argued that every serious L2 should reach at least Stage 1 decentralization, where fault proofs operate without a single company controlling upgrades. Networks that remain below that level would resemble independent chains linked by bridges instead of true extensions of Ethereum.
Several factors slowed the transition. Some operators fear that full automation could create regulatory exposure or technical risk. Others prefer to protect business models before opening governance. Even with those concerns, many teams continue to build permissionless sequencers and open proving systems that align with Ethereum values.
Base Layer Innovation Gains Weight
Advances on Ethereum itself changed the balance of power. PeerDAS and blob improvements expanded throughput, and enshrined ZK-EVM verification offered a path to scale directly on Layer 1. These steps reduced the need to rely only on external networks.
The discussion preserves a pro-crypto outlook on modular design. Buterin noted that specialized L2 platforms can still provide privacy features, non-EVM environments and ultra-low latency services that the base chain may not target. Builders read the message as an invitation to compete through technology rather than branding.
