Crypto glossary
Rollup stages (L2 maturity)
Rollup stages are a framework that rates layer 2s from stage 0 to stage 2 by how far their proofs, exits and upgrades are free from operator control.
The stages framework, proposed in 2022 and maintained by the analytics site L2BEAT, classifies rollups by how much users must trust their operators. Stage 0 means the system publishes data on-chain but can still be controlled entirely by a small group, often without working proofs. Stage 1 requires a functioning proof system, with a security council allowed to override it only under strict conditions. Stage 2 removes that override except for bugs provable on-chain, and gives users time to exit before any upgrade.
The framework turned vague claims of being a rollup into a checklist that users, investors and journalists can compare. Several large optimistic and ZK rollups reached stage 1 in 2024 and 2025, and stage changes are now treated as notable news.
Stages measure trust assumptions, not activity, fees or code quality, and a stage 2 rollup can still have bugs. Classifications change when teams upgrade contracts or alter council rules, so an old label can be wrong. Systems that do not post data on Ethereum, like validiums, are rated separately and fall outside the scale.
Example
After enabling permissionless fault proofs and limiting its security council's powers, a rollup is moved from stage 0 to stage 1 on L2BEAT's dashboard.