Vitalik Buterin Calls for New Role for Ethereum L2s

• Fast L1 scaling and slow L2 stage 2 progress weaken the rollup centric roadmap as Ethereum no longer relies on L2s to scale.

• Buterin reframes L2s as a spectrum with different trust models where users choose by needs not uniform shard like rules.

• L2 builders should add value beyond scaling reach stage 1 for ETH assets and improve interoperability as gas limits rise.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has explained the role of layer-2 networks within Ethereum. He shared his views recently on X, addressing developers and users across the Ethereum ecosystem. According to Buterin, slow L2 progress and fast mainnet scaling now challenge earlier assumptions about Ethereum’s roadmap and L2 purpose.

Why the Original L2 Vision Is Under Pressure

Buterin said current discussions arise from two developments shaping Ethereum’s direction. First, L2s have progressed slowly toward stage 2 and full interoperability. Second, Ethereum’s mainnet continues scaling directly, with low fees and higher gas limits projected for 2026.

According to Buterin, these changes weaken the original rollup-centric vision. That model assumed Ethereum would rely on L2s as “branded shards.” However, he said Ethereum no longer depends on that structure because L1 scaling is advancing independently.

He also noted some L2s may never meet shard-like requirements. In some cases, regulatory needs require retained control, limiting decentralization. Buterin said such designs do not scale Ethereum as originally defined, though he acknowledged they may still serve users.

Rethinking How L2s Fit Into Ethereum

Buterin said Ethereum developers should stop viewing L2s as uniform extensions of L1. Instead, he described L2s as a spectrum of systems with varying security and integration levels. Users, he added, already choose networks based on specific needs rather than formal status.

He said some L2s can remain tightly secured by Ethereum. Others may operate with looser connections and different trust models. Notably, he stressed that Ethereum’s growth on L1 makes room for this flexibility.

He also confirmed Ethereum plans significant gas limit increases this year and beyond. These changes further reduce pressure on L2s to act solely as scaling tools.

What Buterin Advises L2 Builders to Do Now

Buterin outlined several paths for L2 teams. He said L2s should add value beyond scaling, including specialized virtual machines or non-financial applications. Some, he said, may pursue extreme throughput beyond expanded L1 limits.

He also said any L2 handling ETH or Ethereum-issued assets should reach stage 1 at minimum. Otherwise, he said, the network functions like an independent chain with a bridge.

Additionally, Buterin noted the importance of interoperability. He acknowledged that integration will vary, especially for non-EVM systems. He also discussed a native rollup precompile, which could support secure verification and composability directly on Ethereum.