Vision #Ethereum is changing after Vitalik Buterin questioned whether universal Layer 2 rollups should be considered the main scaling method for the network.

Vitalik now believes that the original "rollup-focused" approach in the Layer 2 strategy "no longer makes sense" if #L2 do not continue to develop. He cites faster progress in Ethereum Layer 1 and weak decentralization of L2.
Major L2 teams like Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base are restructuring their projects, positioning themselves as specialized ecosystems rather than just "Ethereum, but cheaper." This shifts the role of ETH and L2 within the ecosystem.
It is important to monitor which L2s will improve security and find their unique niche, as well as how Ethereum updates (, such as built-in rollup support, will redistribute activity between L1 and L2.

Detailed Analysis

1. Vitalik's New Perspective on Layer 2

In recent publications and interviews, Vitalik Buterin stated that the initial idea of using rollups as the main scaling tool for Ethereum "no longer works" in its previous form, as the underlying assumptions have changed. He highlights two key changes: L2s are slowly reaching high levels of decentralization ), for example, "Stage 2" rollups (, and Ethereum Layer 1 is evolving — reducing fees, planning to increase the gas limit, and implementing built-in mechanisms for verifying rollup transactions at the blockchain level (rollup-centric roadmap).

Vitalik also criticizes "copy-paste" EVM networks and universal L2s, which mainly replicate existing solutions and depend on optimistic bridges with long withdrawal times. He calls this a "dead end" that hampers real innovation in copy-paste L2s.

What does this mean: Vitalik does not abandon L2s but raises the bar — they must justify their existence with unique capabilities and reliable security, not just cheap transaction space.

2. Changing Perceptions of ETH and L2

Vitalik explicitly states that the early strategy focusing on rollups "no longer makes sense" by 2026, linking this to slow L2 decentralization and improvements in Ethereum Layer 1. This undermines the old marketing narrative that "Ethereum must scale through rollups or fail."

L2 developers have responded by shifting their positioning. According to Cointelegraph, leaders like Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, and Starknet agree that rollups should evolve further, becoming not just cheaper versions of Ethereum but creating modular stacks, specialized application spaces, and improving trust models. Coindesk's analysis describes this as a transition from "Ethereum helpers" to independent platforms that use Ethereum only for final settlements, rather than as extensions of Ethereum.

For ETH holders, this shifts the narrative from "all growth will be on L2" to "Ethereum Layer 1 is getting stronger, and L2s compete to add unique value."

3. What to Watch Next

There are several important technical and conceptual points to monitor:

Security improvements: Will major L2s move from multi-signature bridges to more trusted and decentralized solutions that truly inherit Ethereum's security?
Specialization: Which L2s will find clear niches ), such as payments, gaming, institutional networks, privacy, AI tasks, etc. (, rather than just being universal "EVM chains"?
Ethereum Layer 1 development plan: How far will Ethereum advance in scaling ), such as increasing the gas limit, built-in rollup support (, and will this reduce the economic attractiveness of simple low-fee L2s?

What does this mean: If you follow ETH and the L2 ecosystem, the advantage will go to those L2s that ) clearly explain their trust model regarding Ethereum and ( offer unique capabilities unavailable on the mainnet.

Conclusion

Vitalik's comments signal a shift in the narrative: from "Ethereum must scale through rollups" to "Ethereum is evolving, and rollups must justify themselves through security and specialization." This does not exclude L2s from the ecosystem but changes the competitive landscape: simple copy-paste L2s appear vulnerable, while well-secured, specialized rollups and a stronger base layer of Ethereum can coexist.
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