Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has issued a pivotal rethink regarding the role of Layer 2 (L2) networks within the Ethereum ecosystem. With the recent advancements in Ethereum’s mainnet technology, including significant upgrades that have made it faster, cheaper, and more scalable, Buterin asserts that L2 solutions should no longer be viewed as the primary scaling avenue for the network.
In a recent announcement, Buterin pointed out that the Ethereum mainnet has reached new heights in transaction capacity due to an increase in the gas limit from 60 million to 80 million, effective January 2026. This boost has led to a marked decline in L2 usage, with new data revealing that monthly active addresses on L2 networks plummeted by nearly 50% from mid-2025 to February 2026. Concurrently, the ethereal base layer witnessed a surge, seeing user activity rise from 7 million to 15 million.
Buterin’s insights reflect a significant pivot in the ecosystem, where the benefits of improved mainnet performance are drawing users back to Layer 1 for their transactions. Former Consensys researcher Max Resnick’s prior arguments supporting direct scaling on L1 have found new validation with Buterin’s updated vision.
However, the realities faced by many existing L2 projects are sobering. Several L2 networks are struggling to achieve the necessary trustless integration, and some operators have admitted that they may not advance beyond initial development stages due to regulatory constraints that necessitate centralized control over transactions. Buterin criticized this trend, stating, “If you create a 10,000 TPS EVM where its connection to L1 is mediated by a multisig bridge, then you are not scaling Ethereum.” His remarks emphasize the importance of maintaining Ethereum-level security while exploring throughput capabilities.
As L2 networks face scrutiny, market trends are indicative of a return to Ethereum’s mainnet. With a decline in L2 token values—dropping by 15% to 30% in January 2026—there is growing pressure on L2 developers to adapt and differentiate their value propositions. Moving forward, Buterin advocates for a redirection of focus towards distinct features beyond just scaling, suggesting the exploration of privacy-centric virtual machines, application-specific systems, and non-financial use cases that can enrich the Ethereum landscape.
Buterin’s endorsement of native rollups as integral to Ethereum’s scaling strategy is noteworthy. He envisions a protocol-level implementation embedded directly in Ethereum, which would allow for safe verification of zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, ensuring such upgrades occur seamlessly with the mainnet. His call to action urges L2 developers to find their unique contributions to the Ethereum network, stating, “What would I do today if I were an L2? Identify a value add other than scaling.”
The response from the Ethereum community has been largely supportive, with many acknowledging Buterin’s candid reflections as a progressive step towards better governance and adaptability. Users have voiced their approval on social media platforms, noting the importance of fostering a feedback mechanism within Ethereum’s development sphere. Meanwhile, investment communities have reacted to these developments, recalibrating their expectations surrounding L2 token markets as the focus shifts back to strengthening Ethereum’s foundational layer.
The ongoing integration of zkEVM solutions and innovative infrastructure tools underscores the critical need for L2 developers to reassess their long-term strategies. Ethereum’s evolution hinges on a commitment to differentiation, trustless design, and enhanced integration with the robust base layer—heralding a new era for the network.
