TLDR
- Buterin pushes L2s to evolve as Ethereum base layer grows stronger
- Ethereum shift forces rollups to rethink scaling-first strategy
- L2 teams respond as Buterin demands deeper decentralization
- Rollups face new pressure to add value beyond cheap transactions
- Ethereum enters new phase as Buterin resets L2 expectations
Ethereum’s roadmap entered a new phase this week as Buterin pushed for a revised role for layer-2 networks. His comments signaled a major shift because the base layer now supports higher throughput and upcoming native rollup features. He argued that L2s must evolve as decentralization progress remains slower than expected.
Layer-2 Teams Respond as Buterin Signals Strategic Shift
Buterin outlined concerns about L2 security structures because many networks still rely on multisig bridges. He noted that Ethereum’s base layer now handles more activity through improved gas limits, and this development reshapes earlier scaling assumptions. His remarks highlighted gaps in decentralization across the broader ecosystem.
Teams behind leading rollups reacted quickly, and they acknowledged that L2 roles are expanding beyond lower fees. They addressed the challenges Buterin raised and emphasized ongoing work on proofs, governance and cross-chain tooling. Their views differed on whether scaling should remain central as L2s mature.
Karl Floersch from Optimism said his team continues building a stack that supports many decentralization paths. He recognized issues involving long withdrawal windows and incomplete Stage 2 systems, and he noted that secure proofs still require improvement. He supported Buterin’s push for native precompiles that simplify verification inside Ethereum.
Arbitrum and Base Defend Scaling Focus While Aligning With New Direction
Arbitrum’s team stressed that scaling remains essential even as L2 purposes broaden. They argued that Buterin highlighted valid concerns, yet they maintained that L2 throughput still surpasses what Ethereum can currently deliver. They stated that strong settlement on Ethereum continues enabling advanced rollup design.
Stephen Goldfeder said the network values Ethereum’s security because it supports high-volume activity. He added that periods of elevated traffic have shown L2 capacity far above L1 limits, and this reinforces their approach. He warned that some companies may build separate chains if Ethereum resists rollup growth.
Base leadership welcomed Buterin’s shift because it encourages stronger application layers. They pointed to growth efforts that target broader onboarding and new developer tools, and they emphasized their transition toward Stage 2. They said features like account abstraction and privacy upgrades match the path Buterin described.
Specialized Designs Gain Momentum as Buterin Urges New L2 Positioning
StarkWare reacted briefly, yet the message suggested that some ZK networks already follow the model Buterin outlined. They indicated that specialized architectures create unique environments beyond simple scaling, and this aligns with emerging expectations. Their response reflected a growing push for non-EVM and advanced cryptographic systems.
Buterin stated that L2s must progress to Stage 1 at minimum because weaker guarantees resemble external chains. He said networks should aim for distinct value beyond lower transaction costs, and this includes privacy, app-specific designs and new execution models. He emphasized that extreme scaling still fits within the ecosystem when paired with trustless structures.
Ethereum now faces a transitional phase as Buterin redefines expectations for L2 growth. He outlined a broad spectrum of designs that balance direct Ethereum alignment with independent features, and these ideas support long-term evolution. The community continues adapting as the network strengthens both its foundation and its rollup ecosystem.
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