Buterin: Ethereum ‘No Longer Needs’ Layer‑2 Crutches as Base Layer Scales

Vitalik Buterin told the community that Layer‑2 (L2) solutions were originally positioned to scale Ethereum, but that framing “no longer makes sense” as the Ethereum base layer has begun to provide larger block space and improved scaling capacity ^[1][2][4].

Buterin argued that many L2s have fallen short of the full trustlessness and decentralization once envisioned, and that their technical progress has been slower than expected, prompting a reassessment of their role relative to L1 security ^[1][2][4].

Reporting from industry outlets highlights the contrast between rising activity on some L2 networks and a decline in the value those networks secure on‑chain, a dynamic that underpins calls to rethink L2 strategy ^[3].

Buterin’s comments have led to calls for evolving Ethereum’s L2 vision to align with the base layer’s growth rather than relying on the original L2‑centric model ^[4][1][2].

Stakeholders and developers are being urged to reconsider how L2s fit into Ethereum’s scaling roadmap as the network’s foundational capacity changes, according to multiple reports summarizing Buterin’s remarks ^[1][4].