Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has publicly questioned the long-standing rollup-centric roadmap, signaling a potential change in how the network approaches scaling. His comments reflect growing concerns that Layer 2 networks have not decentralized at the pace originally expected, even as Ethereum’s base layer continues to advance technically.
Ethereum Rollups and the Decentralization Gap
The rollup-centric vision positioned Layer 2s as “branded shards” that would handle scalability while relying on Ethereum for security and censorship resistance. In practice, many rollups remain partially centralized. Buterin has previously outlined a decentralization framework ranging from Stage 0, where governance is heavily centralized, to Stage 2, representing full trustlessness. Despite dozens of active rollups, only a small number have reached Stage 1.
According to Buterin, delays stem from a mix of corporate incentives, unresolved technical challenges, and regulatory pressures. Some rollup teams have reportedly indicated they may never move beyond partial decentralization because maintaining control aligns better with their compliance obligations.
A Broader Role for Layer 2 Networks
Rather than discarding Layer 2s entirely, Buterin argues for redefining their role. He suggests viewing L2s as a spectrum, ranging from tightly Ethereum-aligned chains to more independent systems with specialized features such as privacy-focused virtual machines or app-specific architectures.
Renewed Focus on the Base Layer
At the same time, Ethereum’s base layer has continued to evolve, with developments like data availability improvements and the prospect of enshrined ZK-EVM proofs. These advances challenge the assumption that scaling must rely primarily on rollups.
Buterin’s reassessment does not end Ethereum’s Layer 2 ecosystem, but it reshapes expectations. Scaling alone is no longer enough; future networks will need clearer decentralization paths or unique technical value to justify their place in Ethereum’s evolving architecture.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.