Vitalik Buterin Criticizes Ethereum L2 "Copypasta" Chains

Vitalik Buterin publicly criticized the proliferation of copycat Ethereum layer-2 networks on February 5, arguing that many simply replicate existing EVM chains with standard bridges instead of innovating. "We don't need more copypasta EVM chains," Buterin wrote, emphasizing that Ethereum itself is now scaling directly on layer-1.

The Ethereum co-founder noted that progress among layer-2s toward later stages of decentralization has been slower and more difficult than expected. Meanwhile, Ethereum mainnet fees have remained low and gas limits are expected to increase significantly throughout 2026.

This marks a significant pivot from Ethereum's long-held rollup-centric roadmap that positioned layer-2 networks as the primary scaling solution. Buterin endorsed two promising models for future development: tightly coupled app-specific systems that rely on Ethereum for key functions, and institutional or application-driven chains that post cryptographic proofs back to Ethereum.

The timing is notable as Buterin recently announced the Ethereum Foundation is entering a period of "mild austerity" and sold approximately 2,900 ETH worth $6.6 million over three days.

Layer-2 projects like Arbitrum and Optimism may need to differentiate their value propositions as Ethereum mainnet becomes more capable. Watch for responses from L2 teams and any changes to their development roadmaps in the coming weeks.