The Layer-2s: From Sidekicks to Stars – A Dramatic Shift in Ethereum’s Grand Play!

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Finance

What to know:

  • For years, Ethereum’s layer-2 networks have marketed themselves as extensions of Ethereum itself, like a particularly needy pet.
  • But following some rather audacious musings from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, those same teams are now singing a different tune: “Rollups? Oh darling, they’re not Ethereum at all!”
  • Instead of signaling an existential crisis, our brave layer-2 leaders claim that Ethereum’s glow-up is simply pushing them to put on their big girl pants and stand on their own two feet.

Once upon a time, Ethereum’s layer-2 networks were the loyal sidekicks, always ready to swoop in and save the day. “Arbitrum is Ethereum,” chirped Offchain Labs co-founder Steven Goldfeder on X in March 2024. “Base is Ethereum,” echoed Coinbase’s layer-2 team in April 2025, practically twirling in delight.

However, after a cheeky remark from dear Vitalik questioning if Ethereum even needed a designated layer-2 roadmap, these erstwhile extensions are now declaring: “Not us, sweetheart! We’re fabulous all on our own!”

Goldfeder, bless his heart, shifted his stance dramatically post-Buterin, announcing on X: “Arbitrum is not Ethereum.” What a twist!

“It’s a core part of the ecosystem, yes indeed, a close-knit ally, but let’s be honest, it’s not the belle of the ball,” he added in a rather revealing post.

Buterin’s comments hinted that as Ethereum becomes quicker and thriftier, the need for layer-2s might be waning-oh, the drama! This has reignited the age-old debate over whether rollups will fade into the background as the base layer struts its stuff.

Layer-2 networks were once the darlings of Ethereum’s roadmap, designed to scale by processing transactions off the main blockchain-like a good understudy taking the stage while the star enjoys a well-earned break.

This debate isn’t merely academic, darling. Several layer-2 networks are now guarding billions in user funds, making them quite the heavyweights in crypto. Coinbase-backed Base boasts about $4 billion in total value locked, while Arbitrum flaunts more than $2 billion, according to DefiLlama data. Quite the posh affair!

‘Less relevant’

But wait, our layer-2 luminaries insist this moment is being misconstrued. They proclaim, with all the flair of a Shakespearean actor, that Ethereum’s evolution is not a harbinger of doom but rather a nudge to clarify their purpose and step into the limelight!

Ben Fisch of the Espresso Foundation chimed in, suggesting Buterin’s remarks indicate a refined perspective on Ethereum’s scaling strategy-how positively avant-garde!

“I think Vitalik’s post is very much in line with the idea that, ‘The whole purpose of layer-2s was to scale Ethereum. Now we’re making Ethereum speedier, so perhaps they’re becoming less relevant,’” Fisch mused to CoinDesk, as if contemplating the meaning of life over a fine cup of tea.

Yet, Fisch hastily dismissed notions of rollups becoming extinct. “I see this as the dawn of layer-2s flourishing independently from Ethereum,” he declared, full of optimism.

“A layer-2 may utilize Ethereum as a service, but darling, it’s certainly not chained to Ethereum’s every whim,” he added with a wink.

This sentiment is gaining traction among those fanciful layer-2 leaders! Base, Coinbase’s layer-2, welcomed enhancements at the base layer, with Jesse Pollak, the head honcho, proclaiming Ethereum scaling as “a win for the entire ecosystem,” while insisting that rollups must do more than just offer bargain prices.

“Moving forward, L2s can’t just be ‘Ethereum but cheaper,’” Pollak stated, as if unveiling a new fashion line.

Polygon CEO Marc Boiron echoed this sentiment, claiming that Polygon would shift its focus primarily to payments, asserting that Buterin’s comments weren’t about abandoning rollups, but rather elevating expectations. How thrilling!

“Vitalik’s point was not that rollups are a gaffe, but that mere scaling won’t suffice,” Boiron noted, sounding rather sage. “The real challenge is to create unique blockspace catering to practical applications like payments, where cost, reliability, and consistency matter. Quite the trifecta!”

Others have taken it a step further, comparing rollups to independent entities rather than mere offshoots of Ethereum. Jing Wang, co-founder of the Optimism Foundation and CEO of OP Labs, likened layer-2s to bespoke websites tailored to individual needs. How very modern!

“L2s are websites. Every company will have its own, customized to its needs. Ethereum is merely an open settlement standard,” Wang elaborated, sounding like the architect of a digital utopia. “It’s crucial for Ethereum to maintain those foundational values to allow L2s the freedom to innovate.”

In summary, while Buterin’s post has stirred the waters about the role of layer-2s, leaders across the ecosystem perceive it more as a delightful transition than a catastrophic threat. It’s a charming dance of branding and ambition, one where rollups are learning to embrace their true identities in this grand performance!

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2026-02-04 21:09