Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has stated that numerous new Layer 2 (L2) networks are simply repeating basic design patterns. He argues this trend is stalling meaningful advancements towards Ethereum’s scaling goals.

His remarks add to the ongoing discussion regarding whether the existing L2 ecosystem genuinely supports Ethereum’s fundamental scaling objectives.

No More “Copypasta” EVM Chains

In a post on February 5 on X, Buterin asserted that ease and familiarity—not technical necessity—are motivating many L2 projects. This results in copy-paste frameworks that contribute little beyond basic Ethereum compatibility.

The developer compared decisions about infrastructure to governance practices, pointing out that creating yet another EVM chain and attaching “an optimistic bridge to Ethereum with a one-week delay” has become commonplace, akin to how forking Compound once dominated governance in DAOs.

“That’s something we’ve done far too much for far too long, because we got comfortable, and which has sapped our imagination and put us in a dead end,” Buterin noted.

He was also quite direct regarding alternative designs that completely eliminate Ethereum bridges.

“If you make an EVM chain without an optimistic bridge to Ethereum, that’s even worse,” he remarked, adding, “We don’t friggin need more copypasta EVM chains, and we definitely don’t need even more L1s.”

Buterin emphasized that Ethereum’s base layer is already scaling and will continue to expand EVM block space through 2026, yet it will have limits. He mentioned that certain applications, particularly those related to AI, might still need reduced latency or specialized execution environments. In his view, these requirements should guide developers towards truly innovative structures rather than modified copies.

Matching “Vibes” With Real Ethereum Connection

Buterin’s critique builds on previous comments suggesting that many L2s no longer align with the original concept of scaling Ethereum because they do not sufficiently inherit its security.

He claimed Ethereum does not need L2s to function as branded shards, especially given that mainnet fees are decreasing while gas limits are increasing.

In his latest message, the 32-year-old insisted that public positioning should mirror technical truths. “Vibes need to match substance,” he stated, criticizing projects that present themselves as closely tied to Ethereum while merely treating that relationship casually.

The co-founder of the blockchain described two reasonable models. One involves an app chain that deeply relies on Ethereum—like prediction markets that settle and manage accounts on the L1 while executing on a rollup. The other he termed “institutional L2s,” where entities like governmental registries provide cryptographic proofs on-chain for transparency, even if they lack complete trustlessness or credibility.

“If you’re the first thing, it’s valid and great to call yourself an Ethereum application,” Buterin explained. “If you’re the second thing, then you’re not Ethereum… so you should just say those things directly.”