Vitalik recently addressed an important topic that has long been overdue in the L2 space: the entire copy-paste mentality within the ecosystem is gradually becoming a problem.

What’s it about? Many new Layer-2 projects are essentially just building the same thing—a chain compatible with the EVM, with an optimistic bridge, and a one-week delay. This has become as standard as forking Compound Governance in the early DeFi days. Instead of creating real innovations, they simply copy what already works. The result is an ecosystem that prioritizes convenience over creativity.

Buterin’s core point: We don’t need more of these copy-paste solutions. Ethereum itself is becoming faster and cheaper. The base layer is already scaling better than before, and soon it will offer significantly more block space. This greatly weakens the traditional justification for rollups—that is, “Ethereum, but cheaper.”

What particularly bothers him is the marketing discrepancy. Projects present themselves as closely connected to Ethereum but practically operate as independent networks. Having a bridge doesn’t automatically make a chain part of Ethereum’s core infrastructure. The messaging should reflect reality.

Which directions does Vitalik see as legitimate? He mentions two models: First, tightly coupled, application-specific systems where Ethereum remains central for settlement, accounts, or verification—the execution happens elsewhere. Second, institutional or application-driven chains that write cryptographic proofs or state commitments back to Ethereum. These are not Ethereum itself but can achieve similar transparency and verification goals.

Reactions have emerged in the L2 space: Arbitrum CEO Steven Goldfeder emphasizes that his network should be seen as a close ally, not as Ethereum itself. Base CEO Jesse Pollak argues that rollups need to offer more than just low fees. Polygon and others interpret Buterin’s critique less as an existential threat and more as a call for clearer positioning—L2s should clearly define their true value.

This is actually an important debate. Not all L2s are the same, and not all deserve the same connection to Ethereum. The copy-paste mentality must end. Those who truly want to innovate need to show what sets them apart—not just be another standard chain.