The comments mark a significant shift in Ethereums scaling narrative, which for years positioned layer-2 solutions like Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base as the primary path to handling more transactions at lower costs.

Buterins critique focuses on the decentralization problem that has plagued L2 networks. While these solutions successfully reduced fees and increased throughput, most remain highly centralized in their operation, relying on small teams to run sequencers and manage upgrades.

"The roadmap in place doesnt make as much sense because progress among layer-2s toward later stages of decentralization has been slower and more difficult, and Ethereum itself is now scaling directly on layer-1," Buterin stated.

The message will likely unsettle the multibillion-dollar L2 ecosystem, where projects have raised significant capital promising to extend Ethereums capabilities. It suggests the base layer may eventually absorb much of the functionality these projects were built to provide.