Vitalik Buterin plans 10X Ethereum layer 1 scaling by mid-2026, emphasizing cautious upgrades to boost speed and efficiency.
After months of debate, Vitalik Buterin announced that Ethereum’s layer 1 will scale by 10X in just over a year, maintaining the network’s decentralization.
Vitalik Buterin Outlines Ethereum Layer 1 Scaling Roadmap
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin clarified the network’s short-term plans, revealing ambitious layer 1 scalability goals during a panel at ETHGlobal Prague.
Buterin confirmed a plan to boost Ethereum’s layer 1 capacity by 10X “within a year or so.” While aiming for this timeline, he cautioned against rushing the process.
He believes scaling layer 1 over slightly more than a year is optimal, allowing time for necessary improvements in execution and networking.
Buterin emphasized that the extended timeline ensures Ethereum can monitor decentralization metrics, address loose ends, enhance censorship resistance, and improve the EVM.
“This will be a good moment to pause and ensure our decentralization properties are solid,” Buterin stated.
He has previously supported stateless nodes during scaling efforts to preserve user privacy and network decentralization.
Growing Calls for Layer 1 Scaling Intensify
Following a weak Q1 2025, marked by declining ETH prices and on-chain activity, prominent voices have pushed for urgent layer 1 scaling. Ethereum researcher Dankrad Feist warned that the network faces serious risks without a 100X scalability increase within five years.
Feist argues that such aggressive scaling would preserve Ethereum’s privacy and decentralization. He views commitment to this plan as a bold response to the network’s challenges.
In contrast, Buterin advocates a cautious approach, believing a measured timeline ensures safer scaling. Despite waning institutional interest, renewed focus on layer 1 scaling sparks enthusiasm among corporations. SharpLink Gaming’s $2 billion raise to acquire Ethereum, alongside BTSC and ETFs, reflects growing corporate interest.
As discussions around Ethereum’s scaling intensify, ETH aims to hit $3,000 to reverse Q1 2025 losses.
