EthereumLayer1

Ethereum Layer 1 to scale 10x by mid-2026. 
Partially stateless nodes to boost gas limits. Pectra upgrade doubled blob capacity, cut fees. Scaling may reduce reliance on Layer 2 solutions. Ethereum to evaluate performance post-upgrade. 
Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum’s co-founder, announced plans to scale Ethereum Layer 1 by tenfold within the next year and a few months. This upgrade, revealed on June 1, 2025, aims to significantly increase transaction speed and network capacity. The move follows the recent Pectra upgrade, which enhanced Ethereum’s scalability and usability.
Buterin’s statement underscores Ethereum’s focus on improving its base layer. The goal is to process transactions faster while preserving security and decentralization. This scaling effort builds on the Pectra upgrade, completed on May 7, 2025, which introduced key improvements like increased blob capacity and smarter wallets.
Scaling Ethereum Layer 1
The proposed 10x scaling targets a dramatic boost in Ethereum Layer 1 transaction throughput. Buterin highlighted the need for the base layer to handle higher volumes efficiently. He outlined a timeline of just over a year, projecting completion by mid-2026.
A key component is the introduction of partially stateless nodes, proposed by Buterin on May 19, 2025. These nodes would enable a gas limit increase of 10 to 100 times, reducing storage demands for full nodes. This change aims to make node operation simpler while supporting higher transaction loads.
The Pectra upgrade laid groundwork for this ambition. It doubled blob capacity for Layer 2 solutions, reducing fees and congestion. It also raised the validator staking limit from 32 ETH to 2,048 ETH, streamlining operations. These changes set the stage for further Layer 1 enhancements.
Impact on Ethereum’s Ecosystem
Scaling Ethereum Layer 1 could reshape its role in blockchain technology. Faster base-layer transactions may reduce dependence on Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum or Optimism. This could attract developers to build directly on Layer 1, enhancing decentralized application performance.
Lower gas fees during peak usage are another potential benefit. The Pectra upgrade already reduced Layer 2 fees, and further Layer 1 scaling could make Ethereum more cost-effective for users. Buterin noted that Ethereum will pause after this upgrade to evaluate performance before planning future steps.
The Pectra upgrade faced challenges, including testnet issues on Sepolia and Holesky. Developers resolved these through a dedicated Hoodi testnet, ensuring a stable mainnet launch. This cautious approach reflects Ethereum’s commitment to reliability as it pursues ambitious scaling goals.
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