Solana Layer-1 vs Layer-2 Sparks Heated Blockchain Debate

Key Points

• Solana Layer-1 vs Layer-2 Sparks Heated Blockchain Debate
• Anatoly Yakovenko says Solana’s Layer-1 is enough for scaling
• Claims L2s add unnecessary complexity and security risks
• Solana to use Filecoin for offloading historical blockchain data
• Debate heats up as Ethereum pushes L2 adoption to lower costs

Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko has thrown shade at Layer-2 (L2) solutions, reigniting a hot debate about blockchain scalability. He argues that Solana’s Layer-1 (L1) is already built for performance and doesn’t need L2s to scale.

Responding to Ethereum developer rip.eth on X (formerly Twitter), Yakovenko didn’t hold back. While rip.eth praised L2s for being faster, cheaper, and more secure, Yakovenko fired back, claiming that L1s can match or exceed those benefits—without the added risks and complexity.

There is no reason to build an L2.

L1s can be faster, cheaper, and more secure.

They aren’t slowed down by a glacially moving L1 data availability stack, or have to compromise security with complex fraud proofs and upgrade multisigs. https://t.co/Ov3YAfz9U4

— toly 🇺🇸 (@aeyakovenko) March 23, 2025

He highlighted that L2s rely heavily on the underlying L1 for data availability and fraud proofs, often needing multisigs for upgrades. These dependencies, he said, introduce new attack surfaces and operational challenges that don’t exist in a well-optimized L1 like Solana.

This conversation kicked off after rip.eth shared their support for Eclipse, an L2 using Solana’s Virtual Machine (SVM) but securing its transactions on Ethereum. To rip.eth, this setup offers the best of both worlds—Solana’s speed and Ethereum’s decentralization. But Yakovenko wasn’t buying it.

He believes the real path forward lies in maximizing what an L1 can do. According to him, Solana’s architecture already handles high throughput efficiently and doesn’t need a second layer to scale.

Scaling Debate Grows as L2 Adoption Booms

The argument didn’t stop with speed and security. A user named Marty McFly questioned how Solana plans to handle blockchain bloat as the network stores more data over time.

Yakovenko shared that Solana generates around 80 terabytes of data per year. While this is small for businesses, it can be large for individuals. Critics noted that Solana’s state rent mechanism—which is supposed to manage old, unused data—isn’t currently active.

Alan, another X user, asked what Solana plans to do about this inactive feature. Yakovenko responded that the team intends to offload historical data to decentralized storage networks like Filecoin (FIL). This would allow Solana to store its full ledger without burdening individual nodes or users.

Meanwhile, Ethereum is continuing its push for L2 adoption. As reported in Ethereum’s transaction fee revenue, fees on the Ethereum network are dropping thanks to the growing usage of L2 solutions like Arbitrum and Optimism. These rollups let Ethereum scale efficiently, reducing costs and congestion on the mainnet.

Even Binance founder CZ joined the debate, asking whether AI projects should live on L1 or L2. The same question of complexity versus scalability applies to these use cases too.

Solana generates a measly amount of data. Like 80TB per year so far. It’s just not enough data to build a business around, but too much for any individual to easily store.

— toly 🇺🇸 (@aeyakovenko) March 23, 2025

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Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has also shared his thoughts. While he previously warned that some L2s could fail due to weak economics or bad security models, he now supports a hybrid roadmap—using both L1 and L2 enhancements to scale Ethereum in 2025 and beyond.

what is Solana’s plan to offload unused storage given the current state rent mechanism is not turned on?

— alan ⚡💵 (@0xalank) March 23, 2025

Yakovenko, on the other hand, remains firm that the best way to scale is by pushing L1 to its limits, not by adding layers on top. This marks a growing divide in the crypto space. Some believe L2s are essential. Others, like Yakovenko, think they’re an unnecessary workaround.

A Bigger Shift in Blockchain Strategy Worldwide

Yakovenko’s remarks also come at a time when countries are taking new approaches to blockchain infrastructure and regulation. For example, Pakistan’s move toward crypto legalization reflects a growing global interest in efficient, scalable networks like Solana. With more governments opening up to crypto, the underlying tech choices—L1 vs. L2—could shape adoption patterns.

At the same time, centralized and decentralized platforms are tightening their security. As seen in the recent Coinbase supply chain attack attempt, even minor system flaws can be exploited, adding fuel to Yakovenko’s argument that added layers could increase vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile, stablecoins continue to evolve. Tether’s massive US Treasury bonds bet surpassing $33 billion signals a shift toward stronger compliance and transparency. Projects focused on a strong L1 foundation may find it easier to comply with future regulations.

And as market sentiment continues to swing, analysts are closely watching 5 US events that could shift Bitcoin trends. In this environment, a scalable and secure base layer could be the key to long-term network resilience.