Ethereum Scaling Solution R1 Launches! Focused on No Token Fundraising, the New Generation of L2 Emphasizes Decentralization and Public Welfare
Recently, a group of independent developers launched a new L2 scaling solution called “Ethereum R1”. Notably, this solution does not issue tokens, does not raise funds, and has no centralized governance, relying entirely on community donations for support. It emphasizes a return to the essence of scaling. This initiative reflects the community’s concerns about the increasing departure of mainstream L2 solutions from the spirit of decentralization.
Ethereum R1: A Non-Traditional L2 Approach with No Private Sales or Governance Tokens, Solely Dependent on Donations
R1 is initiated by a group of developers within the Ethereum ecosystem, but it is not affiliated with the Ethereum Foundation. The project was announced on Twitter (X) on May 1, asserting:
“A universal L2 should be simple, replaceable, free from centralized dependence, and devoid of risk governance.”
The team further criticized the issues with most current L2 solutions, such as private token distribution, opaque governance, and centralized operations. These have caused L2s, originally created for Ethereum scaling, to resemble “new public chains” rather than scaling solutions for Ethereum.
Post-Cancun Upgrade: Mainnet Transaction Fees Plummet by 99%, Community Questions If L2 Is Undermining Base Value
Looking back at March 2024, Ethereum underwent the Cancun (Dencun) upgrade, significantly reducing L2 transaction fees. While this was beneficial for users, it also led to a dramatic drop in Ethereum mainnet revenue by 99% in September. By April 2025, the average transaction fee on the mainnet had dropped to approximately $0.16, marking a five-year low.
As Ethereum’s transaction fees are dynamically adjusted based on “usage demand” and “network traffic”, a decline in mainnet traffic results in a substantial revenue decrease, prompting many observers to question:
“Is the growth of L2 built on the sacrifice of the mainnet?”
Divided Community Opinions and Ongoing Debates on L2 Scaling Solutions
Although some critique this model for marginalizing the mainnet, others in the industry view Ethereum’s L2 scaling solutions as an advantage:
“Compared to a single chain needing to bear all functionalities, Ethereum, through L2, offers more options for users to choose scaling solutions that fit their needs.”
Is Ethereum R1 an Ideal Return or a Real-World Challenge?
The emergence of Ethereum R1 can be seen as a response to the current L2 ecosystem’s “loss of decentralization spirit”. It operates without tokens, fundraising, or even a governance structure, relying on donations, emphasizing neutrality, simplicity, and resistance to censorship, attracting considerable attention.
However, in a capital-driven, token-dominated Web3 world, will the absence of token issuance position it as a refreshing stream or a marginal entity? This confrontation of technology and ideology is just beginning.
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