Rollup L1s Defecting: Why Ethereum's Ecosystem Is Attracting Layer-1 Chains Instead

Introduction: The Feared Narrative of Rollup L1s Defecting

The cryptocurrency ecosystem has long speculated about the possibility of rollup layer-1 (L1) networks defecting from Ethereum’s ecosystem. Concerns centered around Ethereum’s rollup-centric roadmap potentially driving projects toward sovereign L1 chains, leading to ecosystem fragmentation. However, the reality has unfolded in a surprising direction. Instead of rollups defecting, independent L1 chains are increasingly migrating to Ethereum as layer-2 (L2) solutions, leveraging its robust security, vibrant community, and unparalleled network effects.

Ethereum’s Rollup-Centric Roadmap: A Magnet for Innovation

Ethereum’s rollup-centric roadmap is a strategic blueprint designed to scale the network while preserving decentralization. By prioritizing rollups, Ethereum achieves faster transactions, lower fees, and enhanced scalability without compromising its foundational principles. This approach has positioned Ethereum as a magnet for projects seeking to benefit from its shared security and settlement layer.

Why Independent L1 Chains Are Migrating to Ethereum as L2 Solutions

Contrary to fears of defection, several independent L1 chains have opted to migrate to Ethereum as L2 solutions. This trend underscores Ethereum’s growing gravitational pull within the blockchain ecosystem. Projects like Celo and Lisk have transitioned to Ethereum, leveraging its infrastructure to scale operations while retaining their unique features.

Case Study: Celo’s Transition to an OP Stack Rollup

Celo, originally an independent L1 chain, recently transitioned to an OP Stack rollup, utilizing EigenDA for data availability. This migration allowed Celo to maintain its distinctive features, such as 1-block finality and sub-cent gas fees, while benefiting from Ethereum’s robust security and ecosystem.

Key Metrics and Growth Outcomes

Celo’s migration has delivered remarkable results:

• 600,000 daily active users

• Over $1 billion in monthly stablecoin volume

• 365% increase in protocol revenue

These metrics highlight the transformative potential of integrating with Ethereum’s network effects and shared security.

Case Study: Lisk’s Migration to Ethereum

Lisk followed a similar trajectory, migrating its LSK token to Ethereum and relaunching as an OP Stack rollup. This move was accompanied by a strategic campaign, “DAO Season 1,” which successfully engaged a broad user base.

Key Metrics and Growth Outcomes

Lisk’s migration resulted in:

• 277,000 new accounts

• 48 million transactions

These figures demonstrate the significant growth opportunities available to projects aligning with Ethereum’s ecosystem.

The Benefits of Ethereum’s Security, Community, and Network Effects

Ethereum’s shared security model ensures that projects migrating to its ecosystem benefit from robust protection against attacks. Additionally, Ethereum’s vibrant developer community and extensive resources provide unparalleled support for innovation and adoption.

Real-World Applications Driving Adoption

Projects like Celo have leveraged Ethereum’s infrastructure to drive real-world applications. For instance, MiniPay, a mobile-first financial access solution integrated with Opera’s browser, showcases Ethereum’s scalability and relevance in emerging markets. These use cases highlight Ethereum’s ability to support impactful solutions in underserved regions.

Rollup-to-Layer-1 Defections vs. Layer-1-to-Layer-2 Migrations

While the narrative of rollups defecting to sovereign L1 chains has been a concern, the actual trend reveals the opposite. Major rollups like Arbitrum, Base, OP Mainnet, and zkSync continue to anchor themselves to Ethereum, reinforcing its central role in the blockchain ecosystem.

Exception: DYdX’s Move to Cosmos

One notable exception is DYdX, which transitioned to a Cosmos appchain. However, this remains an outlier, as the majority of projects continue to gravitate toward Ethereum’s ecosystem.

Ethereum’s Role in Scaling Technology and Decentralization

Ethereum’s shared security and settlement core are driving key advancements, including:

• Cheaper transaction fees

• Increased stablecoin liquidity

• Enhanced on-chain user experiences

These factors make Ethereum an attractive option for projects seeking scalability and decentralization.

Impact on Emerging Markets

The migration of L1 chains to Ethereum signals its growing influence, particularly in emerging markets. Solutions like MiniPay are enabling mobile-first financial access, showcasing Ethereum’s potential to drive adoption in regions with limited financial infrastructure.

Challenges and Sustainability of Layer-1 to Layer-2 Migrations

While the migration trend is promising, it raises important questions about long-term sustainability. Projects must address challenges such as:

• Maintaining interoperability

• Ensuring scalability within Ethereum’s ecosystem

Successfully navigating these issues will be crucial for the continued success of L1-to-L2 transitions.

Conclusion: Ethereum’s Gravitational Pull

The feared narrative of rollup L1s defecting from Ethereum has not materialized. Instead, Ethereum’s network effects, shared security, and interoperability have attracted projects to join its ecosystem. Case studies like Celo and Lisk illustrate the tangible benefits of migrating to Ethereum, reinforcing its central role in the blockchain space. As Ethereum continues to scale and innovate, its gravitational pull is likely to grow even stronger, shaping the future of decentralized technology.