Vitalik Buterin Slams “Copy-Paste” EVM Chains, Urges Developers to Build Real Innovation

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin took aim at the proliferation of generic EVM Layer-1 chains and superficial Layer-2 rollups, arguing that the blockchain ecosystem no longer needs look-alike networks that simply clone Ethereum’s technology without offering fundamentally new capabilities. “We don’t friggin need more copypasta EVM chains,” Buterin wrote in a social media post — doubling down on the idea that many of today’s new chains are a dead end for the space. 

Buterin’s comments reflect growing concern that developers are focusing too much on replicating existing infrastructure — like EVM compatibility and basic bridging to Ethereum — instead of delivering meaningful differentiation such as privacy features, app-specific performance, ultra-low latency execution or novel consensus mechanisms. According to him, simply launching another Ethereum-compatible chain with minimal technical innovation doesn’t solve real scaling or usability challenges. 

The Ethereum co-founder also took aim at how some projects market themselves. He said that public descriptions of a chain’s connection to Ethereum should actually match how the network functions under the hood, rather than being used as buzzwords to imply alignment without substance. 

While Buterin has previously raised questions about the direction of rollups — including whether all new Layer-2s are necessary — his latest critique narrows the case for more superficial Layer-2 clones as well, urging builders to pursue architectures that add real innovation or deep technical integration with Ethereum. 

Analysts say this message could influence how builders prioritize their projects, potentially steering investment and development toward networks that offer truly differentiated capabilities — such as privacy-preserving designs, domain-specific execution environments or systems tailored for demanding applications like AI — rather than simply copying existing EVM patterns.