Layer-2 Networks and the Shift Toward Dominant Tech Stacks

Layer-2 (L2) networks are coalescing around dominant tech stacks instead of working toward universal standards, as revealed by research from onchain explorer Blockscout.

In a video interview with Decrypt, Ulyana Skladchikova, head of product, and Kirill Fedoseev, head of research at the open-source explorer, discussed the trend of technical “clustering” occurring despite overall transaction growth.

> “We see chains kind of get together around some big players and establish interop within those groups of chains,” Skladchikova stated.

The OP stack has emerged as a dominant player in the L2 sector, with many networks utilizing its tooling. Real-time data from Rollup.wtf, cited by Blockscout, indicates that this stack represents a set of open-source standards primarily used on the Optimism network and its “Superchains.”

This trend suggests a consolidation around L2 networks, according to Skladchikova. It also highlights potential challenges with “bridge abstraction,” which simplifies how users transfer assets between different chains. Major L2 players developing proprietary interoperability solutions may create user experience friction, complicating fund navigation and transfers between networks.

Data Paradox

Ironically, while transaction volumes on L2 networks like Base have soared nearly threefold to 80 million monthly transactions, native bridging between L1 and L2 has plummeted by about 80% since early 2024. This data was shared by Blockscout with Decrypt.

This indicates an emerging challenge around “chain clustering,” where related networks strive to establish shared standards for better interoperability.

> “There will be chain clusters around every large ecosystem player,” Fedoseev told Decrypt.

Monthly active users per L2 chain surged 250% in autumn 2024, reaching over 14,000 before stabilizing around 11,000, signaling sustained adoption rather than fleeting interest driven by airdrops or speculation.

Blockscout noted, “Early hype doesn’t always translate into sustained use.” When users move from an established platform to a new chain, this migration indicates better future sustainability.

With Ethereum’s upcoming Pectra upgrade, consolidation patterns suggest that L2s are optimizing for specific capabilities across chains rather than becoming general-purpose scaling solutions.

> “If this becomes the case, we’ll have this one homogeneous interop solution that everyone will just use,” Skladchikova concluded.

Edited by Sebastian Sinclair