ENSv2 Stays on Ethereum Mainnet, Drops Namechain Plan

TheNewsCryptoPublished on 2026-02-07Last updated on 2026-02-07

Abstract

In a strategic shift, the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) has announced that its next-generation protocol, ENSv2, will remain on the Ethereum Layer-1 mainnet, abandoning previous plans to build its own Layer-2 network called Namechain. The decision, shared by ENS co-founder Nick Johnson, is due to Ethereum's rapid scaling progress, which has already led to a 99% reduction in ENS registration gas costs over the past year. Johnson emphasized that staying on L1 aligns ENS with Ethereum's strong infrastructure guarantees and ensures faster, smoother performance for users. ENSv2 will still introduce upgrades such as hierarchical registries and expanded multi-chain support. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin endorsed the move, stating that ENS is a critical on-chain asset and semi-financial application that belongs on Ethereum L1. The broader development roadmap for ENS remains unchanged.

In a significant strategic shift, the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) has announced that its next-generation protocol, ENSv2, will stayon Ethereum’s Layer-1 mainchain, dropping previous plans of building its own Layer-2 network, Namechain, according to a blog post by ENS co-founder Nick Johnson on February 6.

ENSv2 is the Ethereum Name Service’s upcoming major upgrade, intended to expand ENS capabilities to a Layer-2 network, providing users with lower fees and faster transactions than the Ethereum mainnet, as well as to provide structural modifications such as hierarchical registries, which give name owners more power and support for numerous chains.

Why ENS Dropped Its Layer-2 Plans

Johnson wrote, “ Ethereum is scaling faster than almost anyone predicted two years ago; we’ve seen a 99% reduction in ENS registration gas costs over the past year, coinciding with Ethereum’s gas limit increases from 30M to 60M in 2025. By staying on L1, we’re aligning ENS with the strongest possible infrastructure guarantees, Ethereum itself.”

As Johnson mentioned, ENSv2 will still be released as planned, and halting work on Namechain will not affect the company’s broader roadmap. By having everything on one blockchain rather than two, he expects names to load faster and run more smoothly for users. Also, Johnson noted that the majority of the improvements made to make ENS easier to use over the last two years will stay in place.

Further, ENS Labs COO Katherine Wu shared a post via her X handle, “It is important to note that ENSv2 is ultimately an upgrade to ENS as it exists today — it’s still ENS! Regardless of where it ultimately gets deployed,” and highlighted new features such as individual registries for each ENS name and new apps currently in testing.

Vitalik Backs ENSv2’s Ethereum L1 Move

Vitalik Buterin supported the ENS labs decision by saying, “It’s a good decision!” As he noted that ENS names and records represent a critical on-chain state for the Ethereum ecosystem, should remain easily accessible from anywhere.

Further, he added, “It’s also a semi-financial application, in the sense that buying and holding ENS names has a cost, and ENS names can become very valuable objects. With the expanded scaling roadmap, Ethereum L1 is the ideal place for these applications.”

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Related Questions

QWhat is the main strategic shift announced by ENS regarding ENSv2?

AENS has announced that ENSv2 will remain on Ethereum's Layer-1 mainnet, abandoning previous plans to build its own Layer-2 network called Namechain.

QAccording to Nick Johnson, why did ENS decide to keep ENSv2 on Ethereum L1?

ANick Johnson stated that Ethereum is scaling faster than predicted, with a 99% reduction in ENS registration gas costs and an increased gas limit. By staying on L1, ENS aligns with Ethereum's strong infrastructure guarantees.

QWhat are some key features that ENSv2 is intended to provide?

AENSv2 is designed to expand ENS capabilities with lower fees, faster transactions, hierarchical registries for more user control, and support for multiple chains.

QHow did Vitalik Buterin react to ENS's decision to stay on Ethereum L1?

AVitalik Buterin supported the decision, calling it 'a good decision.' He emphasized that ENS names represent critical on-chain state and should remain easily accessible, and that Ethereum L1 is ideal for such semi-financial applications.

QWill halting work on Namechain affect the broader ENS roadmap?

ANo, according to Nick Johnson, halting work on Namechain will not affect the company's broader roadmap, and ENSv2 will still be released as planned.

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