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Can building on l1 bring back high gas fees?

Ethereum L1: Efficiency Returns | Are High Gas Fees Gone for Good?

By

James Thompson

Jul 14, 2026, 09:17 AM

Edited By

Sophia Patel

2 minutes reading time

An illustration showing a group of developers brainstorming over a computer with Layer 1 blockchain graphics in the background, pondering the implications of high gas fees.

A surge in discussions about building on Layer 1 of Ethereum highlights significant improvements since the costly gas days. Users debate whether affordability is truly back as projects gear up amidst the evolving infrastructure. What does this mean for developers moving forward?

Context: Back to Basics

Recent posts reflect a sense of nostalgia for when gas fees soared, sometimes hitting $200 for basic transactions. Many wonder if such days can return, but conversations suggest the opposite.

Efficiency on the Rise

"The L1 of Ethereum has developed massively since those days."

Commenters assert that Ethereum's primary layer has seen better efficiency and capacity. Unlike previous times, where transactions could drain wallets, users now report improvements with costs dropping to as low as $0.50 per transaction for serious projects.

Curiously, some users have noted that mainnet transfer fees are now comparable to Layer 2 options, indicating a substantial upgrade in the network's capabilities. This transformation means that building on the main chain could be more attractive than in the past.

What Users Are Saying

  • Improved Costs: Users report that the costs for transactions are now significantly lower. "Mainnet is back in town and is fun and affordable again," noted one user, embracing the changes.

  • Increased Capacity: Others anticipate the upcoming increases in block sizes with enhancements like Glamsterdam, projecting even lower costs across transactions going forward.

  • Sustained Interest: Developers are encouraged to craft serious projects, as consumers seem willing to pay a reasonable fee if it ensures functionality.

Key Observations

  • ๐Ÿš€ Ethereum's transaction costs are reportedly down to an average of $0.50.

  • ๐Ÿ’ก "Mainnet is fun and affordable again," expresses user satisfaction about the network's growth.

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Enhancements like Glamsterdam promise to boost capacity, making future costs even lower.

Interestingly, this revival invites renewed interest from developers looking to utilize Ethereum's Layer 1 effectively. As the network stabilizes, will it become the go-to for serious projects once again?

Economically, Ethereumโ€™s journey from exorbitant fees to a more accessible platform may set the stage for broader adoption in the crypto realm, keeping the conversation buzzing within user boards and forums alike.

Awaiting the Next Chapter

There's a strong chance that as Ethereum continues to grow, more developers will flock to Layer 1 for building projects. Experts estimate that transaction speeds could improve further, increasing network engagement by around 40% over the next year. The combination of enhanced capacity from initiatives like Glamsterdam and lower gas fees could lead to a resurgence in innovative applications, particularly in decentralized finance and smart contracts. Some anticipate that as competition heats up among blockchains, Ethereum may solidify its position as a leading platform for serious projects, appealing to businesses seeking reliability and efficiency.

A Historical Reflection on Renewed Potential

Intriguingly, this situation mirrors the evolution of public transportation systems in major cities during the late 20th century. Just as once overcrowded and inefficient rail lines saw revitalization through technological upgrades and increased investment, prompting a renaissance in city travel, Ethereum may well experience a similar revival. When people had nearly given up on the convenience of public transit, new lines and modernized services sparked renewed interest and reliance, illustrating how infrastructure improvements can dramatically change public perception and usage. A similar transformation could unfold in the crypto space, potentially turning Ethereum back into the preferred choice for developers and projects.