ZKsync, one of Ethereum’s pioneering zk-rollup networks, has announced that its original blockchain, ZKsync Lite (ZKsync 1.0), will be retired in 2026. This marks the end of Ethereum’s first zero-knowledge rollup experiment, which launched in 2020 to test fast, secure transfers and NFT minting.
Why ZKsync Lite is Retiring
ZKsync Lite was designed as a proof-of-concept network. While it excelled at rapid transfers and NFT creation, it lacked smart contract functionality, limiting its broader use cases. The network was groundbreaking for its validity proofs, instantly verifying transactions before finalizing them on Ethereum’s mainnet.
However, in early 2023, Matter Labs launched ZKsync Era, a next-generation zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM) that added smart contract support. Since then, ZKsync Era has seen dramatically higher activity and capital inflows, leaving ZKsync Lite mostly as a historical stepping stone.
What Users Need to Know
Matter Labs emphasized that current users don’t need to act immediately. Withdrawals to Ethereum’s Layer 1 will continue functioning normally throughout the deprecation process, and funds remain fully secure. The network will operate in an “orderly sunset” process, giving users plenty of time to transition.
To put it in perspective:
- ZKsync Lite: ~$50M in bridged assets, ~330 user operations/day
- ZKsync Era: ~$36.4M locked in DeFi, >22,000 user operations/day
Detailed migration guidance, timelines, and instructions for affected users will be shared in the coming months, ensuring a smooth transition.
Strategic Shifts for ZKsync
Co-creator Alex Gluchowski recently proposed an overhaul of the $ZK governance token, tying it directly to network fees to enhance economic utility. This move signals broader strategic evolution as ZKsync moves beyond its proof-of-concept roots toward fully functional, next-gen blockchain infrastructure.
The Takeaway
ZKsync Lite’s retirement isn’t a failure, it’s proof that the concept worked. It laid the foundation for ZKsync Era and demonstrated the potential of zero-knowledge rollups on Ethereum. For users and developers, it’s a signal that the network is maturing, focusing on scalable, smart-contract-enabled solutions that drive real-world adoption.
