Core Insights - Layer 2 networks are experiencing significant growth, processing over 5 times the transaction volume of Ethereum mainnet, with weekly active addresses reaching 10.18 million [1][3] - Despite strong usage metrics, there is a disconnect between infrastructure success and token performance, raising concerns for investors [2][32] Layer 2 Network Performance - Layer 2 platforms handle 5.19 times the transaction volume of Ethereum, with Arbitrum, Base, and Optimism leading the market [3] - The total value locked (TVL) in the Layer 2 ecosystem is approximately $38 billion as of December 2025 [3] - Arbitrum holds about 44% of the L2 market with a TVL of $16.7 billion, while Base has a 33% market share with $12.5 billion [4] User Engagement and Economics - Transaction fees on Layer 2 networks average $0.08, significantly lower than Ethereum's $3.78, indicating user preference for cost-effective solutions [6] - Some Layer 2 networks have seen drastic declines in active addresses post-airdrop, revealing that much of their usage may be driven by short-term incentives rather than committed users [7] Developer Activity and Retention - Developer engagement is crucial for the success of Layer 2 networks, with StarkNet ranking fourth in developer count within the Ethereum ecosystem [9] - Metrics such as GitHub commits and hackathon participation are essential indicators of future success [19] Token Economics and Value Capture - Most Layer 2 networks collect transaction fees in ETH rather than their native tokens, limiting direct value capture for token holders [10] - Base has generated an average of $185,291 in daily revenue, outperforming Arbitrum and other top Layer 2s, but this revenue does not flow directly to token holders [11] Future Considerations for Investors - Transaction consistency and unique daily addresses are more indicative of healthy fundamentals than volatile spikes in activity [16] - The composition of total value locked is critical; networks with a high percentage of stablecoins and bridged tokens generally show better fundamentals [17] - Decentralization of sequencers could enable direct revenue distribution to token holders, enhancing the value proposition of governance tokens [14] Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape - The Layer 2 market is consolidating, with Arbitrum and Base capturing 77% of the market, raising concerns for smaller networks [24] - Regulatory uncertainty regarding token classification could impact valuations and compliance costs [25] Conclusion - Layer 2 infrastructure is thriving, with real usage and developer activity, but token success is lagging due to inadequate tokenomics [32] - The most promising investment opportunities are those that demonstrate proven usage metrics, credible paths toward decentralized sequencers, and improved tokenomics [33]