Ethereum has long been the powerhouse of the blockchain world, but as its popularity has grown, so too have its limitations. With a maximum throughput of only 15–30 transactions per second, high gas fees, and sluggish confirmation times during peak usage, Ethereum’s congestion has driven users to search for better solutions. Enter Layer 2 (L2) technologies—a set of innovative scaling solutions designed to relieve pressure on the main network while preserving its robust security. In this article, we dive deeper into how Base, Arbitrum, and Optimism are reshaping Ethereum’s future, along with a critical analysis of their strengths, weaknesses, and inherent risks.