The future of Ethereum’s execution layer could be undergoing one of its most significant transformations yet. Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has put forward a bold proposal: replacing the long-standing Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) bytecode with the RISC-V instruction set. This shift, while not altering core smart contract functionalities such as account management or data storage, aims to revolutionize how code is compiled and executed on the network.
Under the current system, developers write smart contracts in high-level languages like Solidity, which are then compiled into EVM bytecode for execution. Buterin’s new vision suggests bypassing this intermediate step entirely. Instead, languages would compile directly into RISC-V, a modern, open-source instruction set architecture known for its efficiency and flexibility.
System-level operations—such as SLOAD for reading storage or CALL for invoking other contracts—would no longer be handled as native EVM opcodes. Instead, they would function as syscalls, similar to how operating systems manage hardware interactions. This architectural change could bring Ethereum much closer to mainstream computing paradigms, simplifying integration with existing developer tools and hardware ecosystems.
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Why RISC-V? Efficiency, Scalability, and Proof Generation
One of the primary motivations behind this shift lies in performance optimization—especially for zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, a cornerstone of Ethereum’s scaling roadmap. Most ZK provers today already simulate the EVM by translating its operations into RISC-V instructions behind the scenes. By adopting RISC-V natively at the protocol level, Ethereum could eliminate this redundant translation layer.
Buterin estimates that this move could improve proof generation efficiency by up to 100 times, drastically reducing the time and computational resources needed to validate transactions off-chain. Faster proofs mean faster rollups, lower costs, and better user experiences across layer-2 networks.
Moreover, RISC-V’s modular design allows for greater customization and extensibility. Unlike the EVM, which has remained largely unchanged since Ethereum’s inception, RISC-V supports a wide range of extensions tailored for specific use cases—from cryptographic acceleration to machine learning workloads.
Addressing Declining Base-Layer Revenue
This proposal comes amid growing concerns about Ethereum’s declining base-layer activity and revenue. In the week of March 30, the network collected just 3.18 ETH in blob fees—equivalent to around $5,000 at current prices. Average transaction fees have also hit historic lows, dropping to **$0.16 in April 2025**, the lowest since 2020.
This trend reflects a broader shift: more users and developers are conducting transactions and executing smart contracts on layer-2 rollups rather than directly on Ethereum mainnet. While this migration is a sign of successful scaling, it raises questions about the long-term sustainability of Ether’s value if the base layer becomes economically underutilized.
Analysts warn that continued erosion of on-chain fee revenue could weaken investor confidence and potentially push Ether’s price toward $1,100 if usage doesn’t rebound. The RISC-V transition is positioned not just as a technical upgrade but as a strategic response to maintain Ethereum’s relevance in an increasingly competitive blockchain landscape.
Backward Compatibility and Migration Strategy
A critical aspect of Buterin’s proposal is backward compatibility. The plan does not involve abandoning existing EVM-based contracts. Instead, Ethereum would support both systems in parallel:
- New contracts would be compiled directly to RISC-V.
- Legacy EVM bytecode would continue running via a RISC-V interpreter embedded within the protocol.
- Alternatively, two execution engines could coexist—one for EVM, one for RISC-V.
Over time, developers would be encouraged to migrate toward RISC-V-native contracts for better performance and lower gas costs. This dual-system approach ensures continuity while enabling innovation.
Additionally, embracing RISC-V opens the door for Ethereum to eventually support other virtual machines, such as Move (used by networks like Aptos and Sui), further expanding its interoperability and developer appeal.
Pectra Upgrade and Long-Term Vision
The RISC-V discussion unfolds ahead of Ethereum’s upcoming “Pectra” upgrade, scheduled for May 7. Pectra focuses on improving scalability, enhancing user experience through account abstraction, and increasing validator limits. However, Buterin argues that enhancements at the consensus layer must be matched by equally transformative changes at the execution layer.
Without such evolution, Ethereum risks falling behind networks that offer faster execution, richer tooling, and tighter hardware integration. The RISC-V transition represents a foundational shift—one that aligns Ethereum with modern computing standards while future-proofing its infrastructure.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is RISC-V, and why is it important for Ethereum?
A: RISC-V is an open-source instruction set architecture (ISA) used in processors worldwide. It's lightweight, modular, and highly efficient. For Ethereum, adopting RISC-V can streamline contract execution, boost ZK-proof efficiency by up to 100x, and align the network with standard computing practices.
Q: Will existing smart contracts stop working if EVM is replaced?
A: No. The proposal includes backward compatibility mechanisms—either through a RISC-V-based EVM interpreter or parallel execution environments—ensuring all current contracts remain functional.
Q: How will this affect gas fees and transaction costs?
A: While immediate gas reductions aren’t guaranteed, the increased efficiency—especially in ZK-rollup proof generation—could lead to lower overall costs over time, benefiting both users and developers.
Q: Is this change imminent?
A: Not yet. The proposal is still in early discussion stages. Implementation would require extensive testing, community consensus, and coordination across clients and tooling providers.
Q: Could Ethereum support other programming languages with RISC-V?
A: Yes. RISC-V’s flexibility makes it easier to compile a wider range of programming languages—beyond Solidity—into native contract code, potentially attracting new developer communities.
Q: Does this make Ethereum more centralized?
A: No. RISC-V is open-source and royalty-free. Its adoption enhances decentralization by reducing reliance on proprietary architectures and enabling broader hardware participation.
The proposed shift from EVM to RISC-V marks a pivotal moment in Ethereum’s evolution. It’s not merely about swapping out components—it’s about reimagining how blockchains execute code in a post-rollup world.
By embracing a widely adopted, hardware-aligned instruction set, Ethereum positions itself to remain at the forefront of innovation. This upgrade could unlock unprecedented efficiency gains, strengthen its economic model, and ensure long-term competitiveness against emerging smart contract platforms.
As development progresses toward Pectra and beyond, the community will closely watch whether this ambitious vision becomes reality—and whether it can reignite growth at the base layer.
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