zkSync has begun the process of retiring its original ZK-rollup, paving the way for a transition to more advanced infrastructure across its network. This planned shutdown of zkSync Lite, also known as zkSync 1.0, is set to occur in 2026. The team has emphasized that user funds remain secure and a comprehensive migration guide will be provided next year. The ecosystem's focus is now shifting towards zkSync Era, the ZK Stack, and ongoing cross-chain upgrades.
Transition from Legacy Infrastructure
The deprecation of zkSync Lite will not impact current users. The zkSync Lite network remains operational, and withdrawals to Ethereum continue to function without issue, ensuring the safety of all funds. The zkSync team intends to release a detailed deprecation timeline and a migration guide in the coming year. This guide will outline the necessary steps for both users and developers to transition to zkSync Era or to other chains developed using the ZK Stack.
📌In 2026, we plan to deprecate ZKsync Lite (aka ZKsync 1.0), the original ZK-rollup we launched on Ethereum.
— ZKsync (@zksync) December 7, 2025
This is a planned, orderly sunset for a system that has served its purpose and does not affect any other ZKsync systems.
During its operational period, zkSync Lite processed over a billion transactions. However, its daily transaction volume has recently decreased to fewer than 200. The zkSync team stated that maintaining this legacy infrastructure is no longer aligned with their strategic priorities, which are now centered on zkSync Era, Prividiums, and the development of a wider network of ZK chains.
Approximately $50 million in assets are currently bridged to zkSync Lite. These funds are accessible, and users have the ability to withdraw them to Ethereum at any time. To avoid potential congestion in 2026, the zkSync team advises users to begin preparing for their migration once the official guidance is released.
A comprehensive plan for this transition is anticipated in early 2026. The zkSync team has clarified that this move is exclusively related to the first-generation rollup and will not affect zkSync Era or any other chains built using the ZK Stack.
zkSync’s Expansion Continues Toward a Multi-Chain ZK Network
This decision to retire zkSync Lite coincides with significant technical advancements across the zkSync ecosystem. The Atlas upgrade, activated on December 5, introduced native cross-chain interoperability for all ZK chains within the network, eliminating the need for external bridges. Initial data indicates a rise in daily active users as applications begin to adopt this new messaging standard.
A previous upgrade in October enhanced proof performance and integrated privacy features designed for high-throughput applications, such as those involving tokenized assets. These developments represent the future direction of ZK infrastructure, with zkSync Lite having successfully fulfilled its role as a proof-of-concept.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has recently acknowledged zkSync's ZK roadmap as a crucial component of Ethereum's long-term scaling strategy. He highlighted the increasing importance of ZK proofs in decentralized finance and tokenization.
With the planned sunset of zkSync Lite, the project is concluding the chapter on its initial rollup. Resources will now be consolidated to focus on what the team describes as a “network of ZK chains” built upon unified cryptographic principles.