Matter Labs to Shut Down ZKsync Lite in Early 2026 as It Advances to Newer Systems
Matter Labs has announced plans to deprecate ZKsync Lite, the first version of its Ethereum layer-2 network, with the shutdown scheduled for early 2026. ZKsync Lite, launched in 2020, served as a groundbreaking proof-of-concept that validated critical ideas for zero-knowledge rollup designs by supporting basic token transfers. The shutdown is described as a sunset phase, marking the end of this early proof-of-concept before newer and more advanced systems are fully operational.
In March 2023, Matter Labs launched ZKsync Era, a more advanced zkEVM rollup that now anchors the broader ZK Stack roadmap. Despite the planned shutdown, ZKsync Lite will continue operating for the time being, with user funds remaining safe and withdrawals to the Ethereum mainnet still available.
Matter Labs will publish a detailed migration plan and timeline for the shutdown in 2026. The company credits ZKsync Lite with paving the way for the next generation of production zero-knowledge systems by validating critical design choices.
