21-4-2025 – Vitalik Buterin has unveiled an ambitious proposal to fundamentally restructure the network’s computational architecture. The groundbreaking initiative centres on supplanting the current Ethereum Virtual Machine with RISC-V architecture, whilst preserving the blockchain’s core operational framework.
The proposed technical overhaul, which maintains existing account structures and storage mechanisms, promises to deliver unprecedented performance enhancements. At the heart of this revolutionary approach lies the integration of RISC-V syscalls, poised to supersede conventional EVM opcodes, potentially yielding efficiency improvements of two orders of magnitude.
Particularly noteworthy is the proposal’s impact on zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machines, where the streamlined proving process could dramatically accelerate transaction validation. The comprehensive strategy encompasses various implementation pathways, including an innovative dual-VM arrangement to ensure seamless backward compatibility.
This architectural reformation represents more than mere technical refinement; it embodies a strategic response to Ethereum’s scaling challenges. The blueprint for transition includes provisions for legacy smart contracts, proposing their adaptation through a dedicated RISC-V interpretation layer.
