Web3 enters the "Pragmatic Stage": From storytelling to focusing on real-world implementation

In the past year, Web3 has experienced a clear cooling down—hot money receded, and bubbles burst. However, this does not mean the industry is declining; rather, it marks the arrival of a more pragmatic phase. More projects are no longer just discussing grand narratives but are beginning to focus on genuine needs, such as on-chain identity, decentralized storage, and stable yield models. Users are also changing, gradually shifting from "speculators" to "users." Web3 is bidding farewell to the illusion of "everyone getting rich quickly" and returning to the core of technology and products. This may be the correct long-term development approach.

Layer2 Competition Heats Up: Ethereum Ecosystem Remains the Core Battlefield

With the persistent issue of high fees on the Ethereum mainnet, Layer2 has become one of the most fiercely contested tracks in Web3. Rollup solutions are continuously evolving, with Optimistic and ZK (Zero-Knowledge) routes advancing side by side. Performance, cost, and user experience are repeatedly brought into the spotlight. It is worth noting that Layer2 competition is no longer just about technology but also about ecosystems. Those who can attract more developers, applications, and genuine users are likely to dominate in the next cycle. Ethereum has not been replaced; instead, it has achieved self-expansion through Layer2, maintaining its position as the core of Web3 infrastructure.

Web3 and AI Integration: Quietly Changing Application Forms

As AI becomes the main theme in the tech world, Web3 is also beginning to deeply integrate with it. From decentralized computing power and data rights confirmation to on-chain AI Agent collaboration, a new narrative is forming. Blockchain addresses "trust and ownership," while AI handles "intelligence and efficiency," making their complementarity very strong. Although most applications are still in early exploratory stages, it is foreseeable that truly valuable Web3+AI projects will not be simple concept stacking but will enable users to enjoy more efficient and trustworthy services seamlessly. This path may be slower, but it is likely to go further.