Base is Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain, and it was built using the OP Stack from Optimism; the same modular framework that powers Optimism itself, among other chains.
Base continues to benefit from shared upgrades, security models, and interoperability within the Superchain such as features like native interoperability, shared sequencing plans, and collective governance elements.
The recent major architectural change that is forking away from the OP Stack and building a custom replacement is a significant strategic pivot — likely involving major engineering effort, governance discussions which is tied to Optimism, and public communication.
Base’s transition away from the OP Stack to its own unified, Base-operated stack has several notable impacts across technical, economic, ecosystem, and market dimensions. Base aims to target ~6 hard forks per year; doubling the previous pace, enabling quicker feature rollouts, bug fixes, and scaling improvements.
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This reduces coordination overhead with external teams. By consolidating sequencer, proofs, core infrastructure, and upgrades into a single base-base GitHub repo, Base eliminates dependencies on Optimism’s releases. Node operators will eventually migrate to Base’s client.
Goals include reaching 1 gigagas/s throughput, higher reliability, predictable low fees, and a simpler, more auditable spec. Shift from Optimism’s optimistic proofs toward Base-specific TEE/ZK proofs starting with Base V1 hard fork, potentially improving finality and security tailored to Base’s needs.
Base remains deeply aligned with Ethereum still an L2, open-source, and plans to collaborate with Optimism as an OP Enterprise client during transition. It retains Superchain compatibility in the short term. Optimism is removed from Base’s Security Council, reflecting full operational independence.
This positions Base as a more sovereign, high-velocity chain optimized for consumer and onchain apps, agents, and mass adoption—leveraging Coinbase’s resources without shared governance drag. Base has been the dominant contributor ~90-94% of Superchain and OP Stack revenue via sequencer fees.
Losing this reduces shared revenue flowing to the Optimism Collective, OP token holders, and ecosystem funding. The move tests the long-term sustainability of the “shared stack + revenue” model. If the largest and most active chain forks off for independence, it could encourage others to follow, weakening network effects and interoperability incentives.
Optimism leaders frame it positively: the OP Stack was designed to be forked and extended. Base’s shift proves its modularity but highlights limits when chains outgrow shared dependencies. $OP fell sharply—reports cite 4-26%+ drops in the initial days. This reflects market repricing of reduced Superchain revenue and growth thesis.
Base has no native token, but it strengthens conviction in Base’s long-term dominance as a high-throughput L2. Some speculation exists around a future Base token, though nothing confirmed. Highlights intensifying competition among Ethereum scaling solutions. Chains prioritizing speed and control may pull activity from shared ecosystems.
Short-term compatibility with OP Stack specs remains, but hard forks (starting with Base V1) require node migration. Apps and transactions should continue seamlessly during the shift. Potential risks include temporary coordination challenges, audit and security focus during the fork, or minor ecosystem fragmentation if Superchain interoperability evolves slower.
This is a strategic maturation move for Base—trading some ecosystem collaboration for speed, scale, and sovereignty—while delivering a notable short-term blow to Optimism’s token and shared model. It underscores how dominant players in modular ecosystems can pivot when their needs outpace collective frameworks.