Coinbase’s Ethereum layer-2 network, Base, has started a major technical transition that reshapes how the chain operates behind the scenes. The team confirmed in a blog post titled The Next Chapter for Base that it will move away from relying on Optimism’s OP Stack as its core framework.
Instead, Base will consolidate its infrastructure under a unified, Base-managed codebase. The shift marks a significant change for one of the fastest-growing layer-2 networks on Ethereum.
Base Takes Control of Its Infrastructure
Base launched in 2023 and quickly rose to prominence among Ethereum scaling networks. According to DefiLlama data, the chain now holds about $3.85 billion in total value locked. Initially, Base built its system using Optimism’s OP Stack technology. That partnership also included a potential allocation of roughly 118 million OP tokens over six years.
However, the team now seeks greater autonomy over upgrades and network operations. Developers explained in the blog post that multiple teams currently maintain key components such as the sequencer. Consequently, coordination has become more complex over time. By unifying the stack under a single repository called base/base, the team expects to streamline development and maintenance.
Additionally, the new framework relies on open-sourced components like Reth. The team believes this approach will simplify the architecture and reduce operational friction. Hence, Base aims to double its upgrade cadence to about six major updates per year.
Continued Compatibility With Optimism
Despite the shift, Base will not sever ties with Optimism entirely. The network will remain compatible with OP Stack specifications in the near term. Moreover, Base will continue to collaborate with Optimism for support during the transition.
Base will also maintain its classification as a Stage 1 rollup under Vitalik Buterin’s decentralization framework. However, node operators must migrate to a new Base client to stay compatible with upcoming hard forks. The planned Base V1 upgrade will introduce Fusaka support and replace Optimistic proofs with Base-specific TEE and zero-knowledge proofs.
Two additional upgrades will further distance Base from the Superchain ecosystem. Significantly, Base V3 may align with Ethereum’s upcoming Glamsterdam update.
The team emphasized in the blog post that the protocol will remain open and publicly specified. Developers can still build independent clients that follow published standards. Consequently, Base seeks more operational control while preserving openness across the ecosystem.
