Base Abandons Optimistic Rollups For Zero-Knowledge Proofs

Base, a Coinbase-incubated Ethereum Layer 2 network holding around $12 billion in capital, has overhauled its security model to adopt zero-knowledge proofs. The network will combine a trusted execution environment with ZK proofs to secure chain finality.

The change replaces the multi-day challenge window tied to optimistic rollups with cryptographic finality, cutting the path to one-day settlement. This shift aligns with views from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, who believes zk-EVMs will become the dominant proving method between 2027 and 2030.

According to Wilson Cussak, head of Base Chain, the upgrade aims to deepen the network's security and resiliency as activity grows. The move follows weeks after Base co-founder Jesse Pollak publicly rejected accusations of behind-the-scenes price manipulation on the network.