Base Breaks Free: Ethereum Layer 2 Network Ditches Optimism Infrastructure
The Base blockchain network has announced it is consolidating its codebase and reducing its reliance on Optimism's OP Stack infrastructure. Since its launch in August 2023, Base has used a stack maintained by multiple parties, including Optimism, Flashbots, and Paradigm. However, the network will now operate independently, with all code elements consolidated into a single repository.
The move aims to increase the frequency of hard forks from three to six per year, allowing for faster updates and improvements. Node operators will need to migrate their software to remain compatible with future upgrades. Base's new stack is built on open-source components, including Reth, which provides additional security features.
Optimism has expressed support for the transition, stating that it will continue to serve as a customer under its OP Enterprise program. The network currently holds $3.85 billion in total value locked, making it the largest blockchain in the OP Stack Superchain ecosystem.