Base Ditches Optimistic Rollups for $12B Zero-Knowledge Proof Bet

Base, an Ethereum Layer 2 network backed by Coinbase, is shifting its security model to rely on zero-knowledge proofs. The move aims to increase the network's security and resiliency as activity grows.

The Base ZK Architecture will combine a trusted execution environment with ZK proofs to secure chain finality. Proofs will be generated through Succinct Labs' SP1, an open-source zkVM that produces succinct ZK proofs of arbitrary Rust-based computation.

This change replaces the multi-day challenge window tied to optimistic rollups with cryptographic finality, cutting the path to one-day settlement. After mainnet deployment, Base becomes the largest single Ethereum operator running ZK proofs for finality.