Coinbase-backed Ethereum (ETH) Layer 2 network Base announced Tuesday it is consolidating its codebase away from Optimism's OP Stack into a Base-operated repository, ending its reliance on external dependencies that powered the blockchain since its August 2023 launch.
Node operators will need to migrate from Optimism releases to Base's client software to remain compatible with future network upgrades.
The change reduces Base's dependency on code maintained by Optimism, Flashbots and Paradigm, which currently operate various network components including the sequencer across multiple repositories.
Technical Consolidation
Base's new unified stack, designated "base/base," consolidates previously distributed codebase elements into a single repository built on open-source components including Reth.
The transition aims to increase Base's hard fork schedule from three to six per year.
The Base Security Council is adding an independent signer to replace Optimism's position.
Base maintains Stage 1 decentralization status under Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin's rollup classification system and will continue purchasing support from Optimism through its OP Enterprise program.
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Market Impact and Future Releases
Optimism's OP token declined 4% in the 24 hours following the announcement. Base currently holds $3.85 billion in total value locked, making it the largest blockchain in what was the OP Stack Superchain ecosystem.
The blockchain's roadmap includes transitioning from optimistic to TEE/ZK proofs in an upcoming hard fork, with subsequent releases planned to implement Ethereum's Fusaka and Glamsterdam upgrades.
Base will maintain compatibility with OP Stack specifications during the transition period and continue supporting existing RPC endpoints including those in the Optimism namespace.
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