Base, the Ethereum layer-2 blockchain incubated by Coinbase, is moving to a single, unified stack, departing from its initial reliance on the OP Stack. This strategic shift, dubbed base/base, is designed to accelerate protocol improvements and enhance network security.
The new architecture, built on open-sourced components like Reth, simplifies the number of technical elements, optimizing them directly for Base's specific use case. While Base is evolving towards greater independence and efficiency, critical support from the Optimism Foundation will continue. The transition aims to make the network easier to update, allowing developers to concentrate on Base's unique requirements. Security is being strengthened with an independent signer, and plans are in motion for faster withdrawals, improved governance, and more robust protections.
Base will remain compatible with the OP Stack specification as it operates today. Future upgrades, including the Base V1 hard fork, will implement Ethereum's Fusaka upgrades and transition from Optimistic proofs to TEE/ZK proofs for increased network speed. Subsequent hard forks, Base V2 and Base V3, are planned to introduce smoother user interactions and support for Ethereum's Glamsterdam, respectively. Node operators are advised to use the new base for client updates to ensure compatibility with upcoming changes.