TLDR
- Base network will transition from Optimism to a unified Base-operated stack.
- Node operators must switch to Base client to stay compatible with forks.
- Base V1 hardfork will add Fusaka and swap Optimistic proofs to TEE/ZK.
- Base remains a Stage 1 Ethereum rollup following Buterin’s L2 model.
Coinbase-backed Base, one of the largest Ethereum Layer 2 networks, is moving away from Optimism. The network plans to adopt a unified, Base-operated software stack, consolidating multiple components previously managed by external teams.
This change aims to simplify development, reduce maintenance, and improve network efficiency. Node operators will need to switch to the new Base client to stay compatible with upcoming hardforks and protocol upgrades.
Base Network to End Reliance on Optimism
Coinbase-incubated Base, an Ethereum Layer 2 network, announced it will move away from Optimism. The network will adopt a unified software stack managed entirely by Base.
The decision affects Base’s current setup within the OP Stack Superchain ecosystem. Base previously relied on multiple external contributors, including Optimism, Flashbots, and Paradigm.
BREAKING: COINBASE'S ETHEREUM L2 BASE IS MOVING FROM OP-STACK TO UNIFIED BASE STACK
SOURCE: https://t.co/ErJTA3LMkn pic.twitter.com/Nr8xv2p5fN
— DEGEN NEWS (@DegenerateNews) February 18, 2026
A blog post from Base noted, “Today, the code operating various components of Base is owned by multiple teams and spread across multiple repositories.” The post added that this setup caused maintenance challenges, which the unified stack aims to reduce.
Unified Base Stack Introduced
The new Base stack, referred to as base/base, will consolidate Base’s components under one repository. This includes the sequencer and other protocol functions, optimized specifically for Base’s use cases.
Base emphasized that the protocol will remain open and public. “Any team can build, run, and maintain an independent client that follows the published specs,” the blog stated. The move does not block alternative implementations or compatibility with future hard forks.
Base will continue to follow the OP Stack specification in the short term. However, node operators must migrate to the new Base client to stay compatible with upcoming upgrades.
Upcoming Hardforks and Technical Updates
The first update, Base V1, will support Fusaka and replace Optimistic proofs with Base-specific TEE/ZK proofs. Node operators will need to run releases from base/base instead of Optimism’s releases.
Two additional hardforks are planned to further reduce Base’s reliance on Optimism.
The Base V3 upgrade is scheduled around the upcoming Glamsterdam Ethereum update.
These updates are designed to simplify Base’s codebase while maintaining network security.
An additional independent signer will be added to the Base Security Council as part of the changes.
Base’s Role in the OP Stack Ecosystem
Base remains the largest network in the OP Stack Superchain. The network previously considered launching a native token and participating in token buybacks.
The move toward a unified stack signals Base’s effort to centralize development while keeping the protocol open. Despite leaving Optimism, Base will continue to follow Stage 1 rollup principles defined by Vitalik Buterin.
