TL;DR
- Base revealed a unified stack that removes reliance on the shared OP Stack.
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OP token fell after the shift as investors reassessed Optimism’s role.
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Base plans six focused upgrades yearly as it controls its full codebase.
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Base will stay OP-compatible while building independent infrastructure.
Following the Base’s beginning operation on a unified technology stack that brings all core components under its direct control instead of relying on teams outside Coinbase, market attention turned to changes in the Layer-2 landscape. The shift marks a major step for Base as it restructures how upgrades and network operations will be handled going forward.
The announcement also caused a sharp move in the OP token, which fell as investors reacted to the reduced use of the OP Stack.
Base said the transition is intended to simplify development, reduce delays, and create a more predictable upgrade path. The unified system, referred to as base/base, brings the sequencer, client releases, and network tools into a single codebase. The team said the change should allow faster updates and better coordination across ecosystem partners who depend on Base. The network holds more than $3.85 billion today and ranks among the most used Ethereum Layer-2 solutions.
Base Announces Unified Technology Stack
In its blog post titled “The Next Chapter for Base,” the team explained that it seeks greater control over the infrastructure that supports network upgrades. The previous model depended on components managed by several groups within the broader Optimism ecosystem. By consolidating the entire stack under one codebase, Base expects to double its cadence of major upgrades to about six per year.
Base said users and developers will not see immediate changes during the transition. The network will remain compatible with OP Stack standards and will continue to work with Optimism for support. However, the long-term roadmap shows Base taking responsibility for its own implementation, testing, and release cycles.
The team added that the move is not intended to create isolation. Base said the protocol will remain public, and alternative implementations are welcome. It also said the unified structure should make it easier for node operators, who will receive detailed instructions when the new Base client becomes required for network sync.
OP Token Reacts to Transition Away From OP Stack
The market responded quickly after Base announced its plan to move away from the shared OP Stack. The OP token fell about 4% in early trading and later extended losses as high as 20% on some exchanges. The shift raised questions about Optimism’s future revenue expectations, including the original plans for Base to receive up to 118 million OP tokens over six years.
An OP Labs spokesperson said the organization supports Base’s decision and described the move as a natural step in the network’s growth.
The spokesperson said Optimism remains focused on delivering enterprise-grade blockchain tools and will continue to serve Base through OP Enterprise support. Optimism also stated that it is proud of the three-year partnership and of Base’s role within the ecosystem.
Base Pursues Faster Upgrades and Stronger Governance
The new structure is not only a technical redesign. Base said it plans to strengthen decentralization by expanding the Base Security Council and adding new signers. Future updates will include more security reviews, zero-knowledge proof research, and improved data availability layers.
These goals align with broader trends across Layer-2 networks as they seek to scale while maintaining safety and low transaction costs.
Developers are expected to benefit from fewer upgrade bottlenecks and clearer release schedules. Node operators will gain a more predictable environment as base/base matures. Base also said the unified stack will make it easier to coordinate test networks and communicate upgrade paths across the ecosystem.
A Shift That Signals Growing Layer-2 Independence
Industry watchers say the transition reflects a wider move in the Layer-2 sector toward deeper control of infrastructure. Several networks are pursuing independence to accelerate upgrades and reduce external dependencies.
Base’s decision places it among the projects that now run their own tailored stack while remaining compatible with shared standards.
For users and developers, the shift is expected to extend Base’s capacity for growth while keeping the network aligned with Ethereum’s roadmap. For investors, the update explains the recent OP token volatility as markets adjust to a changing balance within the Layer-2 ecosystem.
