Base said it will move away from Optimism’s OP Stack in the coming months and adopt a unified software stack operated by Base itself. The Ethereum Layer-2 network said the change will affect node operators, developers, and the way protocol upgrades are scheduled. At the center of the new setup is a single repository, base/base, which will package the network’s core components into one official release.
Base replaces a multi-partner setup with one official codebase
Base originally launched on the OP Stack to speed up deployment and lower early technical risk. Over time, the network integrated software from several partners, including Optimism, Flashbots, and Paradigm. Base said those dependencies raised coordination costs and slowed protocol changes. It has now decided to consolidate infrastructure into one repository and manage releases and upgrade timing through its own stack.
The upgrade model will change as well. Instead of three larger upgrades per year, Base plans to introduce six smaller hard forks annually. Node operators will follow releases from base/base rather than Optimism repositories. Base added that existing RPC endpoints will remain supported, aiming to avoid disruptions for current integrations.
Open specifications stay in place during the transition
Base said the protocol specifications will remain public and open source even as the software stack shifts under Base’s control. Independent teams can still build alternative clients if they follow the published standards. According to Base, that structure is meant to preserve compatibility across scheduled hard forks. During the transition period, the network will continue working with Optimism through OP Enterprise support services.
Stage 1 rollup status stays intact as security and proofs are updated
Base also confirmed that it will maintain its Stage 1 decentralized rollup status throughout the transition. On the security side, the network will add an independent signer to its security council. Its roadmap starts with client consolidation and proof enhancements, then moves to block access lists, new transaction types, and upgrades aligned with Ethereum. Base also said it plans faster withdrawal mechanisms, Base-specific governance tools, and an updated proof system. All changes, it said, will be announced ahead of time and deployed during scheduled hard forks.