The official launch of Base Mainnet on August 9 has sparked excitement around Coinbase's Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) blockchain solution.
Initially released as a testnet in February, Base is described by Coinbase as a "secure, developer-friendly, low-cost Ethereum L2 built to onboard the next billion users to Web3."
But in an increasingly crowded Ethereum scaling landscape, what sets Base apart from other L2s? This article explores five defining features of Base.
1. Built on OP Stack for Interoperability
Coinbase developed Base using OP Stack, an open-source modular framework created by Optimism’s team. As Ethereum embraces stack-centric development, OP Stack has become a popular tool for L2 developers implementing optimistic rollups.
Key points:
- Base Mainnet operates as a separate network from Optimism.
- High interoperability between Base and other OP Stack chains.
- Base developers collaborate closely with OP Labs, sharing transaction fees with Optimism Collective as part of their "Superchain" vision.
👉 Discover how OP Stack powers next-gen blockchains
2. No Native Token – Aligning with Ethereum’s Philosophy
Unlike most L2s, Base has no native token, nor plans to issue one. This design:
- Leverages Coinbase’s legitimacy for network security.
- Avoids token incentives to artificially inflate Total Value Locked (TVL).
- Stays "close to Ethereum" to attract Ethereum-native developers.
Since Mainnet launch, Base’s TVL surpassed 61,000 ETH (~$112M), primarily from Coinbase’s liquidity provisions.
3. Coinbase Products First, Ecosystem Growth Next
While Coinbase funds Base’s development and plans to power its products through the chain, the long-term goal is an open ecosystem. Similar to BNB Chain’s evolution from Binance, Base aims to:
- Attract third-party dApps via developer grants and testnet incentives.
- Expand beyond crypto trading into broader Web3 use cases.
4. Roadmap to Decentralization
Critics highlight Coinbase’s current control as the sole sequencer. However, Base’s decentralization roadmap includes:
- Security Council: Transition decision-making to a stakeholder-represented body.
- Full Decentralization: Move toward Ethereum-like governance over time.
5. Account Abstraction for User-Friendly Experiences
Base supports account abstraction, enabling:
- Third-party EOAs to execute transactions on users’ behalf.
- Gas-free interactions and keyless security via Gelato/Safe’s SDK.
This lowers barriers for mainstream Web3 adoption.
👉 Learn how account abstraction works
FAQ
Q: Can I mine or stake Base tokens?
A: No—Base has no native token.
Q: How is Base different from Arbitrum or Polygon?
A: Base prioritizes Ethereum alignment and Coinbase integration over token-driven incentives.
Q: Is Base secure?
A: Yes, leveraging Ethereum’s security via optimistic rollups, with plans to decentralize sequencers.
Q: Will Base support NFTs?
A: Yes, developers are already building NFT projects on Base.