Base Exits Optimism to Launch Unified In-House Architecture

Highlights:

• Base has exited Optimism and is shifting to a unified base/base code structure.
• Node operators will transition to a single official Base client under the new rollout.
• The network will implement six smaller hard forks each year to speed upgrades.

Base confirmed it will transition away from Optimism’s OP Stack and manage its own software architecture. The Layer-2 network launched in 2023 using Optimism’s framework. The team now plans to release upgrades through a unified internal system. Engineers said the shift changes how Base packages and distributes network software.

Base plans to consolidate key network components into its own unified codebase, with node operators required to follow Base’s release versions. Over the coming months, Base will gradually move away from the OP Stack, while continuing to work with Optimism as an OP Enterprise…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) February 19, 2026

The company created a consolidated repository known as base/base. This repository combines the sequencer, client software, and release framework. Previously, different teams maintained components across separate code libraries. Such a structure needed coordination between several repositories. The new structure places foundational components within a single codebase.

Base will issue one official binary with each network upgrade. Node operators will operate one base client to remain up-to-date. The team stated that it will continue publishing open specifications. Developers can build alternative clients under those public standards. The company also confirmed it will continue working with Optimism through OP Enterprise support during the transition period.

Base Exits Optimism as Multi-Stage Migration Begins

Base will exit Optimism through a four-phase rollout scheduled over several months. The roadmap requires node operators to transition to the new Base client in stages. Each phase prepares the network for full reliance on the unified stack. The team said it will provide technical documentation for operators during the process.

The company stated in the statement:

“Over the coming months, Base is moving away from the OP Stack, however, we’ll continue to work with Optimism as a client of OP Enterprise: Mission-Critical Support. Once the transition is complete, upgrades and release information will be published through base/base.”

Engineers said the consolidated structure simplifies the sequencer, which orders transactions before validation. The new model also changes the upgrade schedule. Base will implement six smaller hard forks each year instead of three larger ones. Official upgrade instructions will be published through the base/base repository. The node operators will need to upgrade to the new client to continue receiving updates.

Base also detailed governance modifications with the architecture change. The team plans to strengthen the Base Security Council and add new signers. Engineers said they intend to explore zero-knowledge proofs and improvements to data availability layers.

Layer-Two Debate Grows as Base Pushes for More Control

The transition by Base coincides with public comments from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin. Buterin questioned the original scaling approach centered on Layer-2 expansion. He said Ethereum’s base layer now processes transactions with lower fees than in earlier periods. His remarks prompted responses from several Layer-2 teams. Base founder Jesse Pollak responded said Layer-2 networks must develop beyond offering lower-cost execution alone.

There have recently been some discussions on the ongoing role of L2s in the Ethereum ecosystem, especially in the face of two facts:

* L2s' progress to stage 2 (and, secondarily, on interop) has been far slower and more difficult than originally expected
* L1 itself is scaling,…

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) February 3, 2026

Elsewhere, Ether.fi Cash announced it will migrate from the Scroll blockchain to the Optimism mainnet. The company cited broader liquidity access and wider asset support as reasons for the move. It also pointed to flexibility in paying gas fees. Ether.fi Cash allows users to spend stablecoins while retaining custody and posting eETH as collateral. The card operates wherever Visa is accepted, according to the company.

1/ Today, we announce our plan to move to @Optimism's OP Mainnet

70,000+ active cards, 300,000+ accounts, and $160M+ in TVL will migrate to the Superchain in the coming months, marking a long-term partnership to accelerate global onchain payments.

Learn more below ↓ pic.twitter.com/ayd11I4SAd

— ether.fi (@ether_fi) February 18, 2026