Base is a fast, low-cost Ethereum Layer-2 network built by Coinbase. This guide beginner’s walks you through how it works, what you can do on it, and how to get started.
A beginner’s guide to Base Network
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⚡ TL;DR – What is Base?
Base is a fast, secure, and low-cost Ethereum Layer-2 network developed by Coinbase to bring the next billion users on-chain. Built using Optimism’s OP Stack, it offers full EVM compatibility, gas-efficient transactions, and a growing ecosystem of DeFi, NFTs, and gaming apps. Whether you’re a developer or user, this Base Network beginner’s guide is your gateway to understanding and exploring Web3 with ease.
A Beginner’s Guide to Base Network
Base is a Layer-2 blockchain built on Ethereum that aims to solve the scalability limitations of Layer-1. High gas fees and network congestion have long been barriers to Ethereum adoption. Base addresses these by offering lower fees, faster speeds, and full compatibility with Ethereum applications—making it an ideal place to build and use Web3 dApps.
Launched in 2023 by Coinbase in collaboration with Optimism, Base mainnet leverages optimistic rollup technology to provide a scalable, developer-friendly environment. It is part of Coinbase’s long-term strategy to decentralize finance and onboard the next billion users into crypto.
What Is a Layer-2 Network?
A Layer-2 (L2) network is a blockchain built on top of an existing Layer-1 chain like Ethereum. It processes transactions off-chain (or in batches) and periodically settles them on Ethereum. This preserves Ethereum’s security while dramatically improving scalability and lowering gas fees.
L2s are critical to making blockchain usable for real-world applications, enabling smooth trading, gaming, and social experiences without high costs or slow confirmations.
What Is Base?
Base is a Layer-2 blockchain developed by Coinbase, powered by Optimism’s OP Stack, and secured by Ethereum. It offers:
- Full EVM compatibility for seamless dApp migration
- Low transaction costs thanks to optimistic rollups
- Coinbase product integration for simplified onboarding
- Secure, decentralized design using Ethereum’s base layer
Developers can build on Base without learning new programming languages. Users can transact with lower fees while still benefiting from Ethereum’s trust layer.
Key Features of Base
- Security by Ethereum: All transactions are ultimately secured by Ethereum Layer-1.
- Low Fees & High Speed: Optimistic rollups reduce congestion, offering faster, cheaper transactions.
- EVM Compatible: Existing Ethereum dApps can deploy on Base with minimal changes.
- Coinbase Integration: Base provides access to Coinbase’s massive user base and tools.
- Open Source: Built on Optimism’s OP Stack, Base is open and designed for long-term decentralization.
How Is Base Connected to Coinbase?
Base is a Coinbase-backed Layer-2 solution. While Coinbase supports the infrastructure and development, the long-term vision is to gradually decentralize governance and security. Base acts as a bridge between Coinbase’s ecosystem and the broader decentralized economy, giving both developers and users access to millions of verified users and billions in assets.
What Can You Do on Base?
The Base Network beginner’s guide wouldn’t be complete without a closer look at what you can actually do on this fast and affordable Ethereum Layer 2. Although still early in its development, the Base ecosystem is expanding rapidly across DeFi, NFTs, SocialFi, and more — offering a gateway to powerful dApps at a fraction of Ethereum’s gas fees.
Base’s infrastructure supports full Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility, meaning developers can easily port existing Ethereum apps and users can interact with familiar tools. Let’s explore how you can get involved.
Use DeFi Apps
Base is quickly becoming a hotspot for DeFi activity. With lightning-fast transactions and minimal gas fees, it’s an ideal environment for trading, lending, farming, and earning yield.
Popular Base-native and Ethereum-integrated DeFi apps include:
- Uniswap – The leading decentralized exchange (DEX) now supports Base, allowing users to swap tokens efficiently with low slippage.
- Aave & Morpho – Trusted lending and borrowing protocols with support for major stablecoins and assets.
- Extra Finance – Enables advanced DeFi strategies like leveraged yield farming and delta-neutral positions.
- Beefy – Auto-compounds yield across DeFi protocols to help maximize returns.
Explore SocialFi and Onchain Communities
Base is also home to emerging SocialFi platforms that reimagine how users interact and monetize their online presence:
- Friend.tech – A decentralized social app where users buy and sell access to private chat rooms through “keys,” blending finance with social engagement.
- Farcaster – A decentralized Twitter-like protocol gaining traction within Base’s ecosystem for onchain identity and networking.
Manage NFTs and Digital Assets
While Base is gaining traction primarily in DeFi, it’s also quickly evolving into a hub for NFTs. Thanks to full EVM compatibility, creators and collectors can easily mint, trade, and manage NFTs using familiar tools with drastically reduced fees.
You can explore and trade Base-based NFTs on popular marketplaces like:
- OpenSea – The world’s leading NFT marketplace now supports Base, making it easy for collectors to discover new projects and artists building on the network.
- Magic Eden – Originally focused on Solana, Magic Eden has expanded to support Base, offering a curated NFT experience with low-cost minting and fast execution.
- Zora & Mint.fun – Ideal for creators, these platforms let anyone launch NFT collections directly on Base in just a few clicks.
With low transaction fees and fast confirmation times, Base is ideal for both creators and collectors entering the NFT space.
Base is more than just a technical solution — it’s a thriving ecosystem backed by Coinbase, designed for mainstream adoption. Whether you’re here to earn yield, build dApps, trade tokens, or join a new type of social network, Base is the place to start your journey into Web3.
Wallets That Support Base
To start using Base, you’ll need a crypto wallet. Here are the top options:
MetaMask (Recommended for Beginners)
- One of the most popular Ethereum wallets.
- Fully supports Base with manual RPC configuration.
- Great UI and easy access to dApps.
How to Add Base Network to MetaMask
To interact with the Base network using MetaMask, you’ll need to manually add it as a custom network. Just follow these simple steps:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Network Name | Base Mainnet |
| Description | The public mainnet for Base. |
| RPC URL | https://mainnet.base.org |
| Chain ID | 8453 |
| Currency Symbol | ETH |
| Block Explorer URL | https://base.blockscout.com/ |
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Open the MetaMask browser extension.
- Click the network dropdown at the top and select “Add network”.
- Then choose “Add a network manually”.
- Enter the details listed above into the appropriate fields.
- Click Save.
- You’re done! Now just select Base from your network list to start using it.
This simple setup will enable you to seamlessly explore dApps, DeFi tools, and NFT platforms on the Base Network.
Phantom
- Known for Solana support, now also supports Base.
- In-app swapping and bridging between chains.
- Mobile-friendly and intuitive.
Coinbase Wallet
- Ideal if you’re already a Coinbase user.
- Easy access to the Base network without additional setup.
How to Bridge ETH to Base
You can transfer assets from Ethereum to Base using the official Base Bridge:
- Visit Superbridge or Brid.gg
- Connect your wallet (MetaMask, Phantom, etc.)
- Choose the asset and amount to bridge
- Confirm the transaction
Alternatively, you can use Phantom’s Crosschain Swapper to bridge between Base, Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon.
Developer Note: How to Build on Base
For developers, Base provides complete documentation via docs.base.org. You can test on Base Goerli via the Coinbase Wallet or MetaMask, and deploy fully EVM-compatible contracts using familiar tools like Hardhat and Foundry.
Is There a BASE Token or Airdrop?
As of now, there is no native token planned for Base, ETH is the gas token used on the network. Coinbase has explicitly stated that they don’t plan to launch a token, making an airdrop unlikely. However, DeFi apps on Base may independently conduct airdrops for active users.
What’s Next for Base?
Coinbase plans to:
- Increase Base’s decentralization
- Expand its developer community
- Enhance interoperability with other L2s
- Promote public adoption through events like Onchain Summer
The Base ecosystem is already home to over 100 dApps and continues to grow rapidly.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Base is a fast, secure, and low-cost Ethereum Layer-2 network developed by Coinbase using the OP Stack.
- It offers full EVM compatibility, making it easy for Ethereum developers and users to migrate or interact with dApps on Base.
- The Base ecosystem is rapidly growing, featuring top DeFi platforms like Uniswap, Aave, Morpho, Extra Finance, and Beefy, plus NFT marketplaces like OpenSea and Magic Eden.
- Users can explore social platforms, lending apps, and a wide range of decentralized services built for scalability.
- Base doesn’t have a native token and uses ETH as its gas token—always double-check to avoid scams.
- Wallets like MetaMask and Phantom offer full Base support; adding the network manually in MetaMask takes just a few clicks.
- With lower fees, high throughput, and Coinbase backing, Base aims to onboard the next billion users into Web3.
Ready to Explore Base?
Whether you’re minting NFTs, yield farming, or deploying a dApp, Base makes it easier than ever to enter the Web3 world. With tools for both beginners and pros, Base is one of the most exciting Ethereum Layer-2 solutions available today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Base
What’s the connection between Base and Coinbase?
Base is a Layer 2 network incubated by Coinbase. It’s built on Ethereum in collaboration with Optimism using the open-source OP Stack. Coinbase sees Base as a way to bring its users, products, and liquidity into the onchain world while progressively decentralizing over time.
Does Coinbase plan to launch a Base token?
No. Coinbase has officially stated that it has no plans to issue a native Base token. ETH is the gas token used on the network. Be cautious of fake token scams claiming to represent Base.
Is Base safe to use?
Yes. Base is secured by Ethereum and follows Coinbase’s security practices. As an Optimism-powered rollup, it inherits Ethereum’s decentralization and battle-tested infrastructure.
Where can I use Base?
Base is already home to 100+ decentralized apps, including DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, and SocialFi tools. You can explore and interact with Base using wallets like MetaMask, Phantom, or Coinbase Wallet.
How do I bridge assets to Base?
Use the official Base Bridge or cross-chain tools like Phantom’s built-in swapper. This allows you to easily move ETH or other assets from Ethereum or other networks to Base.
Is Base open-source?
Yes. Base is built on the MIT-licensed, open-source OP Stack. All technical documentation is available to developers and the public through docs.base.org.
Does Base support NFTs and gaming?
Absolutely. The Base ecosystem includes NFT marketplaces and growing gaming platforms thanks to low gas fees and EVM compatibility.
Is MetaMask compatible with Base?
Yes. You can manually add Base as a custom network to your MetaMask wallet using the correct RPC settings. This is a recommended option for beginners.
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