The Base network, developed by Coinbase, has officially launched to the public after several weeks in a "builders-only" phase. Announced on August 9, 2023, the mainnet is now fully accessible to users worldwide, marking a pivotal moment in the expansion of Ethereum Layer 2 ecosystems.
Base began as a beta release on February 23, quickly drawing attention for its potential to onboard mainstream users into Web3, thanks to Coinbase’s massive user base of over 110 million verified users. The network entered its builders-only mainnet phase on July 13, allowing developers to deploy applications while the team fine-tuned user experience and security. Now, with full public access, users can interact with decentralized applications (dApps), bridge assets, trade tokens, and more.
This guide explores everything you need to know about using Base today — from core functionalities to real-world use cases and developer momentum.
👉 Discover how to seamlessly enter the world of Ethereum Layer 2 with low-cost, secure transactions.
What Is Base?
Base is an Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) rollup network designed to offer fast, low-cost, and secure transactions while maintaining compatibility with existing Ethereum tools and infrastructure. Built using the OP Stack — the same open-source framework as Optimism — Base aims to lower barriers to entry for everyday users and developers alike.
As a Coinbase-backed project, Base benefits from strong institutional support, robust security practices, and seamless integration opportunities with one of the largest crypto platforms in the world.
Core keywords: Base network, Ethereum Layer 2, Coinbase, Web3, decentralized apps, Layer 2 scaling, crypto transactions, blockchain development
Key Features Now Available on Base
With the official public launch, multiple functionalities are now live and ready for user engagement.
✅ Token Bridging Made Simple
Users can now bridge Ether (ETH) and other ERC-20 tokens from Ethereum mainnet directly to Base using the official Base Bridge. The bridge launched its user interface on August 3, making cross-chain transfers intuitive and secure.
Additionally, cross-chain interoperability protocol Wormhole announced support for Base on August 9, expanding bridging options and liquidity pathways across multiple blockchains.
Bridging assets to Base reduces transaction fees significantly — often by over 90% compared to Ethereum mainnet — making it ideal for frequent traders, NFT collectors, and DeFi participants.
👉 Start bridging your crypto assets with confidence on a trusted Ethereum L2 platform.
✅ Swap Tokens and Provide Liquidity
Several decentralized exchanges (DEXs) are now live on Base:
- Uniswap: One of Ethereum’s most popular DEXs launched its Base version on August 7, enabling users to swap tokens and supply liquidity with minimal gas costs.
- Maverick Protocol: Launched on August 8, this innovative AMM emphasizes capital efficiency and customizable liquidity positions, differentiating itself from traditional models like Uniswap V3.
- LeetSwap: Previously operational during the builders phase, LeetSwap paused operations after an exploit on August 1 but plans to relaunch. It targets high-yield “degen” traders with dual-token farming rewards.
These platforms empower users to trade freely and earn yield through liquidity provision — all within a low-fee environment.
✅ Make Everyday Crypto Payments
Beam is a standout payment application now available on Base. It allows users to send USDC or its native token Eco without needing to hold ETH for gas fees. Instead, gas can be paid in USDC or Eco — a major usability improvement.
Key features include:
- Twitter-based login (no seed phrases required)
- Built-in fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat on-ramps
- Instant peer-to-peer payments
Ideal for casual users or merchants, Beam lowers the technical barrier to using blockchain for daily transactions.
✅ Register a Human-Readable Username
Masa Finance has launched its soulbound token (SBT) identity protocol on Base, allowing users to register .masa usernames. These non-transferable digital identities can later be used for KYC-compliant services such as credit scoring, membership access, and reputation tracking.
Since the builders phase began, over 280,000 usernames have already been minted — signaling strong early interest in self-sovereign identity solutions.
✅ Create Your Own DAO
Aragon, a leading platform for decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), has deployed its no-code app and modular OSx framework on Base. This enables both developers and non-technical users to create and manage DAOs easily.
Whether launching a community treasury, managing collective investments, or governing a project — Base now supports full DAO lifecycle management with reduced costs and improved speed.
✅ Mint and Collect Exclusive NFTs
Throughout August and early September, major brands are releasing exclusive NFTs on Base as part of the Onchain Summer festival. Participating projects include:
- Coca-Cola
- Stand With Crypto (Coinbase initiative)
- Showtime
- Atari
- Optimism
- OpenSea
Each NFT drops on a specific date — for example:
- Showtime NFT: August 18
- Atari NFT: August 25
These limited-edition collectibles highlight Base’s appeal to mainstream brands looking to engage Web3 audiences through creative campaigns.
Challenges During Early Adoption
Despite strong momentum, Base’s phased rollout wasn’t without setbacks.
Between July 13 and August 2, the network lacked an official bridge UI. In response, some early adopters used developer tools to manually transfer ETH to Base ahead of launch — then invested in speculative memecoins anticipating price surges post-public release.
Unfortunately, several high-profile launches ended in losses:
- Pond0x memecoin (July 28): Investors lost an estimated $2.2 million due to unclear token distribution mechanics.
- BALD token (July 31): Around $1.9 million was wiped out when the developer removed liquidity shortly after launch, sparking accusations of a rug pull (though denied by the team).
These incidents underscore the risks of speculative investing in early-stage ecosystems — even on well-supported networks like Base.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Base a standalone blockchain or part of Ethereum?
A: Base is an Ethereum Layer 2 rollup. It inherits Ethereum’s security while processing transactions off-chain for lower fees and faster speeds.
Q: Do I need ETH to pay gas fees on Base?
A: While ETH is the native gas token, some apps like Beam allow you to pay fees in USDC or other supported tokens — improving accessibility.
Q: Can I use MetaMask with Base?
A: Yes. Simply add Base as a custom network in MetaMask or use WalletConnect-compatible wallets like Rainbow or Frame.
Q: Are there any risks using new dApps on Base?
A: As with any emerging ecosystem, new applications may have untested code or liquidity risks. Always research projects before investing.
Q: How does Base differ from other L2s like Arbitrum or Optimism?
A: Base leverages the OP Stack (like Optimism) but is backed by Coinbase’s infrastructure and vision for mainstream crypto adoption.
Q: Will Coinbase list tokens launched on Base?
A: While not guaranteed, Coinbase has expressed interest in supporting promising projects built on its network.
👉 Access next-gen blockchain tools designed for security, speed, and simplicity.
Final Thoughts
The official launch of Base represents a significant step toward mass adoption of Web3 technologies. With powerful backing from Coinbase, growing developer activity, and real-world use cases spanning payments, identity, DeFi, and NFTs, Base is positioning itself as a central hub in the Ethereum ecosystem.
While early speculation led to some investor losses, the foundation is strong — and ongoing innovation suggests long-term value creation for users and builders alike.
As Ethereum scaling continues to evolve, networks like Base play a crucial role in making decentralized technology accessible, affordable, and useful for everyone.