Base is an Ethereum Layer 2 built by Coinbase using the OP Stack framework. It's designed to bring Coinbase's 100M+ users onchain by providing a secure, low-cost environment. While Base is a separate network, it benefits from Coinbase's brand, security expertise, and seamless integration with Coinbase products.

Base intentionally has no plans for a native token. It uses ETH for gas fees and shares sequencer revenue with the Optimism Collective. This approach signals Coinbase's focus on building sustainable infrastructure rather than token speculation, and aligns Base's success with Ethereum and the broader Superchain ecosystem.

Base is built using OP Stack, the same framework powering Optimism, and is part of the Superchain - a network of interoperable L2s. Base shares security standards with Optimism and benefits from shared infrastructure improvements. Base also contributes sequencer revenue back to the Optimism Collective, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.

The easiest way is through Coinbase.com or Coinbase Wallet - you can transfer ETH and supported tokens to Base with just a few clicks. You can also use the official Base bridge (bridge.base.org), or third-party bridges like Stargate, Hop, or Across for cross-chain transfers from other L2s.

Base is currently operated by Coinbase as a centralized sequencer, similar to most L2s in their early stages. However, Base inherits Ethereum's security through its L2 architecture, and plans to progressively decentralize over time. As part of the Superchain, Base will benefit from shared governance and decentralization efforts across all OP Stack chains.