Base Network Officially Launches: How to Use It

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The Base network, developed by Coinbase, has officially launched after several weeks in a "builders-only" phase. Announced on August 9, 2023, the network is now fully open to the public, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of Ethereum Layer 2 ecosystems. With growing support from decentralized applications (dApps), developers, and major brands, Base is positioning itself as a user-friendly and scalable platform for Web3 innovation.

This guide explores what users can do on Base today — from bridging assets and swapping tokens to participating in NFT mints and building decentralized organizations.

What Is Base?

Base is an Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) blockchain designed to lower transaction fees and improve speed while maintaining Ethereum’s security. Built using the OP Stack — the same open-source framework as Optimism — Base aims to onboard millions of new users into crypto through seamless, low-cost experiences.

With Coinbase’s massive user base and infrastructure, Base is uniquely positioned to bridge mainstream audiences with decentralized technologies. The official public launch on August 9, 2023, followed a phased rollout that began with a testnet in February and a builders-only mainnet in July.

“Base is live. Come build.”
— Base (@BuildOnBase), August 9, 2023

Now that the network is open, users can interact directly with dApps, transfer assets, and explore emerging opportunities in DeFi, payments, identity, and NFTs.

Key Features Now Available on Base

🔗 Bridge Tokens to Base

Users can now transfer Ether (ETH) and USDC from Ethereum mainnet to Base using the official Base Bridge, which launched its user interface on August 3. This secure, native solution enables seamless cross-chain transfers with low fees and fast confirmation times.

Additionally, Wormhole, a popular cross-chain interoperability protocol, announced support for Base on August 9, offering an alternative bridging path for assets.

👉 Get started with low-cost asset transfers today.

💱 Swap Tokens and Provide Liquidity

Two major decentralized exchanges (DEXs) are now live on Base:

A third DEX, LeetSwap, previously operated during the builders phase but was temporarily shut down due to a security exploit on August 1. The team plans to relaunch in the future.

These platforms give users multiple options for trading and earning yield through liquidity pools — all powered by Base’s low-fee environment.

💳 Make Crypto Payments Easily

Beam is a Web3 payment app now live on Base that simplifies crypto transactions. It allows users to send and receive payments using USDC or its native token, Eco — without needing to hold ETH for gas fees.

Key features include:

Launched on July 27, Beam exemplifies Base’s mission: making crypto usable for everyday transactions.

👉 Discover how easy crypto payments can be.

🆔 Register a Human-Readable Username

Masa Finance has deployed its Soulbound ID protocol on Base, enabling users to register .masa usernames — permanent, non-transferable digital identities.

As of August 8, users can claim their unique handles directly on Base. These identities are designed for future use in:

Over 280,000 usernames have already been minted since the builders phase began — signaling strong early adoption of decentralized identity solutions.

🏗️ Launch a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO)

Building on Base just got easier with Aragon, a leading DAO framework. The team has launched both its no-code Aragon app and modular Aragon OSx on the network.

Now, anyone — not just developers — can create a DAO directly on Base. Whether it's for community governance, treasury management, or collaborative projects, Aragon provides the tools to launch quickly and securely.

This integration strengthens Base’s appeal as a hub for decentralized collaboration and governance.

🖼️ Mint and Collect NFTs

August is packed with exclusive NFT drops on Base as part of the Onchain Summer festival. Major brands including:

…are releasing limited-edition NFTs at scheduled intervals throughout the month.

For example:

These collections aim to drive user engagement and showcase the creative potential of Base’s ecosystem.

Challenges During the Rollout

Despite strong momentum, Base’s phased launch wasn’t without issues. Between July 13 and August 2, early adopters attempted to gain an edge before the official public release — often using developer tools to bridge ETH without a user-friendly interface.

Many used these funds to invest in memecoins like Pond0x and BALD, expecting price surges after the full launch.

However, poor execution led to significant losses:

These incidents highlight the risks of early-stage speculation and underscore the importance of secure, transparent project launches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Base a new blockchain or part of Ethereum?
A: Base is an Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain. It runs alongside Ethereum, offering faster transactions and lower fees while inheriting Ethereum’s security.

Q: Do I need ETH to pay gas fees on Base?
A: Yes, but apps like Beam allow you to pay gas in USDC or other tokens — removing the need to hold ETH directly.

Q: Can I use my MetaMask wallet with Base?
A: Yes. You can manually add Base network settings to MetaMask or use wallet connectors supported by dApps.

Q: Are there any tokens native to Base?
A: Not currently. Coinbase has stated that there is no native token at launch, though one may be introduced in the future.

Q: How do I start using Base?
A: Begin by bridging ETH or USDC via the official Base Bridge, then explore dApps like Uniswap, Beam, or Masa for identity.

Q: Is my money safe on Base?
A: While Base inherits Ethereum’s security, individual dApps may carry risks — always research projects before investing.

Final Thoughts

The official launch of Base represents a pivotal moment for Ethereum scaling and Web3 adoption. By combining Coinbase’s reach with robust infrastructure, Base is poised to bring decentralized apps to millions of new users.

From DeFi and payments to identity and NFTs, the ecosystem is rapidly expanding — offering real utility beyond speculation.

As development continues and more projects deploy on Base, the focus will shift toward usability, security, and long-term sustainability.

👉 Start exploring decentralized apps on a fast, low-cost network today.

Core Keywords:
Base network, Ethereum Layer 2, Coinbase blockchain, DeFi on Base, NFT minting, DAO creation, cross-chain bridge, Web3 payments