Base Network Marks 2 Years with Record-Breaking User Growth and Activity Surge

Base Network Celebrates Second Anniversary with Record-Breaking Growth in Users, Transactions, and Value Locked

The Base network, a Layer 2 blockchain platform backed by Coinbase, has reached its second anniversary — and the milestone comes with some eye-popping figures that highlight its rapid evolution from a newcomer to a major player in the decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 space.

In just two years, Base has grown from a relatively unknown network to a platform serving millions of active users, processing tens of millions of transactions, and securing billions of dollars in total value locked (TVL). Combined with its dramatic fee reductions and ecosystem expansion, the network is positioning itself as one of the most competitive Layer 2 solutions in the crypto market.

Source: X

From Startup to Powerhouse in Two Years

When Base launched, it entered a crowded field of Layer 2 scaling solutions, competing with the likes of Optimism, Arbitrum, and zkSync. Initially, its growth was modest, but the past year has been transformative.

According to data from OnBase and reported by Wu Blockchain, active user numbers have skyrocketed to 1.256 million — a staggering 1,280.6% increase year-over-year. This surge reflects more than just curiosity; it’s a sign that everyday users are increasingly relying on Base for everything from DeFi trades to NFT minting and microtransactions.

At the same time, transaction volume has exploded. The network recorded 9.869 million transactions over the past year, marking an incredible 2,049.6% increase compared to the previous year. Such growth indicates both strong developer activity and a significant influx of retail users who are drawn to Base’s speed, efficiency, and affordability.

Billions in Total Value Locked (TVL)

Beyond user and transaction growth, Base has also emerged as a magnet for capital. The platform’s TVL now stands at approximately $4.5 billion, a clear vote of confidence from both institutional investors and blockchain developers.

This level of capital commitment is even more striking given the broader crypto market’s relatively flat inflow of funds in recent months. While many networks have struggled to maintain liquidity, Base’s consistent TVL shows resilience and suggests long-term trust in its infrastructure.

Ultra-Low Fees Driving Adoption

One of the most important factors behind Base’s meteoric rise has been its dramatic reduction in transaction fees. Over the past year, average fees have dropped by 97.7%, making Base one of the most cost-effective Layer 2 platforms in the market.

This has opened the door for a wave of new use cases, particularly in areas where high fees were previously a barrier. Gaming platforms, social apps, and microtransaction-based services — which often struggled on networks with high gas fees — are now thriving on Base.

For developers, the low fees mean they can test, deploy, and iterate on applications more freely without worrying about prohibitive network costs. For everyday users, it removes the hesitation that often comes with sending small amounts of cryptocurrency.

Expanding Ecosystem Across DeFi, NFTs, and Social Platforms

The Base ecosystem is now home to a diverse mix of projects. From DeFi protocols to NFT marketplaces and decentralized social platforms, new applications are joining the network at a rapid pace.

Part of this success comes from Coinbase’s backing, which not only provides a credibility boost but also a built-in bridge to mainstream adoption. The integration of Base with Coinbase’s ecosystem allows millions of exchange users to easily access Layer 2 services, making the onboarding process seamless for newcomers to blockchain technology.

Market sentiment toward Base’s second anniversary has been overwhelmingly positive. Supporters highlight its rapid scaling, developer-friendly infrastructure, and focus on user experience as key factors driving its success. That said, some critics have raised concerns about centralization and the challenge of interoperability with other Layer 2 solutions — issues the network is likely to address as it matures.

Coinbase’s Strategic Move: Fee-Free DEX Trading in Main Mobile App

Adding to the momentum, Coinbase recently announced a new feature that integrates fee-free decentralized exchange (DEX) trading directly into its main mobile app for U.S. customers (excluding certain states like New York).

This move aligns with Coinbase’s broader strategy to create a unified platform combining centralized exchange services with on-chain DeFi access.

The new feature allows users to trade Base-native tokens directly from their self-custodial wallets without paying network fees. Trades are executed via aggregators such as 0x and 1inch, tapping into liquidity pools from leading DEXs like Uniswap and Aerodrome.

For Base, this integration is a game-changer. By eliminating network fees for on-chain trades, it encourages more retail users to explore DeFi, while strengthening the position of Base as the go-to Layer 2 for Coinbase’s growing Web3 ecosystem.

The Road Ahead: Scaling and Decentralization Challenges

As Base enters its third year, it faces both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, its record-breaking growth shows that a Layer 2 platform can scale rapidly while keeping costs low. On the other, the network must continue to address decentralization concerns and work toward improving cross-chain interoperability.

Industry analysts believe that if Base can maintain its current growth trajectory while enhancing decentralization and user mobility between networks, it could become one of the most dominant hubs for on-chain activity in the coming years.

There’s also the question of how Base will navigate competition. The Layer 2 landscape is evolving quickly, with zk-rollup technologies and other scaling solutions gaining momentum. Staying ahead will require ongoing innovation, strategic partnerships, and perhaps most importantly, maintaining the trust of its growing user base.

A Milestone Worth Watching

The Base network’s second anniversary is more than just a celebration — it’s a sign of how quickly blockchain adoption can accelerate when speed, affordability, and developer support align.

In an industry where many projects fail to gain traction, Base’s rapid rise offers a blueprint for growth: focus on real-world usability, keep costs low, and build an ecosystem where both developers and users can thrive.

As it heads into its third year, all eyes will be on how Base handles the next stage of its expansion. If the past two years are any indication, the platform’s best days may still be ahead.

Writer @Erlin

Erlin is an experienced crypto writer who loves to explore the intersection of blockchain technology and financial markets. She regularly provides insights into the latest trends and innovations in the digital currency space.

 

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