Base Chain, the Ethereum Layer-2 network developed by Coinbase, is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing ecosystems in 2025. Built with the OP Stack and fully compatible with Ethereum, Base aims to make on-chain activity faster, cheaper, and easier for both users and developers.
Since launching in 2023, Base has grown into a major DeFi hub with over $5 billion in total value locked (TVL) and hundreds of active dApps across DeFi, NFTs, and SocialFi. The chain’s momentum accelerated this year following speculation about a potential Base native token and continued ecosystem expansion led by projects like Zora and Aerodrome Finance.
In this article, we’ll explain what Base Chain is, why it’s gaining traction in 2025, and highlight the top 7 projects shaping its ecosystem this year.
What Is Base Layer-2 Network and How Does It Work?
Base, developed by Coinbase, is an Ethereum Layer-2 network designed to solve Ethereum’s scalability problem. It uses optimistic rollups to bundle transactions off-chain before posting them to Ethereum for final verification, reducing costs and boosting speed while staying fully compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Built on the OP Stack, Base inherits Ethereum’s security while offering sub-second, sub-cent transactions and has even launched an open-source Base–Solana bridge on testnet to move ERC-20 and SPL assets across chains.
Essentially, Base acts as a fast lane alongside Ethereum’s mainnet, enabling cheaper and faster transactions for DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and other dApps. It supports Coinbase’s broader goal of bringing the next wave of users and developers into Web3 through a simple, regulated, and developer-friendly infrastructure.
According to DeFiLlama (October 20, 2025), Base currently holds over $5.02 billion in total value locked (TVL), with $4.53 billion in stablecoins, $17.56 billion in bridged assets, and around 844,000 active addresses in 24 hours. This strong network activity, paired with Coinbase’s institutional support and steady progress toward decentralization, positions Base as one of the most promising Layer-2 ecosystems powering Ethereum’s next stage of growth.
Why Is Base Chain Getting Traction in 2025?
Base’s rise in 2025 is driven by three major factors: growing speculation around a potential native token, rapid on-chain expansion that has made it the second largest Ethereum Layer-2, and widespread user adoption powered by the Base App and its ecosystem of applications.
1. Token Speculation Ignites Network Activity
At the BaseCamp 2025 event, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong confirmed that Coinbase is exploring the launch of a native Base token to advance network decentralization. Although no release date or token design has been confirmed, the announcement sparked a surge in on-chain engagement and community participation. The open approach to token discussions has also strengthened Base’s reputation as a transparent, community-inclusive project among corporate-led networks.
We’re exploring a Base network token.
— Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) September 15, 2025
It could be a great tool for accelerating decentralization and expanding creator and developer growth in the ecosystem.
To be clear, there are no definitive plans. We’re just updating our philosophy. As of now, we’re exploring it. https://t.co/BK3asbMpar
2. Base Becomes the Second Largest Ethereum Layer-2
According to L2Beat (October 2025), Base is now the second largest Ethereum Layer-2 network with $14.59 billion in total value secured, just behind Arbitrum One.
Data from DeFiLlama shows that Base’s total value locked (TVL) has grown from about $2.3 billion at the start of 2025 to $5.02 billion as of October 20, an increase of roughly 118% year to date. Stablecoin capitalization has reached $4.53 billion, and bridged assets total $17.56 billion, reflecting expanding liquidity and sustained user demand. This steady inflow of capital and on-chain activity confirms Base’s position as one of the fastest-growing Layer-2 networks in the Ethereum ecosystem.
3. Base App and Ecosystem Fuel On-Chain Adoption
The Coinbase-developed Base App has become the main entry point for users, offering a simple and regulated interface for exploring DeFi, NFTs, and social apps. According to QuickNode, Base reached about 38 million monthly active addresses in mid-2025, accounting for more than 60% of total Layer-2 user activity. Projects like Zora and Aerodrome Finance continue to attract both creators and liquidity, signaling that Base’s growth is now driven by real usage rather than short-term speculation.
Top 7 Base Ecosystem Projects to Watch in 2025
Base’s ecosystem has quickly grown into one of the most dynamic networks in Web3, blending DeFi depth with social and cultural innovation. As total value locked (TVL) surpasses $5 billion and daily user activity continues to rise, several standout projects are defining what’s next for Coinbase’s Layer-2 chain. These six leading protocols, plus one cultural movement, illustrate how Base is evolving into a complete on-chain economy.
1. Aerodrome Finance (AERO) – Decentralized Exchange and Liquidity Hub on Base
Source: Aerodrom Finance
Aerodrome Finance (AERO) is the largest decentralized exchange (DEX) and liquidity hub on Base. It launched on August 28, 2023 to provide efficient token swaps, yield farming, and deep liquidity for projects building on the chain. Built on Velodrome’s veToken model, Aerodrome aligns traders, liquidity providers, and protocols through veAERO governance. According to DeFiLlama, Aerodrome holds more than $930 million in TVL and regularly exceeds $200 million in daily trading volume, ranking among the top DEXs across all Layer-2s. Its liquidity depth and integrations with lending markets make it the foundation of Base’s DeFi ecosystem
2. Seamless Protocol (SEAM) – Lending and Borrowing Platform on Base
Source: Seamless Protocol
Seamless Protocol (SEAM) is a decentralized lending and borrowing platform that powers on-chain credit markets on Base. It launched its governance token on December 11, 2023, becoming the first Base-native lending protocol. Modeled after Aave but optimized for Base’s high-speed infrastructure, Seamless supports assets such as ETH, USDC, and cbBTC. Its total value locked surpassed $520 million in 2025, growing more than 80% year to date. By integrating with Aerodrome and stablecoin issuers, Seamless drives capital efficiency and liquidity circulation throughout the Base DeFi ecosystem.
3. Zora (ZORA) – Creator Economy Platform and Content Token Launchpad on Base
Source: Zora Docs
Zora (ZORA) is a creator economy protocol that allows users to mint, trade, and collect digital art, collectibles, and media directly on-chain. It launched its native token on April 23, 2025, expanding its creator ecosystem to the Base network. Since migration, Zora’s on-chain activity has grown more than sixfold, making it one of Base’s most active non-financial applications. With accessible minting tools, open APIs, and a vibrant creator base, Zora has turned Base into a cultural hub where creativity, community, and economic value converge.
4. Farcaster / Warpcast – Decentralized Social App for Base Users
Source: Farcaster.xyz
Farcaster is a decentralized social network that enables user-owned identities, open social graphs, and permissionless communication on Base. Its flagship app, Warpcast, launched the Frames feature on January 26, 2024, expanding interactivity and composable social experiences. According to QuickNode data, by mid-2025 Farcaster had around 38 million monthly active addresses, accounting for over 60% of total Layer-2 user activity. With an open developer ecosystem and high user engagement, Farcaster and Warpcast are establishing Base as the leading hub for decentralized social applications.
5. Base Name Service – On-Chain Identity and Naming System for Base
Source: Basenames
Base Name Service is an identity and naming protocol that provides human-readable wallet addresses and domain-style identifiers on Base. It launched on August 20, 2024, giving users an easier way to interact with dApps and transfer assets across the network. Similar to Ethereum Name Service (ENS) but designed for the OP Stack, BNS improves usability and trust within the Base ecosystem. With tens of thousands of names registered and integrations with Coinbase Wallet and Rainbow, BNS is becoming the standard identity layer for Base users and developers.
6. Friend.tech (FRIEND) – Tokenized Social App on Base
Source: Friend.tech
Friend.tech (FRIEND) is a social-financial application that lets users buy and sell tokenized shares of creator profiles. It first launched on Base on August 10, 2023 and relaunched in May 2024 with the introduction of the FRIEND token. The update improved scalability, lowered fees to under one cent per transaction, and distributed 100 million FRIEND tokens to early users through an airdrop. Since relaunch, the app has attracted over 400,000 active wallets and generated more than $50 million in cumulative trading volume, making it one of Base’s most visible experiments in social-token design.
Honorable Mention – Memecoins and Community Culture on Base
Alongside its major protocols, Base has fostered a strong cultural layer through community tokens such as Mochi (MOCHI), Toshi (TOSHI), and Base God (TYBG). These memecoins have driven significant trading volumes and wallet activity, often serving as entry points for new users joining the network. While speculative in nature, they highlight Base’s ability to attract grassroots creativity and engagement, reinforcing its image as not only a financial hub but also a social and cultural network where community participation fuels growth.
How to Prepare for a Possible BASE Token Launch or Airdrop?
Coinbase’s Jesse Pollak confirmed in September 2025 that the network is “exploring a native BASE token,” though no timeline or details have been announced. If a launch or airdrop happens, early on-chain participation may matter. Here’s how to prepare:
1. Stay Active on Base: Use leading apps like Aerodrome, Seamless, and Zora, bridge assets to Base, and transact regularly. Many Layer-2 airdrops reward consistent users before the snapshot.
2. Use Official Tools: Access Base through verified channels such as the Base Bridge, Base App, or Rainbow to ensure your activity is tracked and secure.
3. Engage in the Community: Join Base’s official Discord, follow @BuildOnBase on X, and take part in ecosystem campaigns or governance votes when available.
4. Watch for Verified Updates: Any BASE token or airdrop will be announced only through official sources like base.org or coinbase.com. Ignore unverified claim sites to avoid scams.
Staying active, visible, and informed across the Base network gives you the best chance to qualify if a BASE token distribution is announced.
How to Buy and Trade Base Ecosystem Tokens on BingX
Whether you are investing for the long term, trading short-term price moves, or exploring new opportunities within the Base ecosystem, BingX offers both Spot and Futures Markets to help you take action.
With BingX AI integrated directly into the interface, you can access real-time insights, on-chain analytics, and price forecasts for Base tokens to make faster and smarter trading decisions.
1. Buy or Sell Base Ecosystem Tokens on the Spot Market
If your goal is to accumulate Base ecosystem tokens such as Aerodrome Finance (AERO) or Zora (ZORA), or to buy during market pullbacks, the Spot Market is the easiest place to start.
Step 1: Go to the BingX Spot Market and search for your preferred trading pair, such as AERO/USDT or ZORA/USDT.
Step 2: Click the AI icon on the chart to activate BingX AI. The system will analyze price patterns, highlight support and resistance levels, and detect breakout signals in real time.
Step 3: Choose between a Market Order for instant execution or a Limit Order at your preferred price. Once filled, your tokens will appear in your BingX wallet balance, ready to hold or withdraw to an external wallet.
2. Trade Base Ecosystem Tokens with Leverage on Futures
For active traders, the BingX Futures Market allows you to trade Base ecosystem tokens like AERO and ZORA with leverage, enabling you to profit in both rising and falling markets.
Step 2: Activate BingX AI to analyze trend strength, volatility, and momentum indicators before entering a trade.
Step 3: Set your leverage level, select an entry price, and place a Long (Buy) or Short (Sell) order depending on your market outlook. Manage your position with Stop-Loss and Take-Profit levels to control risk effectively.
Final Thoughts
Base has rapidly evolved from a Coinbase-backed Layer-2 experiment into one of Ethereum’s most complete ecosystems. With over $5 billion in total value locked, leading projects like Aerodrome, Seamless, and Zora driving adoption, and a growing creator and social community through Farcaster and Friend.tech, Base has established itself as both a financial hub and a cultural movement.
As speculation over a possible BASE token continues, real growth is already unfolding on-chain. Whether or not a token launch happens soon, Base’s combination of scalability, usability, and creative energy positions it as a cornerstone of Ethereum’s next phase of expansion, creating a network where finance, identity, and community converge.