The Ethereum Layer 2 ecosystem continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and one of its leading players, Optimism, has taken a bold step forward—officially rebranding as OP Mainnet. This strategic move signals more than just a name change; it reflects a deeper commitment to interoperability, scalability, and the long-term vision of building a unified blockchain network known as the Superchain.
As the second-largest Layer 2 solution by total value locked (TVL), with over $2.21 billion in assets secured, OP Mainnet is leveraging its technological edge and growing ecosystem to push Ethereum toward mass adoption. The rebrand coincides with critical infrastructure upgrades and enhanced cross-chain capabilities that position OP Mainnet not just as a scaling solution, but as a foundational piece of Ethereum’s future.
👉 Discover how OP Mainnet is shaping the future of scalable blockchains
What Does the Rebrand to OP Mainnet Mean?
The shift from "Optimism" to OP Mainnet is designed to clarify the project's identity and mission. While "Optimism" refers to the broader ecosystem and development collective, OP Mainnet now specifically denotes the live blockchain network itself. This distinction helps users, developers, and investors better understand the different layers of the project.
According to the team, the new name emphasizes decentralization, community ownership, and alignment with the OP Stack—the open-source framework that powers not only OP Mainnet but also other chains like Base and Zora. By adopting a unified architecture, these networks can interoperate seamlessly, forming what the team calls the Superchain: a network of interconnected Layer 2s that share security, communication protocols, and upgrade mechanisms.
This vision goes beyond isolated scaling. It aims to create a cohesive, scalable internet of blockchains—where assets, data, and applications flow freely across chains without friction.
Bedrock Upgrade: A Technical Leap Forward
Launched on June 7, 2025, the Bedrock upgrade marks a pivotal moment in OP Mainnet’s evolution. Built for efficiency and compatibility, Bedrock introduces several key improvements:
- Optimized batch compression reduces data posted to Ethereum (Layer 1), significantly lowering gas fees.
- Full integration with Ethereum as a data availability layer enhances security and trustlessness.
- Reduced latency in transaction inclusion thanks to improved handling of L1 reorganizations.
Since the upgrade went live, users have collectively saved over $1.07 million** in transaction costs. Average fees now sit at just **$0.13 per transaction, representing a 54.5% reduction compared to pre-upgrade levels. For everyday users and dApp developers alike, this makes interacting with Ethereum far more affordable.
But cost savings are only part of the story.
Enhanced EVM Compatibility and Feature Support
One of Bedrock’s most impactful technical achievements is its improved alignment with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Previous versions of Optimism had minor deviations from Ethereum’s execution environment, which occasionally caused compatibility issues for developers migrating dApps.
With Bedrock, those inconsistencies are resolved. The network now fully supports critical Ethereum features such as:
- EIP-1559 (predictable fee market mechanics)
- Native handling of L1 reorgs
- Upgrades that mirror Ethereum’s roadmap
This means developers can deploy Ethereum-native smart contracts on OP Mainnet with minimal modifications—accelerating development cycles and reducing deployment risks.
👉 See how developers are building faster on OP Mainnet
The Superchain Vision: Interoperability at Scale
OP Mainnet isn’t operating in isolation. It’s part of a growing coalition of chains built using the OP Stack, including:
- Base (by Coinbase)
- Zora Network
- Worldcoin
- And several others in development
These chains inherit core properties from OP Mainnet—security, efficiency, and EVM equivalence—while maintaining their own governance and use cases. Crucially, they can communicate via standardized messaging protocols, enabling cross-chain asset transfers, shared liquidity pools, and unified user experiences.
Imagine logging into a DeFi app on Base, bridging tokens instantly to Zora to mint an NFT, then settling the transaction on OP Mainnet—all without leaving your wallet or paying exorbitant fees. That’s the promise of the Superchain.
And unlike fragmented multi-chain ecosystems where each chain operates independently, the Superchain model ensures consistency in code, upgrades, and developer tooling—making it easier than ever to scale applications across multiple networks.
OP Token Performance: Challenges Amid Market Volatility
While technological progress continues apace, the OP token has faced headwinds in the broader crypto market. Once reaching an all-time high of $3.29**, OP has since declined, trading around **$1.34 at the time of writing. It briefly dipped below **$0.90** earlier in Q2 2025, struggling to reclaim the $1.50 resistance level despite positive network developments.
Several factors contribute to this price behavior:
- General bearish sentiment across Layer 2 tokens
- Increased competition from other L2s like Arbitrum and zkSync
- Limited short-term speculative catalysts post-Bedrock launch
However, long-term investors are watching key metrics beyond price:
- Rising daily active addresses on OP Mainnet
- Growing number of dApps deploying on the chain
- Increasing TVL despite market downturns
These fundamentals suggest strong underlying adoption—even if token performance hasn’t yet reflected it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why did Optimism change its name to OP Mainnet?
A: The rebrand clarifies that “OP Mainnet” refers specifically to the live blockchain network, while “Optimism” represents the broader ecosystem and development team. It supports the vision of a unified Superchain composed of interoperable Layer 2 networks.
Q: How does Bedrock reduce transaction fees?
A: Through optimized batch compression and efficient use of Ethereum as a data availability layer, Bedrock minimizes the amount of data posted to Layer 1—directly reducing gas costs for users.
Q: What is the Superchain?
A: The Superchain is a network of blockchains built using the OP Stack that can communicate seamlessly. Chains like OP Mainnet, Base, and Zora are part of this ecosystem, enabling shared security and cross-chain interoperability.
Q: Is OP Mainnet compatible with Ethereum?
A: Yes. After the Bedrock upgrade, OP Mainnet achieved near-perfect EVM equivalence, supporting features like EIP-1559 and native handling of L1 reorgs—making it easy for Ethereum dApps to deploy with minimal changes.
Q: Can I use my Ethereum wallet on OP Mainnet?
A: Absolutely. MetaMask and most standard EVM-compatible wallets work seamlessly on OP Mainnet. You simply need to add the network configuration or use a bridge to transfer funds.
Q: How do I get started on OP Mainnet?
A: Start by bridging ETH or ERC-20 tokens via the official Optimism Gateway or third-party bridges. Then explore dApps in DeFi, NFTs, and gaming that are natively built on or deployed to OP Mainnet.
👉 Start exploring decentralized apps on OP Mainnet today
Looking Ahead: Building Toward Mass Adoption
The combination of technical innovation, strategic rebranding, and ecosystem growth positions OP Mainnet as a cornerstone of Ethereum’s scaling roadmap. With Bedrock delivering tangible benefits and the Superchain vision gaining traction, the focus now shifts to adoption.
Developers have the tools. Users have lower fees and faster transactions. Investors have a growing ecosystem with real utility. The next phase will be about onboarding millions of new users—from creators launching NFTs on Zora to traders using Base-based DeFi platforms.
As Ethereum continues to scale through Layer 2 solutions, OP Mainnet stands out not just for what it offers today—but for how it’s helping build a more connected, efficient, and accessible blockchain future.
Core Keywords: OP Mainnet, Optimism, Layer 2, Superchain, Bedrock upgrade, Ethereum scaling, EVM compatibility, OP Stack