Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution Optimism has officially rebranded to "OP Mainnet," following a successful hard fork upgrade earlier this month that reduced transaction fees by more than half. Leading analytics firms Nansen and Messari have confirmed the network's improved efficiency.
The Rebrand to OP Mainnet
On June 24, Optimism announced its rebranding on Twitter, stating that "OP Mainnet" better reflects the blockchain's identity while distinguishing the mainnet from its broader ecosystem.
This change also aligns with the project's "Superchain" vision—a framework for interoperable Layer 2 networks built using the OP Stack (Optimism’s open-source development toolkit). Notable networks already leveraging OP Stack include Base (Coinbase’s L2) and ZORA Network.
"It’s official: the chain formerly known as Optimism is now OP Mainnet! This distinction makes clear the delineation between the OP Mainnet blockchain and the Collective, vibe, and ethos that 'Optimism' encompasses."
— @Optimism (June 23, 2023)
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Post-Hard Fork: Surge in Transactions
The June 7 hard fork focused on reducing deposit times, lowering fees, and enhancing network security. According to Nansen, transaction volume on OP Mainnet soared afterward—from under 300,000 to nearly 600,000 daily transactions by June 15—while gas fees dropped by approximately 50%.
Top protocols driving this activity included:
- Galxe (identity verification)
- Circle USDC (stablecoin)
- Stargate Finance (cross-chain swaps)
- Uniswap (DEX)
Messari: OP Mainnet Now the Most Cost-Effective L2
Messari’s analysis highlighted additional post-upgrade improvements:
- 47% reduction in overall fees
- 70% drop in per-transaction costs
- Faster deposit finality
The report noted that OP Mainnet has become the cheapest L2 for token swaps, marking progress toward its Superchain goals.
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FAQ
1. Why did Optimism rebrand to OP Mainnet?
The rebrand clarifies the separation between the blockchain itself and the broader Optimism Collective ecosystem, while reinforcing its role in the Superchain vision.
2. How much did fees decrease after the hard fork?
Data shows a 50–70% reduction in transaction costs, with swap fees now among the lowest across L2s.
3. What is the Superchain?
A network of interoperable L2 chains (e.g., Base, ZORA) built using OP Stack, designed to scale Ethereum seamlessly.
Risk Disclosure
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**Keywords**: OP Mainnet, Optimism, Ethereum L2, hard fork, Superchain, OP Stack, gas fees, Base, ZORA Network
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