Bitaigen Research We dive deep into how MetaMask connects with the emerging Base L2, providing a step‑by‑step guide to safely add the network, assess potential risks and use‑case scenarios, and help you manage assets more efficiently in a Web3 environment. In addition, we compare compatibility with other major wallets and offer practical troubleshooting tips so you can operate with confidence.
What Is the MetaMask Web3 Cryptocurrency Wallet?
Source: MetaMask
MetaMask is the world’s leading non‑custodial Web3 wallet. By Q3 2025 it had surpassed 100 million downloads, with over 30 million monthly active users and support for around 19,000 blockchain networks. It can be installed as a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge, and also offers native iOS and Android apps. Assets managed through MetaMask total more than $50 billion, and the wallet facilitates over 1 billion transactions per year. Its built‑in aggregated token swap feature processes over $200 billion in annual trading volume, and it supports cross‑chain bridges, staking, and direct dApp connections. MetaMask remains a hot spot for airdrop speculation, with early‑adopters and power users closely watching new chain launches.
What Is the Ethereum Layer‑2 Solution Base?
Source: DefiLlma
Base is an Ethereum Layer‑2 chain built by Coinbase on the Optimism OP Stack. Launched in August 2023, it reached $1 billion in total value locked (TVL) within four months and now holds over $10.3 billion, ranking third among all chains. The network has processed more than 2.5 billion transactions, hosts over 1,200 dApps, and typically handles 5‑7 million daily transactions with an average gas fee of under $0.01. Block times are approximately 2 seconds, it is fully EVM‑compatible, and its chain ID is 8453. All state transitions are ultimately settled on the Ethereum mainnet to ensure security. Base offers services such as Base Pay (USDC payments) and Base Build (developer tooling), catering to a wide range of users—from everyday participants to creators—especially for micro‑payments and high‑frequency interactions.
Why Add the Base Network to MetaMask?
Once Base is added to MetaMask, you can transact on a network that costs about one‑thousandth of Ethereum’s fees while handling 40‑60 % of Ethereum‑level transaction volume. In 2025 alone, Base users saved over $2.8 billion in gas fees. The chain aggregates several high‑profile DeFi projects, including Aerodrome (TVL $2.5 billion), Uniswap V3 (TVL $1.8 billion), and the native smart‑wallet solution Base App. More than 300 million unique addresses have bridged assets into Base, and daily active users regularly exceed 4 million. Connecting to Base instantly gives you access to one of the most liquid and developer‑rich ecosystems currently available.
*Note: Transaction fees and any realized gains from crypto activities may be taxable under the regulations of your local jurisdiction. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.*
Security Statement for Adding Base to MetaMask
When you use officially verified RPC endpoints, integrating Base is considered 100 % safe. Since its launch the network has operated for over 800 days without any known exploits or bridge‑related attacks, safeguarding more than $35 billion in bridged assets. Base inherits Ethereum’s full economic security model through optimistic roll‑up and fraud‑proof mechanisms. Coinbase runs a multi‑node high‑availability architecture with 99.99 % uptime. Adding the chain via the official Base website or the RPC addresses listed on ChainList does not expose your funds to additional risk, and MetaMask never reveals your private key during the chain‑addition process.
- Official sources: Always use the RPC URLs published on the Base website or ChainList to avoid man‑in‑the‑middle attacks.
- Testnet recommendation: For first‑time users, try the Base testnet first to eliminate any risk to real assets.
- Best‑practice security: Enable MetaMask’s built‑in security features; for large balances consider pairing with a hardware wallet.
To date, there have been no major security incidents directly linked to this integration. Keep an eye on the MetaMask official blog for the latest security advisories. MetaMask itself is non‑custodial; private keys remain under the user’s sole control, and the only risks stem from phishing links or incorrect RPC configurations.
How to Add the Base Network to MetaMask: Step‑by‑Step
The addition process takes under 30 seconds, and more than 50 million wallets worldwide have already completed it. If you haven’t installed MetaMask yet, download the appropriate version from metamask.io.
Option 1: Automatic Add via ChainList
Source: ChainList
- Visit chainlist.org.
- Connect your MetaMask wallet.
- In the search box type “Base Mainnet” and verify that the Chain ID is 8453 and the native currency symbol is ETH.
- Click “Add to MetaMask” and approve the single prompt that appears.
Option 2: Manual Entry of Network Details
Source: Base
| Parameter | Value |
|----------------|------------------------------------|
| Network Name | Base |
| RPC URL | `https://mainnet.base.org` |
| Chain ID | 8453 |
| Currency Symbol| ETH |
| Block Explorer | `https://basescan.org` |
After completing the entry, you can go to bridge.base.org to bridge assets onto Base. The bridge has processed over $25 billion in deposits without any major incidents. Then simply select Base from MetaMask’s network dropdown to start using the chain.
Conclusion
Base has quickly risen to a core Layer‑2 position in the 2025 Ethereum ecosystem thanks to its low fees, rapid finality, and deep liquidity. Coupled with Coinbase’s high‑availability nodes, the security guarantees of optimistic roll‑ups, and full EVM compatibility, Base offers developers and everyday users a reliable and efficient on‑chain environment. By following this guide to integrate Base with MetaMask, staying informed through official channels, and adhering to security best practices, you can position yourself at the forefront of the next wave of Web3 development.
This article ends here. For more MetaMask tips, search for past Bitaigen (比特根) articles or continue reading the related links below. Thank you for supporting Bitaigen (比特根)!
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