Optimism Introduces Innovative Superchain Solution

Optimism, a leading Ethereum scaling solution provider, aims to enhance its blockchain throughput by integrating layer-3 applications onto the OP Stack. In a recent announcement on May 8, the Optimism team expressed their excitement in welcoming layer-3s to the Superchain. Here, they can capitalize on the OP Stack for development and collaborate with the Optimism Collective to share revenue. While the OP Stack primarily powers development on the Superchain, it’s not restricted to L2 chain deployers and app builders. The team emphasized that it can also be utilized by an ecosystem of L3s.

The Optimism Superchain comprises a network of layer-2 chains, known as OP Chains, which share security, communication layers, and open-source technology. Layer-3s will enjoy various benefits, including eligibility for retro funding, airdrops, and developer grant programs. However, they may encounter limitations on certain features such as interoperability.

Layer-3 protocols are designed to host application-specific decentralized applications on top of layer-2s, offering improved solutions for scaling, performance, interoperability, customization, and cost-effectiveness. To support L3 builders, the OP Stack will introduce two key features: custom gas tokens and “Plasma Mode.”

Custom gas tokens, a highly anticipated feature nearing completion, enable developers to utilize a layer-2 token as the native gas token for a layer-3 protocol. This reduces onboarding costs by eliminating the need for costly transactions to transfer gas tokens from L1 to L2 and then to L3.

Blockchain layers. Source: CoinGecko

Plasma Mode serves as an alternative to the data availability layer, aiming to decrease the fixed overhead cost of operating an L3 in comparison to an L2. Data availability denotes the capacity of network participants to access and authenticate the data stored on the blockchain. The objective is to enhance accessibility for developers by incorporating layer-3 features and functionality into the Optimism Superchain.

Despite these advancements, not everyone is convinced that L3 is the optimal solution for Ethereum scaling. In April, Polygon CEO Marc Boiron voiced concerns, arguing that layer-3 networks may not be necessary and could heighten security risks to Ethereum by diverting value from the network.

On May 9, Boiron reiterated his viewpoint, stating that “L3s are worse than L2s.” He emphasized that “L2s enable frequent and rapid settlement back to Ethereum, whereas L3s do not, as they must always go through their L2 overlords.” Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin weighed in on L3s in late 2022, asserting that they would serve a distinct purpose in scaling by offering “customized functionality.”

Optimism’s rollup-based OP Mainnet ranks as the second-largest layer-2 network, boasting a total value locked of $6.76 billion, giving it a market share of approximately 18%, according to L2beat.