Q: How can I run my OP Stack chain?

You can get started by building a local chain. This will allow you to get your local testnet up and running in minutes. Once you are ready to deploy, you have two main options: • Use a Rollup-as-a-Service (RaaS) provider (like Conduit, Alchemy, or Gelato) for the easiest setup. This path lets you get your chain running quickly without managing all the infrastructure yourself. • Run a self-hosted chain if you want full control over configuration and operations. You can follow the Self-Hosted Chain guide in the Optimism docs to get started. Most teams start with a RaaS partner for speed, and later explore self-hosting as they scale.

Question 1

What is Optimism?

Accepted Answer

Optimism is a blockchain infrastructure provider that enables developers and enterprises to launch scalable, secure and customizable networks and applications. The company serves fintechs, payment providers, institutions and crypto companies creating the next generation of onchain products. Optimism's open source OP Stack delivers Ethereum-grade security, nearly-free transactions, and the flexibility to meet business and regulatory needs at scale.

Question 2

Where can I find stats on Optimism?

Accepted Answer

See the stats page for OP Stack dashboards and publicly available datasets.

Question 3

What is the OP Mainnet?

Accepted Answer

OP Mainnet is an Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain built on Optimism’s open source OP Stack. It provides neutral blockspace and proven, scalable infrastructure to quickly deploy production-ready applications with minimal resources. By offering a seamless pathway from building an app to launching a full-service chain, OP Mainnet is where developers and enterprises begin their onchain journey.

Question 4

What is OP Labs?

Accepted Answer

OP Labs is dedicated to lowering the barrier to entry for developers and enterprises building onchain. As the team behind Optimism’s technology, ecosystem, and services, OP Labs delivers shared security, upgrades and cutting-edge features to the OP Stack.

Question 5

What is the OP Stack?

Accepted Answer

The OP Stack is Optimism’s open source software for deploying next-generation onchain products. Its modular, customizable design allows developers and enterprises to launch compliant, production-ready chains and applications with minimal resources and the flexibility to meet regulatory and business needs at scale.

Question 6

Who uses the OP Stack?

Accepted Answer

The OP Stack powers 50+ chains: Base (by Coinbase), Unichain (by Uniswap), Ink (by Kraken), World Chain, Soneium (by Sony), Zora and others.

Question 7

How do I use the OP Stack?

Accepted Answer

You can use the OP Stack by launching your own chain or deploying applications on existing OP Stack chains.

Question 8

How fast is the OP Stack?

Accepted Answer

OP Stack chains are in production with 200ms, 1 second, and 2 seconds blocktimes. See docs for Flashblocks on the OP Stack (200ms blocks).

Question 9

What are transaction costs for OP Stack chains?

Accepted Answer

Transaction costs have often been < 1/10 cent on OP Stack chains (e.g., Unichain: $0.0002 in July 2025). Even during high-demand, costs remained < 1 cent (e.g., Base: $0.003 in July 2025). See the User Experience dashboard tab for the latest observed transaction costs.

Question 10

How can I run my OP Stack chain?

Accepted Answer

You can get started by building a local chain. This will allow you to get your local testnet up and running in minutes.

Once you are ready to deploy, you have two main options:

• Use a Rollup-as-a-Service (RaaS) provider (like Conduit, Alchemy, or Gelato) for the easiest setup. This path lets you get your chain running quickly without managing all the infrastructure yourself.

• Run a self-hosted chain if you want full control over configuration and operations. You can follow the Self-Hosted Chain guide in the Optimism docs to get started.

Most teams start with a RaaS partner for speed, and later explore self-hosting as they scale.

Question 11

How can I deploy apps on OP Stack chains?

Accepted Answer

Developer resources and tutorials are available here.

Question 12

What is Optimism?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Optimism is fully EVM-equivalent, so Ethereum smart contracts, tools, and wallets work without changes.

Question 13

Is Optimism EVM-compatible?

Accepted Answer

Developer resources, tutorials, and API references are available here.

Question 14

What is the Optimism Foundation?

Accepted Answer

The Optimism Foundation is dedicated to building systems that reduce platform risk and accrue value for customers and stakeholders of the Superchain.

Question 15

What is the Optimism Collective?

Accepted Answer

The Optimism Collective is the community of builders creating a new internet that benefits all and is owned by all.

Question 16

How does governance work?

Accepted Answer

Optimism governance reduces platform risk and enables the sustainable management of Collective resources. This includes decisions around how the standard protocol is upgraded, and how revenue and token treasury is allocated. Governance is accountable to all of the Collective’s major stakeholders including tokenholders, end-users, apps, and chains.

Question 17

If I'm interested in getting involved, where do I start?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who holds OP can vote by visiting vote.optimism.io/delegates

Users, apps and chains can get voting rights if they meet specific activity requirements - check your eligibility at atlas.optimism.io/citizenship

Question 18

How can I get a grant?

Accepted Answer

Builders can explore grants by visiting atlas.optimism.io.

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