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Base Node

Docker setup for running your own Base blockchain node; this repo is archived, so use base/base instead.base/node

GitHub Download v1.2.0
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Licence
MIT
Language
Shell
Last update
2 months ago
Type
Dev tool

This repository is archived and no longer maintained.

What it is

Base is an Ethereum layer-2 network built on Optimism's OP Stack. This repository holds a Docker build for running a Base node, which is a computer that stays in sync with the chain and checks its data. The README says the repository is archived and that development and releases have moved to base/base.

  • Run a Base mainnet node with docker compose up --build using the .env.mainnet file
  • Run a Base Sepolia testnet node by setting NETWORK_ENV=.env.sepolia
  • Enable Flashblocks mode by setting RETH_FB_WEBSOCKET_URL
  • Restore faster by using published chain snapshots, per the README

Great for

  • Developers who want to run their own Base node on mainnet or Sepolia testnet
  • Operators comfortable with Docker Compose and an Ethereum L1 RPC endpoint
  • Teams that need a self-hosted node instead of a third-party RPC provider

Not ideal for

  • Anyone wanting a new installation or upgrade: the README says to use releases from base/base, since this repo is no longer maintained
  • Users without a working Ethereum L1 full node RPC and beacon endpoint, which the Quick Start lists as a prerequisite
  • People on modest hardware: the README lists 32GB RAM minimum and NVMe storage

How to get it

  1. 1

    Run with Docker

    You'll need: Docker · Docker Compose · Ethereum L1 full node RPC and beacon endpoint

    Clone the repository

    git clone https://github.com/base/node

    Start the mainnet node (default)

    docker compose up --build

    Start the testnet node

    NETWORK_ENV=.env.sepolia docker compose up --build
  2. 2

    Run it

    • Confirm you have an Ethereum L1 RPC and beacon endpoint available
    • Set BASE_NODE_L1_ETH_RPC and BASE_NODE_L1_BEACON in the .env file for your network
    • Start the node with docker compose up --build
    • Query the Flashblocks RPC on localhost:8545 if running in Flashblocks mode
  3. 3

    Get the most out of it

    • Use a snapshot to sync faster, as described in the README and docs.base.org
    • Set RETH_PRUNING_ARGS to enable pruning and reduce storage use
    • Set BASE_NODE_SOURCE_L2_RPC to enable follow mode
    • Check .env.mainnet or .env.sepolia for the full list of configuration options

Downloads

Source code (.zip)main branch · straight from GitHubRelease v1.2.0Release notes and sourceOfficial website & docsbase.org

Strengths

  • Provides a Docker-based setup for the Base execution client (base-reth-node) and consensus client (base-consensus)
  • Supports both mainnet and testnet through documented environment files
  • Documents optional features such as Flashblocks, follow mode, and pruning

Trade-offs

  • The repository is archived and no longer maintained; the README points to base/base for current releases
  • Requires substantial hardware and storage, and a separate Ethereum L1 node endpoint
  • The README includes a disclaimer that the software is provided as is, with no warranty

Stats synced from GitHub. The assessment above was drafted with AI from the project's README on 2026-10-29 and may miss recent changes — check the README before relying on a command. MIT licence: free to use, modify and distribute, including commercially, as long as you keep the copyright notice.