Why did the price of OP go up?

Optimism (OP) increased by 5.50% in the last 24 hours, outperforming the overall crypto market, which rose by 1.6%. This rise is supported by positive technical signals and important network upgrades. The main factors driving this growth are:

1. Superchain Upgrade Progress – Completion of code that improves cross-chain compatibility encourages more users.
2. opBNB User Growth – The BNB Chain’s OP Stack-based Layer 2 solution saw a 66% increase in users.
3. Technical Breakthrough – OP’s price moved above key averages, with strong momentum indicators.

Deep Dive

1. Superchain Upgrade Finalization (Positive Outlook)

Overview:
On October 2, Optimism launched the Superchain Upgrade 16a, which simplifies the code to allow different blockchains to work together more easily. This upgrade also sets the stage for shared security features expected in 2026. Base, a blockchain built on the OP Stack, plans to adopt this upgrade by October 8.

What this means:
This upgrade makes it easier for developers to build and launch Layer 2 blockchains, attracting more projects to the Optimism ecosystem. Popular platforms like Velodrome and Uniswap, running on Optimism’s main network, benefit from better scalability. This increased activity boosts demand for OP tokens, which are used for governance and utility within the network.

What to watch:
Keep an eye on how quickly Upgrade 16a is adopted by other OP Stack chains like Base, and whether the total value locked (TVL) in these networks grows after the upgrade.

2. opBNB Growth Drives Ecosystem Demand (Positive Outlook)

Overview:
The opBNB network on BNB Chain, which is built using the OP Stack, experienced a 66.4% increase in active users over the past month, thanks in part to projects like Aster. This shows the OP Stack’s effectiveness in scaling Ethereum-compatible blockchains.

What this means:
As more users engage with OP Stack-based chains like opBNB, Optimism’s importance grows. Since OP tokens serve as governance tokens for shared standards across these chains, they stand to gain value as the Superchain ecosystem expands.

What to watch:
Monitor ongoing user growth on opBNB and the launch of new OP Stack chains, especially in areas like gaming and decentralized finance (DeFi).

3. Technical Strength Confirmed (Positive Outlook)

Overview:
OP’s price has moved back above its 30-day simple moving average (SMA) at $0.741 and is holding above the 7-day exponential moving average (EMA) at $0.727. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 55.23, indicating healthy momentum without being overbought. The MACD indicator also turned positive, signaling upward momentum.

What this means:
If OP maintains stability above $0.74, it could test its September high of $0.85. Technical analysis shows resistance around $0.77 and support near $0.745 based on Fibonacci retracement levels.

What to watch:
A sustained price close above $0.77 would confirm continued bullish momentum.

Conclusion

The recent rise in OP reflects growing confidence in the Superchain’s ability to scale and real-world adoption through opBNB, supported by strong technical indicators. While these upgrades strengthen OP’s long-term value, short-term price swings may occur as traders take profits near resistance levels.

Key point to watch: Will OP stay above $0.745 after the Base network implements Superchain 16a on October 8?

What could affect the price of OP?

Optimism’s (OP) price reflects a balance between technical momentum, ecosystem growth, and risks related to token supply.

1. Superchain Upgrades – Efforts to improve interoperability could boost adoption, but there are risks in execution.
2. Token Unlocks – About 31 million OP tokens ($23.6 million) will unlock on July 31, which may lead to short-term selling pressure.
3. Layer 2 Competition – Competitors like Linea’s zkEVM and BNB Chain’s opBNB are gaining ground, challenging OP’s market position.

Deep Dive

1. Superchain Interoperability Push (Bullish/Mixed)

Overview:
On October 2, Optimism launched its Superchain Upgrade 16a. This update simplifies the code and sets the stage for the Interop Layer, expected in early 2026. The Interop Layer will enable shared security and communication across different blockchains. Other chains, such as Base, plan to adopt this upgrade by October 8.

What this means:
If adoption goes smoothly, developers looking for flexible Layer 2 solutions may be attracted to Optimism, increasing network usage and demand for OP tokens. However, delays or technical problems could slow progress, as seen in previous decentralization challenges (Optimism Governance).

2. Token Unlocks and Inflation (Bearish Near-Term)

Overview:
On July 31, 2025, 31.34 million OP tokens (about 1.8% of the total supply) will become available for trading. This adds to selling pressure. The annual inflation rate is 2%, and 30% of the initial token supply is still set to be distributed through governance.

What this means:
Past token unlocks, like the $21.3 million OP unlock in September, have led to price drops between 5% and 15%. Since OP’s price has risen 38.8% over the past 90 days, some investors might take profits, increasing the risk of a price decline (CoinMarketCap).

3. Layer 2 Competition Intensifies (Mixed)

Overview:

• Linea, Consensys’ zkEVM solution, has gained credibility by securing SWIFT’s settlement prototype and launching a $30 million MetaMask rewards program.
• BNB Chain’s opBNB, which is based on the OP Stack, saw a 66.4% increase in active addresses in September (NullTX).

What this means:
While OP’s technology supports competitors like opBNB, Linea’s growing enterprise adoption could draw developers away. With a market cap of $1.35 billion, OP still has room to grow if its Superchain adoption outpaces rivals.

Conclusion

OP’s price will depend on whether Superchain adoption can offset the effects of token unlocks and increasing competition. Technical indicators show positive momentum (RSI at 63.51, with a 13% gain last week), but the $0.85 resistance level—last tested in September—is a key hurdle. Watch for demand after the token unlock and progress on the Interop Layer to understand if the growth is sustainable.

Can OP’s governance reforms and technology upgrades keep it ahead of zkEVM-based projects and corporate-backed chains?

What are people saying about OP?

The buzz around Optimism (OP) is a mix of optimism and caution:

1. Traders are watching the $0.80 level closely—it’s a key resistance point after a recent price breakout.
2. The listing on Upbit, a major Korean exchange, is driving excitement in South Korea, even though some token unlocks could pose risks.
3. A recent security breach, where about $144,000 was stolen from an Optimism wallet, has raised concerns.

Deep Dive

1. Security Breach Raises Concerns – Bearish Signal

@GhanemLab reported:
"⚠️ Drain Attack on Optimism: 147k OP ($106K) + 8.7 ETH stolen via phishing. High risk of copycat attacks targeting L2 users."
– @GhanemLab (82K followers · 210K impressions · 2025-09-08 00:00 UTC)
View original post
What this means: This is a negative sign in the short term. Security issues like this can scare off new investors until the platform strengthens its defenses.

2. Superchain Growth Boosts Optimism’s Potential – Bullish Signal

@Dmailofficial shared:
"Thrilled to join @Optimism Citizens' House! As top-100 gas fee app, we'll drive Superchain growth with OP Stack partners 🌐"
– @Dmailofficial (316K followers · 1.2M impressions · 2025-07-24 09:46 UTC)
View original post
What this means: This is positive news. Dmail, with over 400,000 users, joining forces with Optimism’s technology (OP Stack) could increase the platform’s value and usage.

3. Mixed Signals from Asian Market Adoption

@y_cryptoanalyst noted:
"Upbit built GIWA chain on OP Stack vs Ronin's migration – Optimism prioritizes gaming over exchange infra?"
– @y_cryptoanalyst (89K followers · 387K impressions · 2025-09-09 02:10 UTC)
View original post
What this means: This is a neutral point. While Optimism is gaining traction in Asia, especially in gaming, there are questions about how its strategy compares to competitors, which could lead to market fragmentation.

Conclusion

The outlook for Optimism (OP) is mixed. Technical traders are hopeful that breaking above $0.80 could push prices up about 14% from the current $0.76. However, recent security issues and the fact that 60% of tokens are held by a few large holders (whales) limit enthusiasm. Keep an eye on the $0.715 support level this week—if prices fall below this, it could trigger a wave of automatic sell orders, as noted in a recent CoinMarketCap analysis.

What is the latest news about OP?

Optimism is making big moves with technology improvements and growing its network, but upcoming token releases could create some challenges. Here’s what’s happening:

1. Superchain Upgrade Launched (October 2, 2025) – A major update that connects Optimism-based Layer 2 blockchains more closely.
2. opBNB Usage Jumps (October 4, 2025) – The BNB Chain’s Layer 2 built on OP Stack saw a 66% increase in users.
3. $21.3 Million OP Tokens Released (September 30, 2025) – Token unlocks may lead to selling pressure amid a weak altcoin market.

In-Depth Look

1. Superchain Upgrade Launched (October 2, 2025)

What happened:
Optimism rolled out its Superchain Upgrade 16a on its main network. This update improves security by sharing it across connected chains, introduces customizable gas fees, and sets the stage for a new Interoperability Layer expected in early 2026. It also simplifies the code and lets chains turn on features like ETHLockbox. Base, a major blockchain using OP Stack, plans to adopt this upgrade by October 8.

Why it matters:
This upgrade strengthens Optimism’s role as a key player in scaling Ethereum, making it easier for developers and other blockchains to work together. Better interoperability could attract more projects to the Optimism network, increasing demand for the OP token over time. However, success depends on how smoothly partner chains implement these changes.
(Source: Yahoo Finance)

2. opBNB Usage Jumps (October 4, 2025)

What happened:
opBNB, a Layer 2 blockchain on BNB Chain built with OP Stack technology, saw a 66.4% increase in active users in September. This growth was largely driven by the Aster derivatives project, showing that OP Stack can handle high transaction volumes effectively.

Why it matters:
This is a positive sign for OP’s technology, demonstrating its flexibility and strength. While Optimism doesn’t directly earn from opBNB’s growth, the expanding ecosystem helps position OP as an important player in the multi-chain blockchain world.
(Source: NullTX)

3. $21.3 Million OP Tokens Released (September 30, 2025)

What happened:
Optimism unlocked $21.3 million worth of OP tokens as part of a scheduled release. This contributed to a broader selloff in altcoins, with OP’s price dropping 3%, alongside other tokens like SUI and XLM, during a week that saw $773 million in token unlocks across the market.

Why it matters:
This creates short-term selling pressure because more tokens are available to trade, increasing supply. Since OP’s price is already down 58% for the year, weak demand could keep prices low for a while. However, past unlock events, like the $81 million release in April 2025, saw prices bounce back once selling slowed down.
(Source: CoinDesk)

Conclusion

Optimism’s recent technology upgrades and the growing use of opBNB show strong strategic progress. However, upcoming token unlocks and a fragile altcoin market could create short-term challenges. The key question is whether the Superchain’s improved interoperability can help OP overcome these headwinds. Keep an eye on OP’s $0.80 price level for signs of strength or weakness.

What is expected in the development of OP?

I wasn’t able to find enough information to answer this question right now. The CoinMarketCap team is continuously updating my crypto knowledge, so I expect to have more details soon. Meanwhile, please feel free to choose another question or cryptocurrency for analysis.

What updates are there in the OP code base?

Optimism’s software is getting important upgrades that improve how it scales, governs itself, and works across different blockchains.

1. Superchain Upgrade 16a (October 2, 2025) – Prepares the network for shared security and better communication between chains.
2. Bedrock Codebase Finalization (July 31, 2025) – Lowers transaction fees and speeds up processing.
3. Governance Season 8 (August 1, 2025) – Makes decision-making smoother with voting by stakeholders.

Deep Dive

1. Superchain Upgrade 16a (October 2, 2025)

Overview: This update introduces native message passing and a new bridging standard (ERC-7802) for OP Stack chains. This means different chains can communicate more easily and securely.

Building on the July 2025 Upgrade 16, it removes old code and adds modular parts like ETHLockbox, which lets developers customize gas tokens (the fees paid for transactions). Developers can now turn features on or off to fit specific needs.

Why it matters: This upgrade is positive for Optimism because it strengthens the Superchain’s ability to connect multiple Layer 2 solutions, reducing fragmentation and attracting more developers. (Source)

2. Bedrock Codebase Finalization (July 31, 2025)

Overview: The Bedrock release finalizes a modular codebase that matches Ethereum’s core features but is designed to keep gas fees low and support multiple clients.

This update cuts Layer 1 data costs by 20% and improves transaction throughput by better compressing data batches. It also introduces Flashblocks, which allow transactions to confirm almost instantly.

Why it matters: This is good news for OP users because lower fees and faster transactions make Optimism a more attractive and affordable Ethereum scaling option. (Source)

3. Governance Season 8 (August 1, 2025)

Overview: Governance has been revamped to include stakeholder voting, flexible veto powers, and clear on-chain citizenship rules.

Proposals now automatically pass unless vetoed by token holders, users, apps, or chains. The update also created a Budget Board to manage resources and a Developer Advisory Board to guide protocol improvements.

Why it matters: This change is neutral for OP. It aims to speed up decision-making while balancing decentralization. Success depends on how well stakeholders work together. (Source)

Conclusion

Optimism’s updates focus on making the network more scalable (Bedrock), interoperable (Superchain), and efficient in governance. These improvements strengthen Optimism’s position in Ethereum’s Layer 2 ecosystem. However, widespread adoption will depend on how smoothly these upgrades are integrated.

How might Optimism’s focus on modular chains reshape Ethereum’s multi-L2 landscape?