Core blockchain has officially launched its Fusion upgrade, introducing a new Dual Staking feature that unlocks enhanced yield opportunities for Bitcoin holders. By simultaneously staking both BTC and CORE tokens, users can access higher reward tiers while maintaining full, non-custodial control over their assets.
From Store of Value to Decentralized Engine
Core began as a community-driven project rooted in the principles of Bitcoin and Ethereum. To date, it has processed over 300 million on-chain transactions, built a community of 2.2 million Twitter followers, more than 253,000 Discord members, and 5 million active wallets. The platform's mission is to transform Bitcoin from a passive store of value into a powerful engine for decentralized applications. By leveraging Bitcoin's security and EVM-compatible smart contracts, Core enables developers to build on a Bitcoin-powered blockchain.
How Dual Staking Works
Non-custodial Bitcoin staking was first introduced on Core in April 2024, making Bitcoin a native yield-bearing asset for the first time. The Fusion upgrade enhances this by adding a dual-staking mechanism. To participate, users must:
- Stake both CORE and Bitcoin simultaneously, with the CORE amount meeting a minimum threshold;
- Ensure the staking wallet address matches the designated CORE rewards address for Bitcoin staking (by visiting stake.coredao.org);
- View accrued rewards in the “My Staking” section.
Yields vary between validators based on total and weighted delegation amounts. This transparency helps users balance their CORE and BTC distribution to maximize returns while maintaining network health by preventing validator centralization or underfunding.
Key Metrics and Impact
As of October 2024, over 6,380 BTC (valued at approximately $575 million) have been staked on Core. Moreover, approximately 76% of Bitcoin mining hash power is delegated to Core, contributing to network security. The dual-staking feature offers a base risk-free rate for Bitcoin stakers and an enhanced ‘dual-staker rate’ for those who also stake CORE. Longer staking durations are rewarded with higher yields. All operations remain non-custodial, eliminating slashing, counterparty, and external smart contract risks.
Sustainability and Future Outlook
Core uses fixed CORE emissions to incentivize dual staking, ensuring rewards align with long-term commitment and ecosystem success. Unlike Bitcoin, staked CORE is not time-locked; users can unstake CORE at any time or stake it independently. This design allows Bitcoin holders to generate passive income in a decentralized, secure manner while contributing to Core's security and liquidity.
The Fusion upgrade marks a significant milestone in Bitcoin's evolution as a financial asset. By enabling dual staking, Core expands Bitcoin's utility and provides a robust foundation for DeFi applications, bridging the gap between Bitcoin's security and Ethereum's programmability.