Core has announced the launch of its Dual Staking feature through the Fusion upgrade, introducing a new yield framework for Bitcoin holders. The update allows participants to stake BTC and CORE together in order to access higher reward tiers, while keeping the structure non-custodial. According to the project, the goal is to expand Bitcoin’s utility beyond passive holding and into on-chain yield generation without requiring users to surrender control of their assets.
Fusion upgrade expands Core’s Bitcoin staking model
Core said non-custodial Bitcoin staking was first introduced in April 2024. The new Fusion upgrade builds on that foundation by adding a second layer of incentives tied to CORE token participation. Under the model, Bitcoin stakers can receive a base yield rate, while users who also stake CORE may qualify for an enhanced dual-staker rate.
The project frames this as a way to make CORE more integral to the ecosystem, since holding and staking the token can increase rewards for Bitcoin participants. Core also presents the system as an option for both retail and institutional users seeking on-chain yield opportunities without involving custodians or intermediaries.
Adoption metrics highlighted by the project
In its release, Core pointed to several ecosystem metrics to demonstrate traction. The network said it has processed more than 300 million on-chain transactions, built a social community of 2.2 million Twitter followers and more than 253,000 Discord members, and reached 5 million active wallets.
For the staking side specifically, Core said that as of October 2024, more than 6,380 BTC had been staked on the platform, representing a value of over $575 million at the time of disclosure. The Core Foundation also stated that close to 76% of Bitcoin mining hash power had been delegated to Core, which it says contributes to the network’s security profile.
How Dual Staking works
According to the release, qualifying for higher rewards under Dual Staking depends on two primary conditions. First, users must stake both Bitcoin and CORE at the same time, and the amount of CORE must satisfy the minimum threshold required for dual staking eligibility.
Second, the wallet address used in the staking setup must match the designated CORE rewards address for Bitcoin staking. Core says this alignment ensures that reward payments are correctly routed. Users can manage this process through the project’s official staking portal, where they can connect their address and review transaction history, active positions, and accrued rewards.
The platform’s “My Staking” interface is designed to show both Bitcoin staking activity and CORE staking activity in one place. Core says this lets users monitor rewards earned in CORE from both forms of participation while keeping a clearer view of how their positions are structured.
Validator transparency and yield optimization
Core also emphasizes visibility into validator allocations. Through its official staking dashboard, users can monitor how their delegated CORE, Bitcoin, and Hash are distributed across validators. Yield levels may differ depending on how much total delegation and weighted delegation each validator has received.
The project argues that this transparency helps users make more informed decisions about where to allocate assets in order to optimize returns. It also says the structure supports ecosystem health by discouraging over-concentration on a single validator while helping weaker validators avoid becoming economically inactive. In that sense, the staking interface is presented not just as a rewards tool, but as a mechanism for maintaining validator balance across the network.
Non-custodial design remains central
A major part of Core’s messaging around the launch is the non-custodial nature of the product. The project says users keep full control over their assets and do not need to transfer Bitcoin to a third party in order to participate. Core further claims that this design reduces exposure to custodial risk, counterparty risk, and external smart contract risk.
The release also distinguishes between the handling of BTC and CORE within the system. While Bitcoin staking involves time-based lock mechanics, staked CORE is described as more flexible: users can unstake CORE at any time or stake it independently. That flexibility may appeal to participants who want to adjust their exposure without fully exiting the ecosystem.
Strategic implications for Bitcoin yield products
At a broader level, Core is positioning the Fusion upgrade as part of a larger shift in how Bitcoin is used. Rather than treating BTC only as a store of value, the project argues that Bitcoin can increasingly function as a productive on-chain asset within decentralized applications and EVM-compatible environments secured by Bitcoin-linked infrastructure.
Core says the Dual Staking model is intended to create a sustainable and incentive-aligned system, with fixed CORE emissions supporting participation over time. In the project’s framing, higher rewards are meant to encourage long-term commitment while reinforcing network growth and security.
Still, the announcement comes from a press release, which means readers should approach the claims with appropriate caution. Product mechanics, projected yields, network security assumptions, and token incentives all warrant independent review. Anyone considering participation should evaluate the technical structure, reward design, and associated risks before making a decision.