Deep Dive
1. Lido DAO Mainnet Integration (24 July 2026)
Overview: Lido DAO approved and sent its Core Stacking Module (CSM) v3 and Curated Module v2 to the Core mainnet. This followed completed audits and testnet phases, indicating a mature integration process.
The update represents a significant ecosystem expansion, bringing Lido's established liquid staking infrastructure to Core. This allows Bitcoin holders to stake via Core and receive liquid staking tokens, deepening Core's role in Bitcoin DeFi (BTCFi). The move passed without veto, suggesting strong community and technical alignment.
What this means: This is bullish for CORE because it brings a major, trusted DeFi protocol onto the chain, which could attract more users and capital seeking Bitcoin yield. It makes staking Bitcoin more accessible and liquid, potentially increasing network activity and the utility of the CORE token.
(Crypto Whales)
2. Network Upgrade v1.0.17 (25 June 2025)
Overview: This network upgrade was scheduled for June 25, 2025, with major exchange Bybit announcing support to ensure service continuity for users.
The upgrade involved protocol changes that required node operators to update their software. Bybit's public support highlighted the upgrade's focus on maintaining operational stability and optimizing backend infrastructure, with minimal expected market disruption.
What this means: This is neutral for CORE as it represents essential maintenance. It shows the development team and exchanges are coordinating to keep the network running smoothly, which is crucial for user trust but doesn't directly introduce new features or demand.
(CoinMarketCap)
3. Staking & MEV Attack Fixes (15 October 2023)
Overview: The Core Network Upgrade 1.0.4 introduced major improvements to the staking experience and fixed security flaws. It activated after block 8,020,000.
Key changes included removing the one-day reward penalty for redelegating CORE tokens and allowing users to split their stake across multiple validators. It also implemented a gas price limit to prevent Miner Extractable Value (MEV) attacks where attackers copied relayer transactions. Additional fixes sped up block production and resolved smart contract issues.
What this means: This was bullish for CORE because it made staking more flexible and efficient, encouraging user participation. Fixing the MEV attacks made the network more secure and fair for all participants, improving its overall reliability.
(Core DAO)
Conclusion
Core's development trajectory shows a focus on strengthening its Bitcoin DeFi foundation through critical security patches, seamless network upgrades, and strategic integrations with major protocols like Lido. How will the influx of liquid staking from Lido impact Core's Total Value Locked and token utility in the coming months?