Core

What is Core (CORE)?

Core is a high-performance, EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain designed to serve as the foundational scaling and yield layer for Bitcoin. It is powered by a unique hybrid consensus mechanism called “Satoshi Plus,” which combines Bitcoin’s mining hash power with delegated proof-of-stake. While Bitcoin provides the ultimate security and store of value, Core unlocks its productivity through self-custodial staking. In 2026, the network initiated its “Bitcoin Power Grid” roadmap, shifting its focus from simple yield display to a revenue-driven model that uses protocol income to fund strategic CORE token buybacks.

The 2026 landscape for Core is defined by the launch of lstBTC, a liquid staking token that allows users to earn Bitcoin yield while keeping their assets liquid for DeFi. This evolution is a major pillar in the Ethereum vs Solana scalability debate, as Core proves that Bitcoin-backed layers can offer institutional-grade security alongside sub-second finality. To understand the modular infrastructure that enables Core to synchronize with the Bitcoin blockchain while maintaining EVM compatibility, see our Celestia guide. By March 2026, Core has secured over 75% of Bitcoin’s total hash power through its mining delegation, cementing its status as the most secure Bitcoin co-chain.

Dual Staking and the SatPay Neobank

A major milestone in early 2026 is the rollout of Dual Staking, where holding CORE tokens acts as a multiplier for Bitcoin staking rewards. This creates a supply-side squeeze, as Bitcoin holders must acquire CORE to unlock the highest yield tiers (up to 25-50x higher than solo staking). This high-fidelity economic alignment mirrors the data accuracy of the Pyth Network, which provides the sub-second price feeds for Core’s expanding “BTCFi” ecosystem. Additionally, the launch of SatPay—a Core-powered neobank—has enabled users to spend their Bitcoin yields directly in the real world via physical cards and mobile payments.

The network’s commitment to “Human-Centric” digital sovereignty is a priority shared with the World network. Through a partnership with a major hardware wallet provider, Core now allows users to stake Bitcoin directly from cold storage, removing the bridge risk typically associated with Bitcoin DeFi. In 2026, the CORE token has transitioned into a “scarcity-driven” asset; with a fixed supply of 2.1 billion (exactly 100x Bitcoin), it serves as the essential utility token for gas, governance, and the “yield key” for the entire Bitcoin staking economy.

Securing Your CORE and Staked Bitcoin

As Core introduces more complex liquid staking and “Dual Staking” products, choosing the right types of crypto wallets is essential for long-term safety. While the Core mobile wallet provides a seamless experience for daily BTCFi interactions, users participating in high-value Satoshi Plus staking should link their accounts to hardware wallets for maximum security. In 2026, maintaining self-custody on Core means you can participate in network governance, voting on the revenue-to-buyback ratios and the distribution of the Core DAO treasury.