The Core Review 2026: Bitcoin Staking on an EVM Chain

The Core, branded Core DAO with the CORE token, is a layer-1 blockchain that presents itself as a Proof-of-Stake and utility layer for Bitcoin. Its mainnet launched in January 2023 with what the project calls a fair launch. The focus is BTCfi, meaning financial activity built around Bitcoin.

The network's main idea is Satoshi Plus. It adds Bitcoin miners and Bitcoin holders to the usual token-staking model. The project says over 55% of Bitcoin's hash power was securing Core within a year of launch. That figure comes from its own blog and has not been independently checked here.

Core is EVM-compatible, so Ethereum developers can deploy contracts with familiar tools. The ecosystem includes DeFi protocols, NFTs and non-custodial Bitcoin staking, and CORE is used for fees, governance and unlocking higher staking yields.

Some details are not published in the material reviewed: named team members, audit reports and a fee schedule. One third-party write-up says the team is anonymous.

Core is a layer-1 blockchain secured by a model called Satoshi Plus. Bitcoin miners can delegate hash power to help secure Core and receive a second block reward for it. Bitcoin holders can stake through Bitcoin's native time-locks, and CORE holders can stake the token. According to the project, this brings three groups of participants into one security design.

Bitcoin staking works through absolute time-locks. The BTC is locked for a set period using Bitcoin's own scripting rather than being sent to a custodian. The project says this adds no new trust assumptions. It launched this non-custodial staking in April 2024 and reports over 5,200 BTC staked in its first months.

Dual Staking links the two assets. Staking CORE alongside BTC can raise the yield on that BTC, with the best tier depending on holding a specific CORE-to-BTC ratio. Because Core is EVM-compatible, developers can deploy Ethereum-style contracts, which is how DeFi and NFT apps reach the network.

Core does not publish a fee schedule in the material reviewed. Transaction fees on the network are paid in CORE, and the project describes the chain as faster and cheaper than Bitcoin itself, but gives no specific figures.

Staking yields are variable. The project cites roughly 4-6% APY for Bitcoin under Dual Staking with enough CORE, depending on the CORE-to-BTC ratio. Actual gas costs, any protocol commissions and current yields appear in the staking interface and block explorer at the time of use.

Core's security rests on Satoshi Plus, which combines delegated Bitcoin hash power, time-locked Bitcoin and staked CORE. The project describes its Bitcoin staking as non-custodial and says it adds no new trust assumptions. These claims come from the project, and users should still weigh smart-contract, validator and protocol risk.

The material reviewed does not name audit firms or publish audit reports, a bug bounty or an incident history. One third-party page says the team is anonymous, with no public information about specific individuals. Treat any staking or DeFi position on the network as high risk, and check each application's own security disclosures. Regulation of staking and tokens varies by country, so check the rules where you live.

The Core is for Bitcoin holders curious about earning yield without custodial wrapping, and for developers who want an EVM chain with a Bitcoin angle. It also suits DeFi users who accept chain-level and smart-contract risk. It is not suited to anyone who needs audited, named-team guarantees or fixed returns.