The Core blockchain is expected to undergo a scheduled hardfork upgrade, known as the Theseus Hard Fork, on Core Testnet2 on May 30, 2025, at 08:00:00 AM UTC and on Core Mainnet on June 25, 2025, at 08:00:00 AM UTC. This upgrade unlocks Core’s protocol-level contract-based revenue sharing framework, provides enhanced on-chain insights through live tracing, and includes other fixes for improved performance. Validators and full node operators on the Core blockchain must update their software versions to the latest releases before the respective scheduled timelines.
Theseus Upgrade Timeline
Core Testnet2: May 30, 2025 at 08:00:00 AM UTC
Core Mainnet: June 25, 2025, at 08:00:00 AM UTC
Background
What is a Hardfork upgrade?
A hardfork is a major network upgrade that introduces changes incompatible with previous versions. Validators and full-node operators who fail to upgrade in time may fall out of sync, resulting in downtime and missed participation. All nodes on Core Testnet2 must upgrade to v1.0.16, whereas all nodes on Core Mainnet must upgrade to v1.0.17, before the hardfork activations on respective networks to stay connected and avoid disruptions.
What happens during a network upgrade?
New rules and logic changes will be implemented with the upgrade activation. After the upgrade, the blockchain can handle a series of new rules and logic, paving the way for enhanced performance, incentive alignment, and dev tooling features to make Core's ecosystem more efficient for its builders, users, and other stakeholders.
Key Upcoming Features in the Theseus Hardfork
The Theseus Hardfork brings powerful enhancements to Core’s developer and economic infrastructure. It introduces live chain tracing with hooks for real-time event monitoring, significantly improving developer tooling and observability. It also debuts a protocol-level revenue-sharing framework designed to align incentives across dApp developers, stablecoin issuers, and other network participants, ultimately accelerating stablecoin adoption, developer engagement, and overall network activity.
- Live Chain Tracing with Hooks
Enables real-time monitoring of on-chain events
Improves observability, debugging, and analytics for developers
Built-in support—no external tracing tools required
- Protocol-Level Fee Sharing Mechanism
Introduces configurable, contract-based revenue distribution
Protocol-native gas fee distribution triggered by contract events or functions
Configurable reward splits controlled by Core DAO governance
Incentivizes dApp developers, stablecoin issuers, and DAOs
Designed to boost stablecoin adoption and network activity
No changes required in contract logic; the reward distribution executes after EVM execution
Fully compatible with existing EVM contracts once configured
- Version Merging: This upgrade includes merged improvements from BNB Smart Chain up to version v1.4.10.
Impacts and Actions Required
For Validators and Full Node Operators
The Theseus Hardfork is a mandatory hardfork upgrade. Validator and Full Node operators must update their nodes to the latest versions. The validator and full node operators must follow these instructions to ensure a smooth upgrade to the latest releases.
For Core Testnet2
Validators and full node operators must upgrade to v1.0.16 before May 30, 2025, 08:00 AM UTC.
How to Upgrade:
Download the latest release from the official Core Releases GitHub repository.
Follow the upgrade instructions provided in the official documentation.
Verify that your node is fully synced and operational.
For Core Mainnet
Validators and full node operators must upgrade to v1.0.17 before June 25, 2025, 08:00 AM UTC.
How to Upgrade:
Download the latest release from the official Core Releases GitHub repository.
Follow the upgrade instructions provided in the official documentation.
Verify that your node is fully synced and operational.
What happens if a validator/full node fails to upgrade in time?
If a validator or full node fails to upgrade before the hardfork, it will become incompatible with the upgraded network. As a result, the node will not be able to sync with peers, process transactions, or participate in consensus. This can result in operational downtime and network disconnection. Upgrading on time is essential to maintain uninterrupted service and ensure continued participation in the Core blockchain.
Hardfork Resources
Support & Assistance
The Theseus hardfork is a significant milestone in Core’s roadmap toward a more modular, incentive-aligned blockchain ecosystem. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please reach out to the official Core Dev Forum or Discord for support.