Core Explained: How to Bridge, Stake, and Explore the Ecosystem

Bitcoin changed global finance but has yet to reach its full potential in Decentralized Finance (DeFi). Core, the first Proof of Stake (PoS) layer for Bitcoin, bridges that gap—unlocking seamless access to DeFi while maintaining Bitcoin’s unmatched security.

Core has manifested the largest Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem, and it keeps growing, boasting over $800 million in total value locked (TVL) secured by 76% of Bitcoin’s mining power. This guide will show you how to bridge assets, stake them, and explore powerful dApps built on Core, the leading BTCfi blockchain.

With full EVM compatibility, Core provides developers with a seamless environment for building decentralized applications and protocols without requiring new coding languages. Beyond enabling non-custodial Bitcoin staking, Core transforms Bitcoin into the cornerstone of a complete DeFi ecosystem, offering features like Dual Staking, decentralized governance, and a growing suite of dApps.

Core’s rapid adoption is a testament to its impact, with over 6,500 BTC and 160M CORE already staked, positioning Core as the leading Bitcoin Consumer Chain.

Getting Started: Step Into Core’s Ecosystem

Ready to unlock the full potential of Core? This section will guide you through the essentials to start exploring the ecosystem. Here’s what the section covers:

1. Adding Core to Your Wallet: How to set up Core on popular Web3 wallets like MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet
2. Using the Core Bridge: Seamlessly transferring assets between Core and other blockchains
3. Understanding Core Token: Its role in transactions, staking, and the broader ecosystem
4. Exploring Staking: Earning rewards by staking CORE, BTC, or both through Dual Staking

With these steps, you’ll be fully equipped to dive into the DeFi and BTCfi features available on Core.

1. Adding Core to Your Web3 Wallet

It's easy to add the Core blockchain to popular Web3 wallets like MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet:

1.Open Wallet Settings: Navigate to the Networks section and select "Add a custom network."

2.Input Core Network Details:

• Network Name: Core Blockchain Mainnet
• RPC URL: https://rpc.ankr.com/core
• Chain ID: 1116 (or 0x45c in hexadecimal)
• Currency Symbol: CORE
• Block Explorer URL: https://scan.coredao.org

3.Save and Confirm: Save the settings and confirm that Core Blockchain Mainnet is listed. That's it! You've added Core to your wallet, and you're almost ready to interact with its ecosystem.

2. Core Bridge: Seamlessly Transfer Assets

With Core set up, asset transfers can begin. The Core Bridge enables seamless transfers between Core and well-known blockchains such as Ethereum, BNB Chain, Avalanche, Polygon, Arbitrum, and Optimism. Integrated with the LayerZero protocol, it ensures fast, secure, and decentralized cross-chain transactions.

Here's how to use it:

1. Visit the Bridge: Go to https://bridge.coredao.org and connect your wallet.
2. Select Chains: Choose the blockchain you're bridging from and to (e.g., Ethereum → Core).
3. Choose Asset and Amount: Select the asset you want to bridge, enter the amount, and confirm.
4. Wait a Few Moments: Your assets will appear in your Core wallet shortly.

The Core Bridge makes managing and moving assets across blockchains simple, secure, and fast. Once you bridge your assets, you can use a decentralized exchange (DEX) like Sushiswap to swap for the desired token, such as CORE, on the Core blockchain.

3. CORE Token: The Key to Core’s Ecosystem

Before we go further, let's get familiar with CORE, the native token of the Core blockchain. You'll need it for gas fees and you can stake it. CORE is also required for trading Coretoshis, an exclusive NFT collection available on OKX.

And here's the best part: transaction fees on Core are incredibly low, averaging just 0.0047 CORE recently.

4. Staking Made Simple: Earn with CORE and BTC

Core unlocks new opportunities for Bitcoin and CORE holders through innovative staking solutions. Whether staking CORE, BTC, or both (Dual Staking), you can earn sustainable rewards while contributing to the blockchain’s security. All staking activity—BTC, CORE, or Dual Staking—results in CORE rewards, providing tangible benefits for participants.

CORE Staking
Staking CORE allows you to delegate your tokens to validators. These validators help secure the Core blockchain, and you get rewarded for contributing.

Here's how to stake CORE:

1. Visit the Staking Page: Go to https://stake.coredao.org/.
2. Choose a Validator: Click on the "Validators" tab.
   1. To pick a validator, focus on their Hybrid Score (higher is better because it means they contribute more to security), Commission (lower is better for you, but avoid suspiciously low rates; 5-15% is a good range), and CORE Reward Rates (higher is better for your earnings).
3. Delegate Your CORE: Click "Stake," choose "CORE," and follow the prompts to delegate from your EVM-compatible wallet.

Non-Custodial BTC Staking:
Core offers a unique way to stake your Bitcoin directly on the Bitcoin blockchain without wrapping or bridging. This means your BTC stays secure on the Bitcoin network, eliminating risks like slashing or smart contract vulnerabilities. You earn yield through long-term CORE token emissions.

Here's how to stake BTC:

1. Go to the Staking Page: Navigate to https://stake.coredao.org/.
2. Select a Validator and Connect: Click on the “Validator” tab, choose a validator (using the same criteria as above), click "Stake," then select "BTC," and connect a Web3 Bitcoin wallet (like Xverse or Unisat).
3. Stake Your BTC: Specify the amount of BTC you want to stake and confirm.

Looking for more info? Check out this helpful FAQ as well as a more in-depth guide to non-custodial Bitcoin Staking on Core.

Dual Staking: Maximize Bitcoin and CORE Rewards
Looking to take your earnings to the next level? With Core's Dual Staking, you can stake BTC and CORE together, unlocking maximum rewards while contributing to network security.

Dual Staking combines the power of Bitcoin and CORE, offering enhanced earning potential and a seamless staking experience. This feature not only strengthens Core’s security and scalability but also drives demand for CORE, bridging the Bitcoin and Core ecosystems in a way that’s both rewarding and effortless for users.

Dual Staking Tiers and Rates

There are four tiers based on your CORE-to-BTC staking ratio. The higher the tier, the better the annual percentage yield (APY):

• Base Tier: Less than 1,000 CORE staked per 1 BTC.
• Super Tier: 1,000 CORE to 1 BTC.
• Boost Tier: 3,000 CORE to 1 BTC.
• Satoshi Tier: 8,000 CORE to 1 BTC (highest rewards).

How to Dual Stake:

1. Visit the Staking Page: Go to https://stake.coredao.org/ and click the "Staking" tab.
2. Connect Two Wallets: Connect both an EVM-compatible wallet (for CORE) and a Bitcoin wallet.
3. Stake Your Assets: Enter the amounts of CORE and BTC you want to stake and click “Proceed to Stake.”

Quick Tip: Use the left module to stake both CORE and BTC (Dual Staking). The right panel instantly updates to display your Projected Annual Reward Rate and Projected Annual Rewards (in CORE tokens) based on the amounts you enter. You can adjust your inputs either directly on the left or with the BTC and CORE sliders at the bottom right to explore potential rewards and rates. For a more in-depth guide, please refer to this article.

Explore Core’s Growing Ecosystem

Now that you're earning yield, let's explore the exciting world of decentralized applications (dApps) on Core. Core's ecosystem features a diverse array of dApps spanning DeFi, GameFi, and NFTs, offering everything from lending protocols to decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and NFT marketplaces, with endless possibilities to explore.

Core Ignition: Jumpstart Your Core Experience
The best way to dive in is by joining Core Ignition—a structured, seasonal program that lets you explore, engage, and earn rewards. Ignition is now in Season 2, which will run until March 11, 2025.

Here's how to get started:

1. Register: Visit https://ignition.coredao.org/, connect your EVM-compatible wallet, and sign up.
2. Form a Team (Optional): Team up with others to tackle challenges.
3. Engage with dApps: Start using DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, and DEXs to earn Sparks points.
   • Sparks measure user engagement and activity within the Core ecosystem, offering dynamic rewards for participation and contributions.
4. Earn Rewards: The more Sparks you accumulate through activities like bridging, trading, and participating in campaigns, the more rewards you'll earn.

Quick Tip: The leaderboard tracks activity daily, so consistent participation is key!

Discover Core’s Top dApps

• CoreX: A decentralized platform for trading, social interaction, and AI-powered tools.
• Colend: A lending and borrowing platform that lets you earn rewards on your assets.
• BitFLUX: Swap BTC-pegged assets with low slippage and maximize your Bitcoin liquidity.
• Glyph Exchange: The first AMM for Bitcoin inscriptions.
• Pell Network: The first decentralized BTC restaking network, enhancing Bitcoin's security.
• NLX: Trade on-chain perpetuals backed by Bitcoin.
• Archer Swap: A DeFi hub for supplying, borrowing, and leveraging assets.

These are just a few examples—there's much more to discover! From the Ignition Dashboard, just click on the Explore dApps tab on the left to see a full list of options.

Core Scan: Navigate the Blockchain with Ease

Core Scan is your go-to tool for navigating the Core blockchain. Use it to:

• Track Transactions: Verify transaction details using hashes or wallet addresses.
• Monitor the Ecosystem: Keep an eye on daily transactions, total value locked (TVL), and unique addresses.
• Check Validator Performance: Assess validator statistics to make informed staking decisions.

Quick Tip: Use Core Scan regularly to track your dApp activities and staking progress.

What’s Next for Core? Future Innovations

Core is constantly evolving. Here's a sneak peek at what's coming:

Liquid Staking for Bitcoin (lstBTC)
2025 will mark a new era for Bitcoin staking with lstBTC—Core’s revolutionary liquid staking solution that bridges flexibility and yield. lstBTC is an ERC-20 token (lstBTC) pegged 1:1 with your staked BTC. This means you can earn daily CORE rewards while still having the flexibility to use your lstBTC for lending, borrowing, and trading within Core's BTCfi ecosystem. lstBTC will be secured by a multisig setup managed by audited, trusted entities.

Join the Core Community: Shape the Future of Bitcoin

Ready to take the next step? Become an active participant in Core's thriving ecosystem. Explore dApps, bridge your assets, stake your tokens, and unlock new opportunities in Bitcoin's evolving financial landscape.

Stay updated with the latest innovations by signing up for the Unlocking BTCfi newsletter and connecting with the Core community on Discord and Telegram.

The future of Bitcoin is being built on Core. Don't just watch it happen—be a part of it. Start today and discover how Core empowers you to engage, earn, and contribute to the most Bitcoin-aligned blockchain.