Deep Dive
1. Mainnet Hard Fork Prep (27 October 2025)
Overview: Core Node v1.2.0 includes security patches and atomic swap optimizations, mandating upgrades for node operators before the January 2026 hard fork.
The update refines order handling for cross-chain swaps and upgrades API/wallet compatibility. Node operators must adopt v1.2.0 to avoid network incompatibility.
What this means: This is bullish for CORE because it strengthens network security and prepares for seamless cross-chain functionality, potentially attracting more DeFi projects. (Source)
2. Hermes Hardfork Activation (25 November 2025)
Overview: The Hermes upgrade slashes block finality to ~6 seconds and adds validator maintenance modes, BLS cryptography, and commission support for BTC/CORE staking.
Validators must upgrade to v1.0.22 by 25 November 2025. The update merges BNB Smart Chain improvements (up to v1.5.12) for enhanced interoperability.
What this means: This is bullish for CORE because faster finality improves user experience for dApps, while expanded validator tools could decentralize network participation. (Source)
3. Core 5.0 Testnet Progress (25 November 2025)
Overview: The Core 5.0 testnet is 90% complete, with breakthroughs in block producer stability and transaction flow optimizations.
Developers highlighted resolved issues in network architecture and transaction queuing, finalizing steps before public testing.
What this means: This is neutral for CORE as it signals technical progress, but market impact depends on successful mainnet deployment and adoption. (Source)
Conclusion
Core’s codebase advances prioritize scalability (Hermes), security (v1.2.0), and DeFi readiness (atomic swaps). With a hard fork and testnet milestones ahead, how will these upgrades position CORE in the competitive Bitcoin L2 landscape?