Deep Dive
1. Enhanced Staking Rewards (February 2026)
Overview: This update optimized the staking mechanics introduced by the Hayabusa hard fork. It made generating VTHO more efficient and rewarding for users who stake their VET tokens to help secure the network.
The upgrade fine-tuned the parameters of the staking-based VTHO generation formula. This adjustment means that for the same amount of VET staked, participants can now earn more VTHO than under the initial Hayabusa implementation, directly boosting the yield for network supporters.
What this means: This is bullish for VTHO because it strengthens the incentive for users to lock up their VET, which reduces selling pressure on the main token and increases network security. For users, it means better rewards for contributing to the ecosystem's stability.
(VeChain)
2. Hayabusa Hard Fork (December 2025)
Overview: This was a major network upgrade that changed how VTHO is created and how the blockchain reaches consensus. It moved the network from Proof-of-Authority to a Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) model.
The key change was replacing the old system where simply holding VET generated VTHO. Now, VTHO is only generated as a reward for staking VET (either by running a validator node or delegating to one). The new generation rate scales with the total amount of VET staked, approximately halving the rate of new VTHO entering circulation.
What this means: This is bullish for VTHO because it creates a direct link between network security (staking) and new supply, making VTHO scarcer over time. For users, it shifts the focus from passive holding to active participation to earn rewards.
(Bullish)
3. Galactica Fee Market (July 2025)
Overview: This hard fork overhauled the transaction fee mechanism on the VeChainThor blockchain, introducing a system similar to Ethereum's EIP-1559 to manage network congestion and token supply.
Every transaction fee is now split into two parts: a base fee and a priority fee. The base fee, set by the protocol, is permanently destroyed (burned). Only the optional priority fee is paid to the validator who processes the transaction. This creates a constant burn mechanism for VTHO.
What this means: This is bullish for VTHO because it introduces a deflationary pressure; as more transactions occur on the network, more VTHO is permanently removed from circulation. For users, it aims to make transaction costs more predictable.
(Bullish)
Conclusion
VeChain has systematically upgraded VTHO's codebase to create a more efficient, secure, and deflationary economic system, pivoting from passive inflation to active, reward-based participation. How will the continued burn rate from the fee market balance with the new generation from staking over the long term?