Core DAO’s 2025 Roadmap: What’s Coming Next?
Core DAO just dropped its plans for the second half of 2025, and if things go as intended, it could shake up how Bitcoin interacts with decentralized finance. The details were shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter) late last month, and while some of it feels ambitious, there’s real substance here—especially for Bitcoin holders looking to dip into DeFi without losing liquidity.
The roadmap isn’t just a vague wishlist. It lays out six key updates, from liquid staking for Bitcoin to tighter integrations with major stablecoins and hardware wallets. Whether all of it lands smoothly is another question, but the direction is clear: Core wants to bridge Bitcoin’s security with the flexibility of smart contracts, and they’re betting big on it.
Liquid Staking for Bitcoin: lstBTC
One of the bigger moves is the launch of lstBTC, or Liquid Staked Bitcoin. The idea isn’t entirely new—Ethereum has had liquid staking for years—but applying it to Bitcoin is trickier. If it works, though, it could be a game-changer. Bitcoin holders would be able to stake their BTC and earn rewards while still keeping their assets liquid. No more locking up funds for uncertain returns.
Core’s blog post on the feature claims it’s a win for institutions, too, since they could earn yield without sacrificing security or custody control. That’s a bold promise, and we’ll have to see how it plays out in practice. The shift from coreBTC (their earlier bridged Bitcoin asset) to lstBTC suggests they’re refining their approach, likely based on feedback or technical hurdles they’ve hit along the way.
CoreFi Strategy: Chasing Bitcoin Yields
Then there’s the CoreFi Strategy, which feels like a nod to what companies like MicroStrategy have been doing—accumulating Bitcoin as a treasury asset. Core’s version involves dual staking of CORE and Bitcoin tokens, aiming for higher returns. It’s not entirely clear how much of this is marketing versus substance, but the team has hinted at non-custodial staking models, which could appeal to folks wary of handing over control.
The strategy was first teased back in December 2024, so it’s been in the works for a while. Whether it can compete with established players is another story, but Core seems confident. Or at least, they’re acting like it.
Stablecoins, Wallets, and Fee Tweaks
Other parts of the roadmap are more straightforward. Integrations with stablecoins like USDT and USDC should make swapping and cross-chain moves easier, assuming the partnerships hold up. CoolWallet Pro and Klever Wallet support is also in the mix, which matters for users who prefer cold storage.
Dual staking upgrades are coming too, though the specifics are fuzzy. The current system lets users stake both Bitcoin and CORE for better rewards, and the new changes might tweak the ratios or streamline the process. There’s also talk of revenue sharing and dynamic fee markets, but those details are still under wraps.
Will It Work?
Predictions are all over the place—some analysts think CORE could hit $4 by the end of 2025, while others are more skeptical. A lot depends on whether these features actually launch on time and how the market reacts. The lack of hard deadlines for some items (like those fee markets) doesn’t inspire total confidence, but then again, that’s crypto.
For now, Core DAO’s roadmap is at least a sign they’re pushing forward. Whether it’s enough
