Core is gearing up for the Hermes Hardfork, a major protocol upgrade introducing faster transaction finality, enhanced validator operations, and advanced developer tools, and commission support for both CORE and BTC staking. The hardfork will activate on Core Testnet2 on October 15th, 2025, at 08:00:00 AM UTC. Mainnet activation will be announced later after thorough testing.
Hardfork Timeline
- Core Testnet2: October 15th, 2025, at 08:00:00 AM UTC
- Core Mainnet: To be announced
What’s New in Hermes Hardfork
The upgrade enhances speed, security, validator operations, and developer capabilities.
Key Highlights:
- Fast Finality: Blocks finalize in 2 blocks (~6s), reducing confirmation times and improving chain security.
- Validator Enhancements: Maintenance mode, candidate validator onboarding, and consecutive block production increase uptime and flexibility.
- Developer Features: BLS12-381 cryptography, historical block hash access, and EOAs with code unlock new dApp possibilities.
- Commission support for both CORE and BTC staking.
Included Features & Impact
Commission Support for CORE and BTC Staking
- For Validator Commission: This hardfork introduces commission rate functionality for validators. Validators can now charge a commission percentage (0-100%) on staking rewards earned by their delegators. The validator receives their commission first, and the remaining rewards are distributed to delegators.
- For Channel Partner Commission: This hardfork also includes Channel Partner support, enabling third-party integrations to register as partners and earn commission on staking rewards when users delegate through their platform.
Validator-Facing BEPs
- BEP-126: Fast Finality: Faster confirmations, reduced reorg risk
- BEP-127: Maintenance Mode: Pause block production safely without penalties
- BEP-131: Candidate Validators: Onboard new validators and strengthen decentralization
- BEP-341: Consecutive Blocks: Produce multiple blocks consecutively for higher throughput
- BEP-410: Validator Agent: Delegate validator duties to agents for improved uptime
Developer-Facing BEPs
- BEP-439: BLS12-381 Precompile: Supports advanced cryptography like threshold signatures and ZK proofs
- BEP-440: Historical Block Hashes: Access older block hashes for randomness and analytics
- BEP-441: Code-Enabled EOAs: EOAs can now run code, enabling new dApp designs
Merged Up to Version v1.5.12
The Hermes hardfork also incorporates improvements and updates by merging versions up to v1.5.12 from BNB Smart Chain.
Overall Impact
- Validators: More reliable, flexible, and scalable
- Developers: Expanded smart contract capabilities and cryptographic support
- Users: Faster, more secure confirmations and seamless dApp experience
Action Required
For Testnet Node Operators
This upgrade is mandatory. Nodes must upgrade to v1.0.21 before Oct 15th,2025, 08:00:00 AM UTC. Failure to upgrade will cause nodes to fall out of consensus.
Upgrade Checklist:
- Download the latest release from Core GitHub Releases Repository
- Follow the official upgrade instructions
- Verify node sync and stability
- Monitor changes:
- BEP-126: Stricter finality; issued signatures have a higher impact
- BEP-127: Learn to enter/exit maintenance mode safely
- BEP-341: Ensure infra supports consecutive block production
- BEP-410: Configure validator agents if used
Validator nodes must perform the following steps after upgrading to the latest release to ensure compatibility with the fast finality upgrade included in the hardfork.
- Generate a vote key.
- Configure the core-chain node properly.
- Update the Vote address on the Core Staking site.
For more details, refer to the detailed validator guidelines.
For Developers & dApp Teams
No breaking changes for most wallets/dApps, but testing on Testnet2 is recommended.
Checklist:
- Update development tooling to ensure compatibility with upgraded clients.
- Test contracts using: BEP-439, BEP-440, BEP-441
- Update services/APIs relying on finality, randomness, or EOA behavior
- Conduct audits/reviews for projects using new precompiles or account types
For General Users
- For general users and wallet holders, no action is required.
Why Upgrade?
Upgrading ensures uninterrupted operation, access to new features, and alignment with Core’s latest protocol. The Hermes Hardfork represents a key milestone, enabling fast finality, advanced validator operations, commission support for both CORE and BTC Staking and powerful developer tools, paving the way for the next generation of dApps.