Stacks Network, a Bitcoin layer-2 protocol, is cementing its position as one of the largest decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms on the world’s most secure blockchain. According to DeFiLlama, the platform currently manages assets worth over $109 million. As decentralized financial services gain momentum, Stacks Network is not only expanding but also continuously improving its offerings.
In a significant development, the network is gearing up for a major upgrade named Nakamoto, set to go live on October 29. This update, expected to have far-reaching implications, will introduce features that enhance both throughput and security. Analysts and supporters are optimistic about the potential transformation of the ecosystem with this upgrade.
One of the most notable aspects of the Nakamoto update is its impact on scalability. The upgrade aims to make Stacks more competitive with Ethereum layer-2 solutions, which are known for their ability to process transactions quickly and host transaction-intensive decentralized applications (dapps). Post-update, Stacks will decouple from Bitcoin’s block production speed, which is approximately every 10 minutes. Instead, the platform will be able to process transactions within seconds, enhancing transaction speed, increasing throughput, and providing a better user experience.
Despite this decoupling, the symbiotic relationship between stackers and Bitcoin miners will not end. The collaboration is expected to be even more robust, with Stacks becoming more decentralized and, therefore, more secure. All transactions will still need confirmation on Bitcoin’s base layer, ensuring the finality and irreversibility of transactions on the Bitcoin mainnet, which enhances security without the risk of reversals.
Meanwhile, on the market front, STX, the native token of Stacks, has been in a prolonged period of consolidation. Since early July, the token’s price has oscillated between $1.20 and $2. Despite a near 60% recovery after its crash in early August, the token has struggled to break out of this range. A decisive breakout above $2, accompanied by rising trading volumes, could signal a strong uptrend, potentially pushing STX prices to $4, nearly double the highs observed in September. This movement could mirror the upward trends seen from early Q4 2023 to mid-March, making it a crucial period for the token.
As the Nakamoto upgrade approaches, the eyes of the crypto world are on Stacks Network, watching to see if its ambitious plans will translate into tangible improvements and significant market movements.