I am Ray.bit, a man with Bitcoin passion and technical insight, X (Twitter): https://x.com/bitlaser_btc
BRC 2.0 FAQ
Hello, Bitcoin family! Thank you for your attention to BRC 2.0, which is a long-awaited step for BRC20. It will soon be launched on the mainnet and implement smart contracts on the Bitcoin underlying layer.
As Bitcoin gains momentum, the community is asking some interesting questions about what it is, how it works, and where it is headed. Here are some of the most common questions and their answers:
BRC 2.0 Basics
What is BRC 2.0?
BRC 2.0 is an upgrade to the original BRC20 token standard. It directly introduces EVM-compatible smart contracts on Bitcoins layer 1, with native settlement and security.
It brings programmability to Bitcoin, enabling thousands of battle-tested EVM contracts and dApps to be deployed on the parent chain.
What is the difference between BRC 2.0 and BRC20?
The original BRC20 standard allows basic token minting and transfer, but lacks programmability. BRC 2.0 introduces smart contract functionality to support advanced financial applications such as DeFi, stablecoins, DeFAI, DAO, RWA, etc.
Does BRC 2.0 require multi-signatures, sequencers, or off-chain approval?
No. Users can deploy or interact with EVM-compatible contracts through standard Bitcoin transaction inscriptions. No multi-signature wallets, sequencers, or off-chain approvals are required.
Is BRC 2.0 safe?
BRC 2.0 is built on the security and decentralization of Bitcoins proof-of-work. It follows trusted and extensively tested smart contract standards, ensuring execution on the chain and avoiding external dependencies.
How to deploy smart contracts using BRC 2.0?
The deployment process involves a standard Bitcoin transaction that writes the contract code. Currently, you can do this using Best in Slot’s public UI on Signet:
Which wallets support BRC 2.0?
Wallets such as @Xverseapp, @LeatherBTC, @wallet, @unisat_wallet, @phantom, @oylwallet and others that can sign Bitcoin transactions can already interact with BRC 2.0 to some extent. However, full smart contract functionality may require a technical upgrade, especially for wallets that do not use our API. We will share a dedicated compatibility update and integration guide later.
Token Upgrades, Ordinals, and Future Development
What will happen to the 4-byte code? Can existing tokens (such as ORDI or SATS) be upgraded to BRC 2.0?
All existing BRC20 tokens, including 4-byte code tokens like ORDI and SATS, will be programmable after Phase 2, at block height 914,888 (approximately September 17). This target may be adjusted based on the integration progress. They can adopt the BRC 2.0 module through a smooth and convenient process. BiS and BRC20 ecosystem partners are actively coordinating the upgrade work across the ecosystem.
Who will choose to include ORDI, SATS, etc. in the upgrade module? How will it be done?
Token holders can easily join BRC 2.0 by simply making a deposit. This is a permissionless and modular system that does not require any changes to the token itself.
What is the release schedule?
The BRC 2.0 mainnet release is divided into two phases:
Stage 1: 6 bytes of programmable code
• Block height: 909,969 (approximately August 14)
•Introducing new 6-character code and immediately compatible with BRC 2.0 smart contracts.
Phase 2: Fully compatible with BRC20 0
• Target block height: 914,888 (approximately September 17)
• All existing BRC20 assets, including tokens such as ORDI and SATS, will be programmable through BRC 2.0. (The specific date may be adjusted depending on the integration of other BRC20 indexers.)
Why create 6-byte tickers?
The 6-byte code immediately introduces programmability, facilitating a smooth transition to BRC 2.0 functionality without disrupting the existing BRC20 ecosystem. This move is the best way to ensure that the upgrade proceeds smoothly.
Will there be a launch platform?
Yes. We are working hard to provide the best launchpad experience for Bitcoin native assets. BRC 2.0, with native smart contracts and serial number awareness, provides everything needed for trustless token issuance, gating mechanisms, etc. Other teams in the ecosystem are also actively exploring similar products.
How does Ordinals-aware work?
BRC 2.0 supports ordinal awareness, which means that smart contracts can recognize and interact with inscriptions and collections. Ordinal Lockers implements this function, which uses Bitcoins native time lock and signature verification to securely lock inscriptions within a set time.
Smart contracts can detect this locked state and use it to enable features like staking, token minting, and other functions that require holding inscriptions. Everything runs on Bitcoin’s native mechanism without any off-chain components.
Can you issue tokens specifically for the Ordinal collection?
Yes. BRC 2.0 supports associating tokens with Ordinal collections, so that token issuance is directly associated with Ordinal. We are designing BRC 2.0 products to create the best experience and make this collection process as simple as possible.
Is there any connection between BiS ARTIFACTS and BRC 2.0?
Yes. BiS ARTIFACTS (the first lockable Ordinal collection) can be connected to BRC 2.0 Ordinal Lockers in the following ways. We plan to expand this further and will share more details soon.
Are there other Ordinals projects planning to launch on BRC 2.0 or use Ordinal Lockers?
Yes. Some holders from series such as Goosinals and Bitcoin Puppets have already locked over 100 assets using Ordinal Lockers. Many other Ordinals projects are also building on BRC 2.0 or preparing to launch staking/locking features.
What is the purpose of building a gas-free application chain for BTCfi?
Bitcoins 10-minute block time makes it difficult to support fast, complex dapps directly on the first layer. Gas-free application chains provide a high-performance environment for BTCfi applications, eliminating latency and fee barriers while still anchoring Bitcoin. It enables a smoother user experience and a broader design space without compromising the underlying security.
What types of applications will be the first to be equipped with BRC 2.0?
BRC 2.0 has attracted developers from the entire Bitcoin ecosystem. From DeFi, SocialFi to games, and more, a variety of applications are emerging, including DEX, AMM, token launch platforms, collections, and more.
The first Gasapp-chain designed for high-performance BTCfi decentralized applications
· Launch platform for Bitcoin native assets
BiS SWAP - BRC 2.0 Swaps
BiS DEX - Provide professional trading experience for BRC20
Trio DEX - BRC20 decentralized exchange and more tools by @trio_xyz
CatSwap - BRC 2.0 Swap developed by @CatSwap_Fun
@SocialFi by One 2 ThreeLabs
CoinCooker - A code-free token creation suite for Bitcoin native assets
Hippodrome - A Web3 game developed by @horsede v4 2 to test the integrity of miners
100 Layer - BRC 2.0’s WBTC (Wrapped BTC) solution @ 100 _Layer
More BRC 2.0 tools developed by @OrangeCryptoX
@adderrels – BRC 2.0 Ordinals Collection
@Earlybirdsbrc – BRC 2.0 Ordinals Collection
Testnet and Developer Questions
Why does BRC 2.0 need withdrawal and recharge functions? What is the purpose of this design?
We have adopted this design for all BRC20 upgrades. These are called modules. Basically, you can enter a module (BRC 2.0 in this case), perform your operations, and then exit (withdraw) to the BRC20 base.
This design is part of the BRC20 modular upgrade path. You can enter a BRC 2.0-like module to perform operations, and then withdraw the base BRC20. It helps maintain clarity and security, especially in Bitcoins 10-minute block time, where efficient state transitions are critical.
Is there any efficient way to handle contract data queries?
Yes. Most Ethereum-compatible developer tools will work with BRC 2.0, which means that existing methods of querying contract data (e.g., through tools like The Graph, Ethers.js, or custom indexers) will apply.
If EVM executes smart contracts, and the user has ORDI and wants to execute smart contract operations, does it need to go through cross-chain, or can it be done directly?
No, you dont need to cross-chain operations. As a user, you will most likely just click a few buttons and everything will be abstracted away.
Our project is currently being developed using Solidity on Ethereum, Base, Polygon or other EVM chains. Will it be easier to migrate to BRC 2.0 in the future? Will it support features such as proxy contracts?
Yes, it will be very simple to port your Solidity project to BRC 2.0, and proxy contracts are supported.
Is it possible for BRC20 to upgrade to OP_RETURN to store data? Is the contract data stored in OP_RETURN or in the witness?
It will use witness data as it is more efficient for relatively large data.
Regarding the BRC20 Balance Server required for BRC 2.0, is it open source or implemented in OPI?
It is already part of the OPI BRC20 indexer. It will automatically start the server after enabling BRC 2.0.
Is the BRC 2.0 testnet online? Where can I try it out?
Yes, the BRC 2.0 testnet is live on Bitcoin Signet. You can now explore, deploy, and interact with smart contracts using our public tools:
Does Signet allow regular users to participate in testing?
Signet is mainly for developers, but interested users are also welcome to explore and try it. But please note that it is not an incentivized testnet.
Should the height at which Signet BRC 2.0 activates be set to a specific value or should it be random?
We are currently set to 230,000, but this is completely random. The first valid BRC 2.0 inscription is at 241,423, so anything below this height should work. To speed up initial indexing, we may adjust it to 240,000 in the future.
If you’re building something cool, we’d love for you to connect with us.
We support builders in Telegram and Discord chats, and encourage builders to submit Discord tickets to communicate with us one-on-one.
Telegram: https://t.me/bestinslotxyz
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/qsNrcjt3ge
