A Complete Guide to Stacks
Stacks is the leading Bitcoin Layer 2 that unlocks smart contracts and apps, letting you use Bitcoin for more than just holding. It’s built to expand what’s possible without changing Bitcoin itself.
Here's what you need to know👇
Stacks is the leading Bitcoin Layer 2, making Bitcoin programmable and unlocking over $1 trillion in passive BTC. It’s the top L2 by developer traction, user activity, and market cap, allowing smart contracts and apps to run on Bitcoin’s secure foundation.
in October 2024, Stacks launched the Nakamoto upgrade which allows for near-instant transaction finality and speeds on par with leading L2s, while retaining the security and irreversibility of Bitcoin L1.
Then in December 2024, sBTC was launched and opened the door for developers and users to use native BTC in smart contracts, DeFi, and other Bitcoin-secured applications, including paying gas fees with BTC.
Stacks released a community driven roadmap, which outlines key priorities for 2025 and beyond. The roadmap includes scaling sBTC capacity, major network upgrades, new DeFi and stablecoin integrations, and ongoing improvements to developer tools, security, and ecosystem growth. To learn more, visit stacks.co.
in October 2024, Stacks launched the Nakamoto upgrade which allows for near-instant transaction finality and speeds on par with leading L2s, while retaining the security and irreversibility of Bitcoin L1.
Then in December 2024, sBTC was launched and opened the door for developers and users to use native BTC in smart contracts, DeFi, and other Bitcoin-secured applications, including paying gas fees with BTC.
Stacks released a community driven roadmap, which outlines key priorities for 2025 and beyond. The roadmap includes scaling sBTC capacity, major network upgrades, new DeFi and stablecoin integrations, and ongoing improvements to developer tools, security, and ecosystem growth. To learn more, visit stacks.co.
What's the easiest way to buy STX with a credit card or bank transfer?
Use a wallet like Xverse or Leather, both offer fiat onramps via providers like MoonPay or Transak.
Which centralized exchanges sell STX?
OKX, Gate.io, KuCoin, Binance (if available in your region), Bitstamp, and others offer STX.
How do I swap BTC, ETH, or USDC to STX?
You can get STX by using a cross-chain bridge or a crypto exchange that supports both your current coin and STX (like OKX—deposit USDC, swap to STX, then withdraw to your Stacks wallet). Xverse also lets you swap ETH or BTC to STX right in the app.
Use a wallet like Xverse or Leather, both offer fiat onramps via providers like MoonPay or Transak.
Which centralized exchanges sell STX?
OKX, Gate.io, KuCoin, Binance (if available in your region), Bitstamp, and others offer STX.
How do I swap BTC, ETH, or USDC to STX?
You can get STX by using a cross-chain bridge or a crypto exchange that supports both your current coin and STX (like OKX—deposit USDC, swap to STX, then withdraw to your Stacks wallet). Xverse also lets you swap ETH or BTC to STX right in the app.
Which wallet do I need for Stacks DeFi?
You can use either Xverse or Leather. Both offer browser extensions and mobile apps that support Stacks DeFi, NFTs, and other Bitcoin-based apps.
How do I create a wallet and keep my seed phrase safe?
Just follow the in-app setup steps. When you get your seed phrase, write it down and store it somewhere safe offline. Never share it with anyone.
How do I connect my wallet to Zealy?
Log into Zealy using your Discord, X (Twitter) or email account. Then follow the quest links—your wallet will connect automatically when needed for onchain tasks.
You can use either Xverse or Leather. Both offer browser extensions and mobile apps that support Stacks DeFi, NFTs, and other Bitcoin-based apps.
How do I create a wallet and keep my seed phrase safe?
Just follow the in-app setup steps. When you get your seed phrase, write it down and store it somewhere safe offline. Never share it with anyone.
How do I connect my wallet to Zealy?
Log into Zealy using your Discord, X (Twitter) or email account. Then follow the quest links—your wallet will connect automatically when needed for onchain tasks.
Bitflow:
Bitflow is the first decentralized exchange on Bitcoin L2 (Stacks) supporting BTC-native assets like Runes. It enables fast, low-fee trading while settling back to Bitcoin for finality.
Learn more about Bitflow in the Bitflow Docs.
Granite:
Granite is a Bitcoin-backed lending and borrowing protocol on Stacks, allowing users to put their BTC to work without giving up custody. It supports overcollateralized loans, stablecoin minting, and more. Learn more about Granite in the Granite Docs
Zest:
Zest is a Bitcoin Liquidity Protocol that lets you put your BTC to work to earn more BTC, or borrow against your BTC. Learn more about Zest in the Zest Protocol Docs.
StackingDAO:
StackingDAO makes it simple to earn BTC yield through pooled stacking on the Stacks network. Users can delegate their STX and receive stSTX, a liquid token representing stacked assets. Learn more about StackingDAO in the StackingDAO Docs
Hermetica:
Hermetica offers USDh, a Bitcoin-backed synthetic dollar that brings stable value to Bitcoin DeFi. It lets users mint and use a decentralized stablecoin while keeping BTC as the underlying collateral. Learn more about Hermetica in the Hermetica Docs
Velar:
Velar is building a Bitcoin-native perpetuals DEX, giving traders the tools to long or short crypto assets directly from their wallets. It combines a smooth user experience with Bitcoin L2 performance and finality. Learn more about Velar in the Velar Docs.
Bitflow is the first decentralized exchange on Bitcoin L2 (Stacks) supporting BTC-native assets like Runes. It enables fast, low-fee trading while settling back to Bitcoin for finality.
Learn more about Bitflow in the Bitflow Docs.
Granite:
Granite is a Bitcoin-backed lending and borrowing protocol on Stacks, allowing users to put their BTC to work without giving up custody. It supports overcollateralized loans, stablecoin minting, and more. Learn more about Granite in the Granite Docs
Zest:
Zest is a Bitcoin Liquidity Protocol that lets you put your BTC to work to earn more BTC, or borrow against your BTC. Learn more about Zest in the Zest Protocol Docs.
StackingDAO:
StackingDAO makes it simple to earn BTC yield through pooled stacking on the Stacks network. Users can delegate their STX and receive stSTX, a liquid token representing stacked assets. Learn more about StackingDAO in the StackingDAO Docs
Hermetica:
Hermetica offers USDh, a Bitcoin-backed synthetic dollar that brings stable value to Bitcoin DeFi. It lets users mint and use a decentralized stablecoin while keeping BTC as the underlying collateral. Learn more about Hermetica in the Hermetica Docs
Velar:
Velar is building a Bitcoin-native perpetuals DEX, giving traders the tools to long or short crypto assets directly from their wallets. It combines a smooth user experience with Bitcoin L2 performance and finality. Learn more about Velar in the Velar Docs.
DeFi on Stacks is unique because it settles directly on Bitcoin, the most secure blockchain. It also lets you earn real yield in native BTC—not wrapped or synthetic versions. Stacks brings DeFi back to the original blockchain where it belongs.
sBTC is a 1:1 Bitcoin-backed asset on the Stacks Layer 2. It lets you move your BTC from Bitcoin’s base layer (L1) to Stacks (L2), where you can use it in smart contracts and DeFi apps—like earning yield, trading, or providing liquidity. You can redeem sBTC for your original BTC at any time. On Stacks, transactions are faster and more scalable, while still inheriting Bitcoin’s full security.
