Hyperliquid Launches HyperCore and HyperEVM

Hyperliquid has officially connected HyperCore and HyperEVM on its mainnet, a move that signals its ambition to blend the performance of centralized exchanges with the composability of decentralized finance (DeFi). But what does this upgrade mean for developers, users, and the future of HYPE?

What Are HyperCore and HyperEVM?

HyperCore serves as the engine behind Hyperliquid’s high-performance layer-1 blockchain, optimized for speed and trading scalability. HyperEVM, introduced in February 2025, extends Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility to the ecosystem, allowing developers to build traditional EVM-based decentralized applications (dApps) within the Hyperliquid infrastructure.

Until now, these systems ran in parallel. With mainnet linking, they can now communicate directly unlocking new cross-layer functionality.

Why Is This Integration a Big Deal?

The integration allows for seamless transfer of assets like Hyperliquid’s native token, HYPE, between HyperCore and HyperEVM. Builders can now leverage both the ultra-fast spot trading layer and the smart contract functionality of EVM dApps. This dual power could foster an ecosystem where:

• Spot traders and DeFi users coexist natively
• Developers can create hybrid dApps combining exchange-like speed and programmable logic
• Asset composability increases across layers without leaving the Hyperliquid network

This is an important step toward unifying DeFi with centralized exchange (CEX)-grade performance, something most projects only talk about.

How Does It Work for Developers?

Builders can use the "spotSend action" or the Hyperliquid frontend to convert assets across layers. On the EVM side, ERC-20 transfers are enabled, opening the door to more conventional DeFi applications.

However, the Hyperliquid team is urging caution. Since linking is immutable, developers are strongly advised to test asset transfers on testnet first. There are also no current validation systems for checking if a recipient contract is valid ERC-20, meaning mistakes could lead to asset loss.

This signals that while the tech is promising, development maturity is still in early phases.

How Has HYPE Token Reacted?

HYPE is currently down -3.86%, trading nearly 53% below its all-time high of $34.96 set in December 2024. While some might interpret the token's performance as a bearish signal, the current price dip could also be seen as a consolidation before a new phase of growth, especially as the ecosystem expands.

The airdrop of $1.2 billion worth of HYPE positioned the project among the most generous in DeFi history, attracting both retail attention and developer interest.

Will This Move Attract More Builders?

Very likely. The HyperCore–HyperEVM integration creates a unique playground for developers: they can build exchange-speed dApps with EVM flexibility — a combination rarely found in today’s fragmented DeFi landscape.

However, adoption will depend heavily on:

• How well the linking process works in real-world deployments
• Whether safety and auditing tools are improved
• Community response and third-party development support

If executed well, Hyperliquid could become a go-to platform for DeFi 2.0 builders.

What’s Next for Hyperliquid?

The project is at a pivotal point. With its perpetual DEX success, mainnet integration of core infrastructure, and a growing developer ecosystem, the roadmap likely includes:

• Ecosystem incentives to promote HyperEVM dApp development
• Enhanced tooling and safety mechanisms for linking
• Potential listing events or liquidity expansions

If these play out, HYPE could retest its all-time highs in the next market cycle, especially if DeFi sentiment strengthens.

Is Hyperliquid Building the Future of DeFi?

Hyperliquid’s approach combining CEX performance with DeFi composability offers a compelling vision for the future of decentralized trading. While the technology is still maturing, the foundation is solid and forward-looking.

Developers and early adopters willing to test, build, and contribute now may benefit greatly if the platform becomes a central player in the next phase of DeFi growth.