As Ethereum’s long-anticipated transition to proof-of-stake draws near, speculation around a potential network fork has intensified. With over 800 terahashes of mining power at stake, the crypto community is closely watching where this massive computational force will land. While Ethereum 2.0 advances toward full PoS adoption, a growing faction of miners and developers is preparing for a proof-of-work (PoW) continuation—sparking renewed interest in Ethereum fork-related projects.
Markets have already responded: assets like ETC (Ethereum Classic) and LDO (Lido DAO) have surged, reflecting strong investor appetite for both PoS staking leaders and potential PoW successors. This article explores the most promising Ethereum fork concept projects across two key categories: Ethereum 2.0 staking protocols and PoW-based alternatives capable of absorbing displaced mining power.
Ethereum 2.0 & Staking Ecosystem Projects
With the Merge shifting Ethereum to a staking-based consensus model, liquid staking protocols have become central to user participation. These platforms allow users to stake ETH while retaining liquidity through derivative tokens—fueling yield opportunities across DeFi.
LDO (Lido) and RPL (Rocket Pool)
Lido dominates the liquid staking landscape with over 4 million ETH staked, capturing 90.4% of the market share. Its model is simple: deposit ETH and receive stETH at a 1:1 ratio. This token can be used across DeFi platforms like Curve, where it enjoys deep liquidity and yield-generating potential.
In contrast, Rocket Pool (RPL) focuses exclusively on Ethereum, avoiding multi-chain expansion. It enables node operators with as little as 16 ETH—half the standard requirement—by pairing them with minipools. Operators must also stake RPL as collateral, aligning incentives and enhancing network security.
While LDO serves primarily as a governance token with limited utility beyond voting, RPL plays a critical role in network operation, creating inherent demand. Despite Rocket Pool’s technically appealing design, Lido’s early mover advantage—launched 11 months ahead—has solidified its dominance. Recent price action confirms market preference, with LDO outperforming during rallies.
👉 Discover how staking derivatives are reshaping yield strategies in DeFi.
ssv.network
ssv.network isn't a staking provider but an infrastructure layer for validators. It enables decentralized validator management through a distributed key-sharing mechanism, reducing reliance on single operators and enhancing security.
Unlike Lido or Rocket Pool, ssv.network does not hold user funds, making it ideal for large holders who want non-custodial staking solutions without managing nodes themselves. For institutional staking providers—including Binance and Lido—it reduces operational overhead, server costs, and single points of failure.
The project raised $10 million in February from top-tier investors including Coinbase, OKX, and Digital Currency Group, signaling strong industry confidence in its infrastructure potential.
Obol
Founded in 2021 by the former global product strategist at ConsenSys, Obol Technologies is pioneering the concept of Distributed Validator Technology (DVT). Instead of relying on a single validator node, Obol splits validation duties across a cluster—improving fault tolerance and security.
Though it has not launched a token or mainnet product yet, its roadmap targets a Q2 prototype release. Notably, Lido awarded Obol a $100,000 grant to support DVT research, underscoring its strategic importance in securing future staking infrastructure.
For now, Obol remains a high-potential play on staking decentralization, but real-world adoption will depend on successful execution and integration.
StakeWise
StakeWise (SWISE) operates across Ethereum and Gnosis Chain, offering a dual-token model that sets it apart. Users earn rewards in rETH2, which can be reinvested into sETH2, compounding their staking yield automatically.
Backed by Blockdaemon and boldstart Ventures, StakeWise also provides KYC-compliant staking solutions for institutions—bridging traditional finance with decentralized networks. It previously raised $2 million in 2021 from Greenfield One and other crypto-native VCs.
This focus on institutional accessibility positions StakeWise as a scalable alternative in the liquid staking race.
Swell Network
Swell Network is a non-custodial, permissionless ETH staking protocol designed for stakers, node operators, and ecosystem contributors. In June, it announced a strategic partnership with ssv.network, integrating DVT to improve validator resilience and risk management.
Its Goerli testnet version is live with 286 ETH staked, offering an annual yield of 4.2%. Swell raised $3.75 million in a seed round led by Framework Ventures, with participation from Apollo Capital and Maven 11. High-profile angel investors include Mark Cuban, Kain Warwick (Synthetix), and David Hoffman (Bankless).
Swell’s emphasis on decentralization and operator empowerment makes it a compelling long-term contender.
PoW Alternatives: Where Will Miners Go?
With Ethereum abandoning PoW, GPU miners face obsolescence unless they redirect their hash power. Several existing PoW projects are positioned to absorb this influx—especially those compatible with GPU mining.
ETC (Ethereum Classic)
Often considered Ethereum’s “sibling,” Ethereum Classic emerged from the 2016 DAO hack controversy when a faction refused to roll back the blockchain. Today, ETC maintains a loyal community committed to immutability.
Currently, ETC’s network hash rate stands at 23.55 TH/s, just ~2.7% of Ethereum’s 881.59 TH/s. If even a fraction of Ethereum’s mining power shifts to ETC post-fork, it could trigger massive network growth—and potentially significant price appreciation.
As the most recognizable PoW continuation candidate, ETC remains the default market favorite for Ethereum fork speculation.
👉 Explore how shifting miner sentiment impacts blockchain sustainability.
XMR (Monero)
Monero (XMR) prioritizes privacy, decentralization, and ASIC resistance. Its RandomX algorithm allows mining via CPU, GPU, and even Apple M1 chips, though CPUs remain more efficient due to GPU memory latency issues.
With a circulating supply of 18.15 million XMR, Monero’s network currently operates at 2,441.4 MH/s. After hitting a yearly low of $96.43 in June**, XMR rebounded sharply—surging over **69% to $163.69 by late July, signaling strong investor confidence amid broader PoW uncertainty.
Its privacy focus and anti-ASIC stance make XMR a resilient candidate for absorbing decentralized mining efforts.
RVN (Ravencoin)
Ravencoin (RVN) gained early praise for its fair launch—no ICO, no pre-mine, no masternodes—emphasizing decentralization from day one. Built on a Bitcoin fork, it features a total supply cap of 21 billion coins.
Using the KAWPOW algorithm, Ravencoin resists ASIC dominance, favoring GPU miners—a perfect fit for displaced Ethereum hash power. Its current network hash rate is 2.336 TH/s, showing room for growth if Ethereum miners migrate en masse.
While less prominent than ETC or XMR, RVN’s community-driven ethos and technical compatibility make it a dark horse in the fork narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why are LDO and ETC surging now?
A: LDO benefits from increased demand for liquid staking ahead of Ethereum’s full PoS transition, while ETC is seen as the leading candidate for an Ethereum PoW fork—driving speculative interest from miners and traders alike.
Q: Can any project fully absorb Ethereum’s mining power?
A: No single project can absorb all 881+ TH/s overnight. However, networks like ETC and RVN could see dramatic hash rate increases if miners coordinate migration—potentially boosting security and value.
Q: What is DVT and why does it matter?
A: Distributed Validator Technology (DVT) splits validator responsibilities across multiple nodes, reducing downtime risk and centralization. Projects like Obol and ssv.network are building this crucial infrastructure for safer staking.
Q: Is staking ETH safe after The Merge?
A: Yes—staking through reputable protocols like Lido or Rocket Pool is secure. However, always use audited platforms and consider diversifying providers to mitigate risk.
Q: Will an Ethereum PoW fork succeed?
A: Success depends on miner coordination, exchange support, and community adoption. While technically feasible, long-term viability requires sustained economic incentives beyond nostalgia.
Q: How do I participate in liquid staking?
A: Deposit ETH into protocols like Lido or Rocket Pool to receive staked derivatives (e.g., stETH), which can be used in DeFi for yield farming or collateral—offering exposure without lock-up limitations.
👉 Start earning yield on your crypto assets with secure staking solutions today.