Kusama has officially entered a new era of blockchain resource management with the launch of Agile Coretime trading. Following the successful execution of Referendum 373 and 375, the network has upgraded to runtime v1.2.0 and initiated the first phase of Coretime sales—ushering in a more flexible, dynamic model for allocating computing resources on the Kusama network.
This shift marks the end of the traditional parachain auction system and introduces a scalable, on-demand infrastructure that better serves developers, projects, and innovators building on decentralized networks.
The Three-Phase Coretime Sales Model
Agile Coretime introduces a structured yet adaptable approach to resource allocation through a three-stage sales process designed to balance fairness, accessibility, and market efficiency.
1. Renew Period (Current Phase)
The Renew Period is currently active on Kusama, allowing existing core users to renew their Coretime at a discounted rate before public sale begins. This phase ensures continuity for established projects that previously held parachain slots or bulk core allocations.
Key features:
- Fixed renewal price with potential discounts
- Time-limited window based on block count (
interlude_length) - Designed for seamless transition of ongoing operations
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Projects can use this window to maintain uninterrupted access without entering competitive bidding processes, streamlining long-term planning.
2. Price Discovery Phase (Dutch Auction)
After the Renew Period concludes, Kusama will enter the Price Discovery Phase, which operates as a Dutch auction model. During this stage:
- Prices start high and decrease linearly over time
- Early buyers pay a premium for immediate access
- Gradual price drop allows broader participation as demand stabilizes
This mechanism helps determine real-time market value while preventing monopolization by large players at launch.
3. Fixed Price Phase
Once the auction completes, Coretime enters the Fixed Price Phase, where each core is available for a set rate of 5 KSM. This stage ensures long-term accessibility for smaller teams and experimental projects, reinforcing Kusama’s role as a canary network for innovation.
For detailed technical specifications, refer to the official Polkadot Wiki on Agile Coretime.
The End of Parachain Auctions on Kusama
With Agile Coretime now live, Kusama has permanently retired its parachain slot auction system. This change reflects a strategic evolution toward more efficient and responsive resource allocation.
What Happens to Existing Parachains?
All current parachains on Kusama are being automatically migrated to bulk Coretime allocations. Key implications include:
- Unused lease periods are canceled
- Previously locked KSM tokens are returned to stakeholders
- Projects retain operational continuity via Coretime renewal options
This migration eliminates rigid leasing timelines and replaces them with fluid, usage-based models that align with modern decentralized application needs.
Why Agile Coretime Matters
Coretime refers to the allocated block space and computation time that parachains require to operate within the Kusama ecosystem. Unlike fixed-term leases, Agile Coretime offers:
- On-demand purchasing: Pay only for what you use
- Flexible subscription models: Monthly or per-use plans
- Dynamic scalability: Adjust resources based on real-time demand
These capabilities are particularly valuable for startups and experimental dApps that need cost-effective, scalable infrastructure without long-term commitments.
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How to Buy and Manage Coretime
Managing Coretime is made simple through user-friendly platforms like Lastic, the primary marketplace for Coretime trading on Kusama.
Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing Coretime
Connect Your Wallet
Lastic supports popular wallets including:- Subwallet
- Talisman
- Nova Wallet
- Polkadot-JS Extension
- Transfer KSM via XCM
Use the “Transfer Assets” page to move KSM from the Kusama relay chain to the Coretime parachain using cross-consensus messaging (XCM). - Purchase Coretime
During the Sale phase, click “Buy Core,” sign the transaction, and broadcast it—completing your purchase in seconds.
Advanced Management Features
Beyond purchasing, Lastic enables full lifecycle management of Coretime assets:
- Transfer ownership to another account
- Assign Coretime to specific parachains
- Split cores into smaller units for granular control
- Adjust block production frequency
- Designate tasks or workloads for specific cores
This level of control empowers teams to optimize performance, reduce costs, and respond quickly to changing requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Coretime in the context of Kusama?
A: Coretime represents the computational resources—block space and processing time—allocated to parachains on the Kusama network. It enables chains to produce blocks and execute transactions securely within the shared consensus framework.
Q: Is the parachain auction system completely gone?
A: Yes. As of April 2025, Kusama has fully transitioned from slot auctions to Agile Coretime. No new auctions will be held, and all future resource allocation will occur through the Coretime sales model.
Q: Can I still run a parachain without buying full-time Coretime?
A: Absolutely. With Agile Coretime’s flexible purchasing options—including partial usage and pay-as-you-go models—teams can operate parachains intermittently or during peak demand periods without committing to continuous resource ownership.
Q: How does Coretime benefit developers?
A: Developers gain greater autonomy over costs and scalability. They can scale up during high activity (e.g., product launches) and scale down during quieter periods, reducing financial overhead while maintaining performance.
Q: Where can I monitor live Coretime sales?
A: The official dashboard for tracking active sales is available at Lastic.xyz/kusama, where you can view available cores, pricing trends, and upcoming phases.
Q: Will Polkadot also adopt Agile Coretime?
A: While not yet implemented, Kusama’s rollout serves as a critical testbed for future deployment on Polkadot. Success here will inform timing and design choices for DOT’s transition to Agile Coretime.
The Bigger Picture: A Blueprint for Future Blockchains
The launch of Agile Coretime on Kusama isn’t just a protocol upgrade—it’s a paradigm shift in how blockchain networks manage scarce resources. By replacing rigid, capital-intensive auctions with fluid, usage-based allocation, Kusama sets a precedent for efficiency, inclusivity, and adaptability.
This innovation enhances network resilience, lowers entry barriers for new builders, and positions Kusama as a true incubator for next-generation decentralized technologies. As Polkadot prepares to follow suit, lessons learned from this transition will shape the future of multi-chain ecosystems worldwide.
Whether you're a developer launching a new dApp or an investor tracking infrastructure trends, understanding Agile Coretime is essential to navigating the evolving landscape of Web3 scalability.
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