- Berachain activated smart accounts and validator upgrades through the Bectra upgrade, streamlining gas fees and staking flexibility.
- Despite the Bectra launch, Berachain saw massive outflows, raising concerns over its Proof of Liquidity system.
Berachain has announced the launch of a major upgrade, Bectra. Bectra makes Berachain the first Layer-1 network outside of Ethereum to successfully enable all execution features of Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade. Simply put, they rushed it. What’s the payoff? A much smoother user and developer experience, without the need for any extra, mind-numbing steps.
Bectra is live on Berachain mainnet.
Smart accounts. On-demand validator exits. Simplified validator ops.
Berachain is now the first L1 after Ethereum to activate the full Pectra execution-layer upgrade set. pic.twitter.com/Fk0cllEmew
— Berachain Foundation 🐻⛓ (@berachain) June 4, 2025
Smarter Wallets, Easier Staking, and Less Gas Drama
One of the most eye-catching features is smart accounts, which are enabled by default. Users can now combine multiple transactions in just one click, schedule automatic payments, and even set spending limits.
Interestingly, all of this can be done without having to pay gas using BERA’s native token—just use the HONEY stablecoin. For those who often have trouble topping up their balance for gas fees, this feature may feel like a glimmer of light in the midst of a gasping wallet.
Furthermore, validators also feel the convenience. They can take funds straight from the execution level without waiting for the consensus system using the on-demand withdrawal capability. For a flexible, liquid staking model—especially for those who want to cycle capital without drama—it’s ideal.
In addition, reducing data costs and increasing the efficiency of historical data access make it easier for developers and node runners to work.
Berachain Faces Liquidity Jitters After Bectra Launch
But that doesn’t mean things are running perfectly. Just a few hours after Bectra’s launch, Berachain experienced a fairly heart-pounding outflow of funds: around $300 million left the network.
What happened next? The price of the BERA token immediately plunged 40%, and the number of active users dropped by half. Many are wondering, can the Proof of Liquidity (PoL) system that they are proud of still be reliable in conditions like this?
On the other hand, CNF previously reported that Berachain also launched the latest RFRV batch which brings stablecoin-based yield features directly into its DeFi. This opens up space for users to stay active without having to lock assets.
As if to say, “Relax, you can make money while remaining flexible.” Unfortunately, the exodus of funds has made many parties doubt whether the incentives offered are strong enough to maintain user loyalty.
But yes, Berachain is not just about the protocol. Several projects that live on it are also starting to show their teeth. For example, SX Bet, a Web3-based sports betting platform launched directly on this network. With a total of more than 2 million bets and a betting volume of over $675 million, SX Bet offers a unique incentive system.
Users can bet using HONEY and get SXBRT tokens, which can later be staked in the SX Vault for weekly returns in the form of BGT governance tokens. It’s not complicated, but it could be an interesting strategy for Web3 gamblers.
Not only that, there is also PaddleFi, which opened the first NFT money market on Berachain, right on May 19. They brought a rather odd but reasonable idea: borrow money using NFTs as collateral. Supported by bitsCrunch, this platform is starting to show that the world of DeFi and NFT can be more liquid.
