Bitcoin mining difficulty has returned close to peak territory with over 148 trillion.
Growing competition and higher energy demands are squeezing smaller mining operators.
Bitcoin mining difficulty is climbing back toward its peak, sitting near 148 trillion as we head into the first 2026 adjustment, according to CoinWarz. With the network’s hashrate still pushing higher, another increase appears likely.
A wave of busier Bitcoin mining operations, paired with the arrival of stronger hardware and tougher competition, has been the main driver behind this surge. The network keeps gaining strength, even as miners face mounting pressure.
Image from CoinWarz
Rising Hashrate Pushes Bitcoin Mining Into Tougher Territory
Difficulty is climbing largely because the network’s hashrate keeps expanding without slowing down. If blocks are discovered quicker than the network intends, Bitcoin automatically adjusts the difficulty to keep things steady. This pattern also reflects the growing inve
