Bitcoin [BTC] has long been touted as a safe haven asset, especially in times of economic uncertainty and political instability. However, recent research suggests that the digital gold may not be immune to the effects of a nuclear apocalypse.
As of mid-2025, the Bitcoin network boasts 22,129 reachable nodes spread across the globe, with the U.S. controlling 10.2% of these nodes. Germany and France follow closely behind with 5.8% and 2.6% respectively. However, the true extent of China’s control over the network remains largely unknown, with nearly 64% of nodes unaccounted for or operated underground due to the country’s ban on BTC mining in 2021.
In the event of a major conflict resulting in the destruction of 60-80% of the internet, Bitcoin’s active nodes could plummet to just 1,000, leading to transaction failures and a breakdown of the proof of work consensus. While a regional war like the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict may only temporarily disrupt the network, a global nuclear escalation could lead to a complete failure of the Bitcoin network and consensus program.
Analysts suggest that in the case of a localized attack, the network would remain relatively stable, with BTC prices potentially dipping by 10%-30%. However, in the event of a continent-wide destruction involving the annihilation of 2-3 major powers, BTC prices could crash by 60-80%, risking a protocol split or fork with only 1,000 nodes online.
Ultimately, in a scenario where the internet and nodes are destroyed by nuclear warfare, Bitcoin would likely cease to exist as a market asset and potentially tank to zero. However, there is a glimmer of hope that the cryptocurrency could survive if there are backup satellites with enough running nodes to maintain decentralization and security until full re-connection is possible.
While the probability of a nuclear bomb going off in 2025 remains relatively low at 18%, it’s essential to consider the potential impact of such a catastrophic event on digital assets like Bitcoin. As investors and believers in the cryptocurrency, it’s crucial to understand the risks and vulnerabilities associated with BTC in extreme scenarios like a nuclear doomsday. As tensions continue to rise around the world, many people have expressed concerns about the possibility of a nuclear war. With the recent turmoil in global politics, some have even speculated about the impact such an event could have on the price of Bitcoin. However, it may be too early to put your nuclear war worries on BTC.
While it’s true that Bitcoin has often been seen as a safe haven asset during times of economic uncertainty, it’s important to remember that the cryptocurrency market is still relatively young and volatile. The price of Bitcoin can be influenced by a wide range of factors, including market sentiment, regulatory developments, and technological advancements.
In the event of a nuclear war, it’s likely that the entire global economy would be thrown into chaos. Stock markets would crash, traditional currencies would lose value, and the price of Bitcoin could experience extreme volatility. However, it’s impossible to predict exactly how Bitcoin would react in such a scenario.
It’s also worth noting that Bitcoin is not immune to market manipulation or speculation. Traders and investors can still drive the price of Bitcoin up or down based on their own actions and beliefs. As such, it’s important to take any predictions about the impact of a nuclear war on Bitcoin with a grain of salt.
In conclusion, while it’s natural to have concerns about the potential impact of a nuclear war on the global economy, it may be premature to worry about how Bitcoin would fare in such a scenario. The cryptocurrency market is still evolving and unpredictable, and it’s impossible to say for sure how Bitcoin would react to a major geopolitical event. Instead of focusing on hypothetical scenarios, it’s important to stay informed about current events and market trends, and make decisions based on sound research and analysis.