Not all builders build the same thing. Some create applications. Others build infrastructure. Dusk recognizes this by offering two distinct smart contract paths, each optimized for a specific level of control.
Understanding when to use DuskEVM versus DuskDS contracts is key to unlocking Dusk’s full potential.
🟢 When to Use DuskEVM (Recommended Path)
For the vast majority of developers, DuskEVM is the correct choice.
If you are building:
DeFi protocols
RWAs and financial applications
NFTs, games, or consumer apps
Anything expecting standard EVM tooling
Then DuskEVM gives you everything you need.
You get:
Familiar EVM development experience
Fast deployment using existing tools
Automatic access to Dusk’s privacy and settlement guarantees
A smooth path from Ethereum to Dusk
This is the layer where ecosystems grow.
🔴 When to Use DuskDS Smart Contracts (Advanced)
DuskDS contracts are not for everyday application logic. They are designed for developers who need deep protocol-level control.
You should consider DuskDS contracts only if you need:
Direct interaction with settlement or consensus logic
Custom transaction models
Low-level infrastructure experimentation
Typical examples include:
Genesis or core protocol contracts
Staking and transfer primitives
Specialized system-level experiments
These contracts are written in Rust/WASM and interact closely with the DuskDS virtual machine.
This path is powerful—but intentionally advanced.
🔌 Integrating With DuskDS Without Writing Contracts
Even if you don’t write DuskDS contracts, you can still integrate deeply with the network using:
HTTP APIs
W3sper SDK
Events and backend tooling
This allows wallets, exchanges, and services to connect to Dusk without touching low-level protocol code.
🚀 A Builder-First Philosophy
Dusk doesn’t force developers into complexity.
It offers depth only when needed.
Most builders stay on DuskEVM and move fast.
Infrastructure teams go deeper with DuskDS.
This flexibility is what makes Dusk suitable for both Web3 startups and institutional platforms.
The result is a blockchain that scales not just technically—but organizationally.
