> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.zer0.build/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.zer0.build/token-economics/staking.md).

# Staking Guide

Lock $zer0 tokens to run nodes and earn 15-25% APY through the Zer0 DePIN network.

***

## 🎯 Quick Overview

**What:** Run Zer0 Nodes to power privacy-preserving compute **Minimum:** 5,000 $zer0 (Virtual) / 10,000 $zer0 (Physical) **Earnings:** 15-22% base APY + compute fees + guild boosts **Lock Period:** 6 or 12 months (tiered vesting)

***

## 🖥️ Node Types

### Virtual Mixnodes

* **Minimum Stake:** 5,000 $zer0
* **Base APY:** 15%
* **Requirements:** zer0 browser only
* **Best For:** Individual users seeking passive income

### Physical Nodes

* **Minimum Stake:** 10,000 $zer0
* **Base APY:** 18-22%
* **Requirements:** Allocated hardware in zer0 data centers
* **Best For:** Power users, institutional stakers

***

## 🚀 How to Stake

### Step 1: Prepare

**Requirements:**

* 5,000+ $zer0 tokens (minimum for Virtual Mixnode)
* zer0 browser installed
* Stable internet (95%+ uptime for Virtual)
* 5 Mbps bandwidth minimum

### Step 2: Start Staking

1. Open zer0 browser
2. Go to **Menu → Nodes → Stake**
3. Click **"Activate Node"**
4. Enter stake amount (min 5,000 $zer0)
5. Choose lock period:
   * 6 months: 15% APY
   * 12 months: 18-22% APY + 5% bonus + guild priority
6. Confirm transaction
7. Receive Node License NFT

### Step 3: Run Your Node

Your node activates automatically:

* Processes zk-compute workloads (AI, oracles, bridges)
* Earns fees for each query ($0.01-$0.05/query)
* Contributes to network security and privacy

### Step 4: Earn Rewards

* **Base APY:** Distributed daily in $ZER0/USDC
* **Compute fees:** Real-time from workload processing
* **Guild boosts:** +5-10% for high-uptime nodes
* **Auto-compound:** Optional 2-5% weekly yield compounding

***

## 💰 Earnings Breakdown

| Stake Amount | Node Type        | Lock Period | Base APY | Compute Fees | Guild Boost | Total APY | Monthly Return    |
| ------------ | ---------------- | ----------- | -------- | ------------ | ----------- | --------- | ----------------- |
| 5,000        | Virtual          | 6 months    | 15%      | +3-5%        | —           | \~18-20%  | 75-83 $zer0       |
| 10,000       | Physical         | 6 months    | 18%      | +5-7%        | —           | \~23-25%  | 192-208 $zer0     |
| 10,000       | Physical         | 12 months   | 22%      | +5-7%        | +5-10%      | \~32-39%  | 267-325 $zer0     |
| 50,000       | Physical + Guild | 12 months   | 22%      | +8-10%       | +10%        | \~40-42%  | 1,667-1,750 $zer0 |

### Projected Earnings at Scale (5M Users)

| Stake Amount | Monthly Yield | Annual Yield    |
| ------------ | ------------- | --------------- |
| 5,000 $ZER0  | $125–$250     | $1,500–$3,000   |
| 10,000 $ZER0 | $500–$2,000   | $6,000–$24,000  |
| 50,000 $ZER0 | $3,000–$8,000 | $36,000–$96,000 |

***

## ⚙️ Technical Requirements

### Virtual Mixnode

* **CPU:** 2+ cores
* **RAM:** 4 GB minimum
* **Storage:** 10 GB available
* **Bandwidth:** 5 Mbps up/down
* **Uptime:** 95% minimum

### Physical Node

* **Hardware:** Provided by zer0 data centers
* **Application:** Required (Menu → Nodes → Physical Application)
* **KYC:** Required for enterprise-tier allocation
* **Priority:** Based on stake size and lock period

### Software

* zer0 browser (latest version)
* Windows 10+, macOS 10.13+, or Linux

***

## 🔒 Vesting & Penalties

### Tiered Vesting

| Lock Period   | Base APY | Bonus     | Guild Priority  |
| ------------- | -------- | --------- | --------------- |
| **6 months**  | 15%      | —         | Standard        |
| **12 months** | 18-22%   | +5% bonus | Priority access |

### Early Unstake Penalties

| Unlock Time        | Penalty  |
| ------------------ | -------- |
| Before 50% vested  | 10% burn |
| Before 75% vested  | 7% burn  |
| Before 100% vested | 5% burn  |

**Additional:** 1% of unstaked amount goes to growth fund for network expansion.

### Node License NFTs

Upon staking, you receive a transferable Node License NFT:

* **Cliff Period:** 3 months before transfer enabled
* **Secondary Markets:** Trade on Magic Eden after cliff
* **Inherits Position:** Buyers get your yield position but must maintain minimum stake

***

## 🏛️ Guild DAOs

Pool stakes with other users for enhanced benefits:

| Benefit               | Details                                    |
| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| **Extra Fees**        | +40% additional from pooled node revenue   |
| **Lock Bonus**        | Guilds lock 20-30% more $ZER0 collectively |
| **Voting Power**      | Combined governance weight                 |
| **Priority Features** | Early access to new capabilities           |

**Join or Create:**

* Join existing guild: Browse available guilds in Menu → Guilds
* Create guild: Requires 10+ members and 50,000+ pooled $ZER0

***

## 🔐 Security

**Your stake is safe:**

* No slashing conditions
* Can't lose principal (only earn less with low uptime)
* Penalties only apply to early withdrawal

**Unstaking:**

* After lock period ends: Full withdrawal available
* Penalty-free after vest completion
* 2% burn + 1% to growth fund on exit

***

## ❓ FAQ

<details>

<summary>What's the difference between Virtual and Physical nodes?</summary>

Virtual nodes run in your zer0 browser (5k $ZER0 minimum, 15% APY). Physical nodes are dedicated hardware in zer0 data centers (10k+ $ZER0, 18-22% APY) with access to premium enterprise workloads.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What happens if my computer goes offline?</summary>

For Virtual nodes: Rewards pause during downtime. If uptime drops below 95% for the week, you lose that week's compute fee bonus (base APY still accrues).

</details>

<details>

<summary></summary>

Yes! Additional stakes start a new lock period for the added amount. Your original stake continues its existing vest schedule.

</details>

<details>

<summary></summary>

Yes, after the 3-month cliff period. NFTs are transferable on secondary markets. Buyers inherit your position but must maintain minimum stake.

</details>

<details>

<summary></summary>

Nodes earn $0.01-$0.05 per zk-query processed (AI inference, oracle feeds, bridge verification). Fees are distributed in real-time and scale with network usage.

</details>

***

## 🎯 Best Practices

1. **Start with 6-month Virtual** — Test the system with lower commitment
2. **Upgrade to 12-month** — Unlock higher APY and guild eligibility
3. **Keep browser running** — Background mode works for Virtual nodes
4. **Monitor dashboard** — Track uptime, fees, and compound yields
5. **Join a Guild** — Pool resources for +40% extra fees
6. **Enable auto-compound** — Maximize returns with reinvestment

***

## 📚 Learn More

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zer0 Nodes</strong></td><td>Complete guide to node mechanics</td><td><a href="/pages/Gwbg0bdBeooitST0K79n">/pages/Gwbg0bdBeooitST0K79n</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>The $zer0 Flywheel</strong></td><td>How staking integrates into the economy</td><td><a href="/pages/hvljpeTiiooAvwVXqlS6">/pages/hvljpeTiiooAvwVXqlS6</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tokenomics</strong></td><td>Token distribution and economics</td><td><a href="/pages/PkzzAPiFMbq0z973lpve">/pages/PkzzAPiFMbq0z973lpve</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

***

{% hint style="success" %}
**Ready to stake?** Open zer0 browser and go to **Menu → Nodes → Stake** to activate your first node and start earning!
{% endhint %}


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