Starknet Makes History as the First L2 to Launch Staking on Mainnet

Starknet has made history by becoming the first Layer 2 (L2) network to introduce staking on its mainnet, marking a significant milestone in the blockchain space. On November 26, 2024, Starknet announced the rollout of Phase 1 of its STRK staking framework, allowing users to participate as validators or delegators.

This move sets Starknet apart as the pioneer in implementing staking for L2 networks. Validators, who run full nodes, must stake a minimum of 20,000 STRK (worth approximately $11,400 at the time of writing), while delegators can participate in staking without any technical requirements. The staking feature is supported by wallets like Argent and Braavos, and professional validators such as Luganodes, Validation Cloud, and Staking Rewards have already joined the initiative.

The introduction of staking is a critical step in Starknet’s journey toward becoming a fully decentralized Proof-of-Stake (PoS) network. The phased rollout of this staking model begins with permissionless staking and delegation, enabling validators to operate full nodes and set the stage for the network’s future evolution.

Phased Rollout and Future Steps:

• Phase 1: Validators can start by staking STRK tokens and operating full nodes, while delegators can delegate their tokens without technical barriers.
• Phase 2: Validators will begin attesting to blocks, contributing to the validation process.
• Phase 3: Validators will take part in block voting and validation.
• Phase 4: Validators will take on full responsibility for block production and network security.

While Starknet has not provided an exact timeline for the completion of all phases, the gradual rollout is designed to test the system, gather community feedback, and ensure a smooth transition toward full decentralization. This phased approach is part of Starknet’s broader vision of becoming a more secure and scalable PoS blockchain network, with staking playing a pivotal role in its governance and security model.

Starknet’s staking launch brings it closer to its goal of decentralizing its network, which will allow it to offer a more robust and secure platform for decentralized applications (dApps) while maintaining scalability on Ethereum.