# How to Stake and Support L1 Chains

This guide explains the general process for participating in L1 staking via Hypha's [L1 Marketplace (L1M)](https://l1s.gogopool.com/marketplace).

> ⚠️ **Note:** This is a *generic* staking guide applicable to all L1s using Hypha. Some parameters (like token names, NFT availability, credit costs, and rewards) may vary *across* different L1 chains.

## Key Concepts

### Validator License NFTs

L1 projects offer Validator **License NFTs** (ERC-721 tokens) during launch. These NFTs grant holders the right to run validator nodes for the chain. 

L1 projects can use validator license sales to raise early funding and bootstrap validator communities. For participants, this provides an opportunity to actively support the L1 projects they believe in and gain early exposure.

NFTs are typically available during a project’s launch phase but may not be on sale at all times. You can view and purchase validator licenses (if available) directly from the project’s page on the [L1 Marketplace](https://l1s.gogopool.com/marketplace).

### Node Hosting (Node-as-a-Service)

Holders of Validator License NFTs can choose to host their node with Hypha by paying a **monthly USDC fee**. This managed hosting service removes technical barriers for NFT holders.

> **Bonus:** Hosting a node may qualify participants for an airdrop when the chain’s token generation event (TGE) occurs.

### Staking Credits

Staking credits are required to activate your validator licenses and begin earning rewards:

* Each **active** validator license consumes **1 staking credit per month**.
* If your account runs out of credits, your license will be removed from the staking contract and **will no longer earn rewards**.

> You can top up staking credits anytime from your dashboard.

## How to Participate in L1 Staking

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Visit the L1 Marketplace

* Navigate to the [L1 Marketplace](https://l1s.gogopool.com/marketplace)
* Browse available L1 projects on the Avalanche L1 ecosystem

<figure><img src="/files/TXJIhZCWClROcHNXw4l6" alt=""><figcaption><p>Avalanche L1 projects on the L1 Marketplace</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Connect Your Wallet

* Click **Connect Wallet** and link an EVM-compatible wallet (e.g., MetaMask, Core, Rabby)
* Ensure your wallet is connected to the **Avalanche C-Chain**

<figure><img src="/files/LSOeZhKklT3M9objRoxd" alt=""><figcaption><p>Connect your wallet</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Choose a Project

* Select the L1 project you want to support
* On the project page, you'll see:
  * Overview of the chain and its vision
  * Validator License availability and price (if applicable)
  * Links to the whitepaper, socials, and docs
  * **Buy Validator License** or **Stake** options

<figure><img src="/files/B7OqeRJS3QPJkqmP4OT3" alt=""><figcaption><p>Choose your project and review it</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Purchase a Validator License (If Available)

If the project is selling validator licenses:

* Click **Buy Validator License**
* Select **the validator license NFT amount** to buy
* Check if you have enough USDC balance for the total price of these NFTs
* Confirm the transaction in your wallet to mint an ERC-721 license NFT

These NFTs are required to participate in staking.

<figure><img src="/files/s1JLzCPaSvwNjYEqbZfp" alt=""><figcaption><p>Purchase validator license NFTs </p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Stake Your Validator Licenses

* Click **Stake now** on the **Stake** tab
* Select the **validator licenses amount to stake** (how many licenses you want to stake)&#x20;
* Select the **staking duration per license** - *staking is currently only available in 6-month intervals.*

{% hint style="info" %}

#### :closed\_lock\_with\_key: Staking Lock-In

Once you stake, your licenses are **locked for the entire selected duration**.\
You **cannot unstake** early — so be sure you’re comfortable with the lock-in period before confirming.
{% endhint %}

* **Pay the staking cost** in USDC — *the total is based on the number of nodes and months selected.* This staking service fee includes monthly hardware usage costs and monthly [Avalanche L1 validator fee](https://build.avax.network/guides/l1-validator-fee).

<figure><img src="/files/Ndaknv0IW8ZUK58OGvTp" alt=""><figcaption><p>Pay the staking cost</p></figcaption></figure>

* Then, Click **Stake** and follow the instructions to stake your validator license NFTs

<figure><img src="/files/NWVANUVXgLU8sn0zt3Vj" alt=""><figcaption><p>Stake your Validator License NFTs</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}

#### 💡 Batch **Processing via Vault**

To reduce gas fees and make staking easier, you’re granting permission to the **Hypha License Vault** to stake your licenses **on your behalf**. This allows you to stake multiple NFTs in one go.
{% endhint %}

After your transaction is confirmed, you can view your **Staked** validator licenses on the project's L1 Marketplace page. Staking process may take up to 24 hours to complete.

<figure><img src="/files/wBgz0ZvlbEn0P4ImjtxH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

> ⚠️ **Important:** If you run out of staking credits, your NFTs will be removed from staking automatically.
>
> 💡 **Tip:** Check the total number of months you want to stake in advance, so you can calculate how many credits to purchase accordingly.
> {% endstep %}
> {% endstepper %}


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