<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Introduction</strong></h2><p>Stargaze is a community-driven, decentralized Layer-1 protocol for NFTs built on Cosmos. It offers a zero gas fee NFT Launchpad where creators can sell their collections to the community and an NFT Marketplace launching on June 6, 2022 for trading and staking NFTs. Thanks to Cosmos IBC and Gravity Bridge, Stargaze can seamlessly interact with other Cosmos ecosystem blockchains as well as Ethereum and its Layer-2s.</p><p>The token that powers the network is STARS and it is used for network fees, minting NFTs, governance voting, and staking to secure the network. This tutorial will show you<strong> how to stake your STARS</strong> tokens on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.stargaze.zone/stake"><a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Stargaze staking dashboard</a></a>.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to stake Stargaze (STARS)</h2><h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Step 1: Make sure you have a Keplr wallet</strong></h3><p>Keplr wallet is a popular self-custody wallet for storing Cosmos-enabled tokens and offers users the ability to stake their tokens, use blockchain apps and manage multiple tokens in one wallet. You can download the Keplr wallet <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.keplr.app/"><a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a></a>. You can learn how to get STARS tokens in your Keplr wallet by checking <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.stargaze.zone/swap"><a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a></a>.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="Navigate-to-the-Stargaze-Staking-Dashboard"><strong>Step 2: Navigate to the Stargaze Staking Dashboard</strong></h3><p>Go to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.stargaze.zone/stake"><a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Stargaze staking dashboard</a></a>, click on “<strong>Connect Wallet</strong>” at the top right.</p><p id="How-to-stake-Stargaze-(STARS)"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/J1clrwE61obRnh6SM5km1NALSBqul256B5wDN2jRYbY4Zz4o7-zyK2dad3HkOB7xpG9lV6NC9EmwcMrW46sJSGaWG4NV8UZilOzXedOYHB1S_uty1N2WSd0jpE6EdBYRkHQGMrQVWcj7IeQ-hQA0dOg" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="624" height="265"></p><h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Step 3: Click the ‘Stake’ button</strong></h3><p>After you’ve connected to your wallet, click on “<strong>Stake</strong>” button on the top left.</p><p id="How-to-stake-Stargaze-(STARS)"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/VrpUXUuVoQsfsvowV_-BtkI3cAm0UE9Ts7X0BNFKKoRs60lDbXVR5vX_worwQfeMcTL9wzNq9WO6b6GCS9fSZphzw31QHgpmgHVVANl1BmByO6T4jLDb4wGn0A4g5EFac9RhCNvSD-MOqS9gZieyrYg" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="624" height="265"></p><h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Step 4: Select a validator</strong></h3><p id="Stargaze-validators">You will now be shown an interface for you to input some further information. Select a validator from the dropdown menu. The system will let you know if the validator is active for you to select. We recommend choosing validators that are verified via the Verified Staking Provider (VSP) Program. You will find the verified validators with a blue tick next to it on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.stakingrewards.com/earn/stargaze/">Stargaze asset page</a>. <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/a6RmPTf8-oA05Yr-dOIVhDI-whPbmcLv9BosFWjXNOGvjEikBxQLo3bHDTvvUZIReKuGYJZsr5Z2-aBWLf0BP7WepSoQxuwjR9ZEkwkwp8PPe3x4X9P3WBP27pngEqAXIGf_MPJ-cag0LkUVnOLFNNw" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="543" height="543"></p><p id="How-to-stake-Stargaze-(STARS)"><strong><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/S6yZUc6gSrYjepwP61x0u0oud16__0NJ-GnHQu_EObZ-Gb690lkr8cEQ2FDEOAGylzmKfx-WFI0MTWAXWF_O0ZaNz-LDtZ4cB5H3xLuF4d0ovW0g8tyOGGUa1qMeLxWVQ4kipXpacI7csYLIl6X9a2w" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="624" height="265"></strong></p><p>If you are still unsure of how to choose a validator, check our FAQ at the bottom of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.stakingrewards.com/earn/stargaze/">Stargaze asset page</a> on how to choose a validator.&nbsp;</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Step 5: Enter the amount of tokens and stake</strong></h3><p>You can now input the amount of tokens you would like to stake. Then click on “<strong>Stake</strong>” again and approve the transaction in your Keplr Wallet.</p><p id="How-to-stake-Stargaze-(STARS)"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/hQpiYWIzS-EBaJOJ57HoAg59nXEZ4Arpcz-zNgXxDwKbEtrnBkhU_GV022DNTQ7-S7xZn1QI-X8vRW-wp_JMCrMZUDUMauz87TYbAktumVlzUpGoaf_wqduUx-2dJ_WVtDbWWp8Cak7tCmhz6aMjTxg" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="624" height="265"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How do I choose a Stargaze validator?</strong></h2><p>Please refer to the FAQ section titled ‘How do I choose Stargaze validators’ on the&nbsp; <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.stakingrewards.com/earn/stargaze/">Stargaze asset page</a> when selecting Stargaze validators. Also, you may want to utilize our criteria for verifying providers through the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://docs.stakingrewards.com/verified-provider-program/">Staking Rewards Verified Staking Provider (VSP) Program</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2><p>Staking is essential to Proof-of-Stake blockchains and comes with many benefits for investors and the network:</p><ul><li>Investors earn yield from token emissions and/or transaction fees.</li><li>Stakers become eligible for airdrops as many networks prioritize granting these benefits to them.</li><li>Staking helps to decentralize the network.</li><li>A higher staked balance enhances network security.</li><li>Stakers can participate in governance, as many PoS networks allocate governance rights based on the amount of tokens staked.</li></ul><p>Congratulations! You are now not only getting the most out of your investment with compounded returns. YOU are also (in-)directly contributing to the decentralization, and the network security of Stargaze and thus contributing to the long-term success of your investment! Stargaze needs active stakers like you to become successful long-term.&nbsp;</p><p>Now share the tutorial with your friends so they can get to start staking as well!</p><p>Lastly, don’t forget to check out the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.stakingrewards.com/earn/stargaze/">Stargaze (STARS) asset page</a>&nbsp; for more insights into staking STARS, and drop us a <a href="mailto:content@stakingrewards.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">message</a> if you found this tutorial useful. Happy staking!</p>

How to Stake Stargaze (STARS)

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