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Astar Network now operates with a refined dApp Staking model.
The updated model simplifies participation, defines a fixed number of supported projects, and clarifies how staking rewards and project allocations are distributed.
The new dApp Staking structure is now live.
TL;DR
- The number of projects eligible for dApp reward allocation is capped at 16.
- Two active tiers are in use: 6 slots in Tier 2 and 10 slots in Tier 3.
- Tier 2 receives 70% of the dApp reward pool. Tier 3 receives 30%.
- Tier 2 requires approximately 80 million ASTR staked. Tier 3 requires approximately 30 million.
- Rewards within each tier are distributed using rank-based multipliers.
- Staking now runs on a single yearly cycle.
- Bonus reward mechanics have been removed.
- All stakers earn the same APR regardless of which eligible project they support.
- Under current participation levels, staking yields are approximately 10% annually.
Why dApp Staking Was Updated
dApp Staking was created to connect ASTR holders and ecosystem projects through direct staking participation. It allows token holders to support projects financially while earning staking rewards, and ensures that project-level reward allocation reflects measurable community backing. That relationship between stakers and projects remains the foundation of the system.
As participation increased, the previous structure distributed rewards across a large number of projects and required multiple staking periods and bonus conditions throughout the year. This added operational steps for participants.
The updated model simplifies participation and directs the reward pool toward a defined set of projects that demonstrate sustained community backing.
A Defined Project Cap
The number of projects eligible to receive dApp reward allocation is now limited to 16.
Projects must meet minimum staking thresholds to qualify. Entry and continued eligibility require governance approval via a referendum. Projects are reviewed by the Astar Community Council periodically to ensure continued activity and engagement.
Projects that do not meet the minimum threshold do not receive dApp reward allocation.
Tier Structure and Allocation
The active reward structure consists of two tiers.
- Tier 2 includes 6 projects that meet the higher staking threshold.
- Tier 3 includes 10 projects that meet the entry threshold.
Tier 2 receives 70% of the total dApp reward allocation. Tier 3 receives 30%.
Current qualification thresholds are approximately 80 million ASTR staked for Tier 2 and approximately 30 million ASTR for Tier 3.
Within each tier, rewards are distributed using rank-based multipliers. Projects with greater relative staking support receive a larger share of that tier’s allocation.
Staking Cycle Simplified
Staking now operates on a single yearly cycle.
Participants select a project and maintain their position for the full cycle. Stakers may change the project they support during the cycle, allowing them to direct their stake toward the projects they prefer. This replaces the previous model, which required multiple restaking actions across several periods.
Removal of Bonus Rewards
Bonus reward mechanics have been removed.
Previously, additional rewards depended on participation conditions across multiple periods. Staking rewards now consist of base and adjustable components. The dApp reward allocation is distributed to projects that meet tier requirements.
Note: The removal of bonus rewards does not affect rewards earned in previous dApp Staking cycles. Users can continue to claim any bonus rewards from past periods after the update.
How Staker Rewards Work
All stakers earn the same APR regardless of which eligible project they support. APR is determined by overall staking participation and does not vary by project selection.
Project selection determines how the dApp reward pool is distributed across projects. It does not change the staking rate earned by participants.
If a project does not meet the Tier 3 threshold, stakers continue earning base and adjustable staking rewards. The project does not receive a share of the dApp reward pool.
Under current staking rate, staking yields are approximately 10% annually. Actual returns vary based on overall network participation.
Closing
dApp Staking continues to connect ASTR holders and ecosystem projects through direct participation.
The updated model reduces the friction of participation, sets clear qualification requirements, and concentrates dApp reward allocation among projects with demonstrated community backing. Stakers participate once per yearly cycle and earn rewards based on overall network participation. Projects earn a share of the dApp reward pool by maintaining staking support above defined thresholds.
The system now operates with a defined project cap, two active tiers, rank-based allocation, and a single yearly participation cycle.
For more information, please refer to this FAQ.