When staking DOT you: → receive a % of token emissions → help secure the network → can still vote in OpenGov Read on for more about Polkadot staking & how to get started. Polkadot uses a Nominated Proof of Stake (NPoS) consensus model that enhances security and decentralization by defining two primary roles: 🌐 Validators produce new blocks, validate parachain blocks, and ensure transaction finality. Validators will stake their own DOT tokens and risk slashing (loss of staked tokens) for misbehavior/underperformance. 👥 Nominators are DOT holders who select trustworthy validators by staking their tokens. Nominators will share in the validators’ rewards for securing the network and risk of slashing if their chosen validators misbehaves. TLDR: DOT holders can bond (or lock up) DOT tokens with Relay Chain validators for token rewards. ⚙️ Tokenomics & Inflation Polkadot is designed to incentivize security, and rewards validators by minting new tokens. Last year, the community voted to lower DOT annual inflation (prev. 10%) to 8%, and now it decreases every year. New token emissions go to the treasury (15%) and staking rewards (85%). ⚖️ Nomination Pools vs. Direct Staking Nomination Pools are the easiest way to get started: → Combine your DOT with others- pool operators choose validators for you → Start staking with just 1 DOT → Create your own pool with 500 DOT minimum Direct Staking: → Choose your own validators and stake independently → Requires a minimum of ~293 DOT (varies over time) How to Get Started 1️⃣ Setup a Polkadot wallet such as @NovaWalletApp, @subwalletapp, @wearetalisman 2️⃣ Get DOT on Polkadot 3️⃣ Choose between direct staking or joining a nomination pool. Users have access to relay chain staking via Polkadot Cloud (staking app) and native wallets 💧 Liquid Staking Alternatively, users can stake DOT + retain the ability to use the tokens elsewhere (remain liquid) with liquid staking. Stakers receive derivative tokens representing a percentage share of the DOT staking pool, which can be used, for example, in DeFi. Check out @Bifrost for liquid staking. ❓ FAQ's How long does it take to unlock my staked tokens? The unstaking period for Polkadot is 28 days. Can I participate in OpenGov if I stake my tokens? Yes. You can participate in on-chain governance with staked tokens, even if you're staking via a Nomination Pool thanks to a recent change implemented with runtime version 1.4.0. For more on getting started, check out http://polkadot.com/stake-on-polkadot