# Aethir Staking

Aethir offers a decentralized staking framework that supports network infrastructure and rewards contributors across multiple roles. Whether you're staking as a token provider or operating as a cloud host, Aethir provides flexible options to participate in the ecosystem.

This guide introduces the three staking options available to token providers on Aethir.

### Staking Pools

* **Gaming Pool**: Earn ATH and partner tokens by supporting decentralized gaming.
* **AI Pool**: Back AI projects, earning ATH and AI partner rewards.
* **EigenLayer Pre-deposits Pool**: From May 21, 2025, pre-deposits are open for the EigenLayer ATH Vault. ATH holders can stake ATH in the Eigen pre-deposit pool and receive EigenATH (eATH) as the liquid staking token, which earns ATH rewards. Cloud Hosts borrow ATH to support Aethir’s decentralized GPU cloud.

### EigenLayer Pre-deposit Vault (New)

Join Aethir's upcoming restaking campaign by depositing ATH into our eATH Vault. In return, you'll receive eATH, a 1:1 receipt token representing your staked position.

* **eATH Issuance**: 1:1 for every ATH deposited.
* **Top-Ups**: You can deposit more at any time—each deposit mints more eATH.
* **Withdrawal Vesting**: Redemption of eATH becomes available on June 13, 2026; once redemption is initiated, tokens will vest for 30 days before being released.
* **Utilization Lock**: Withdrawals are disabled if pool utilization exceeds 85%.
* **Deposit Cap**: Each staking pool has a maximum total deposit limit. Once the cap is reached, no new deposits are allowed until other users redeem their eATH.
* **Dynamic Adjustment**: If users withdraw, the available deposit capacity is updated accordingly.

> By staking early, you position yourself ahead of future participants once emissions begin, ensuring you can stake your eATH before the cap is filled. You may also be eligible for other retro-active rewards from Aethir Foundation.

### Pool Comparison Table

| **Feature**        | **AI Pool**   | **Gaming Pool** | **Pre-deposit Vault**                                  |
| ------------------ | ------------- | --------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| Reward Start       | Immediate     | Immediate       | Post-activation                                        |
| Lockup Period      | Up to 4 years | Up to 4 years   | Redemption of eATH becomes available on 13th June 2026 |
| Reward Claiming    | Manual        | Manual          | Manual                                                 |
| Withdrawal Vesting | 30 days       | 30 days         | 30 days                                                |
| eATH Receipt Token | No            | No              | Yes (1:1)                                              |
| Compounding        | No            | No              | No                                                     |
| Pool Type          | Active        | Active          | Pre-deposit phase                                      |

### Why Stake?

* **Rewards**: Gain ATH, partner tokens, or other rewards based on your pool.
* **Impact**: Power 150+ clients in AI and gaming with decentralized compute.
* **Liquidity**: Use EigenATH (eATH) in DeFi post-lock-up via Sophon’s liquid staking.

### Get Started

Visit [user.aethir.com/stake](https://user.aethir.com/stake) to stake ATH. For details, see Staking User How-to Guide or Aethir Documentation.

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