How to stake STARS (Stargaze)

Overview

About Stargaze

Stargaze (STARS) is a decentralized, community-driven blockchain network designed for the creation and exchange of NFTs (non-fungible tokens). Built on the Cosmos SDK, Stargaze takes advantage of the interoperability and security features of the Cosmos ecosystem, particularly the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, which allows it to connect with other Cosmos-based networks.

This integration facilitates seamless interaction across various chains, making it easier for users to exchange NFTs and assets with other platforms in the Cosmos ecosystem. Stargaze’s architecture emphasizes a user-friendly, accessible NFT marketplace where creators and collectors can interact without relying on centralized platforms.

The platform operates on its native token, STARS, which serves multiple functions within the network.

• STARS can be staked to secure the network, used to pay transaction fees, and participate in governance, giving token holders a say in network upgrades and policies.

• Stargaze’s governance model is fully decentralized, allowing the community to make decisions on protocol changes and marketplace improvements.

This democratic approach, combined with the focus on NFT creation and trading, aims to build a thriving ecosystem for digital artists, collectors, and investors within the Cosmos blockchain environment.

How to Stake STARS

1. Install the Keplr Wallet Extension

For the focus of this guide, we recommend using the Keplr wallet. While Leap is usable, this guide will be walking through a demonstration with Keplr.

However, if you would like to use Leap wallet and stake directly to the Chorus One validator via Mintscan, you can reference the quick guide below to start your Leap wallet.

If you already have a wallet installed, feel free to skip ahead to Stake your STARS.

Click on Install Keplr for Chrome if you are using a Chrome browser or Brave if you are using the Brave browser and follow the installation instructions.

2. Create/Import an Account

Click on the extension in the Chrome/Brave toolbar and the following page will open up.

• It is recommended to pin it to your browser toolbar by clicking on the jigsaw piece 🧩 icon and then the pin 📌 icon.

If you choose to create a new wallet you will be shown 12 words as your mnemonic seed.

• Optional: You can select the 24 words option for a more secure mnemonic.

Next, enter an account name and a passphrase to lock and unlock your wallet. You will be asked for the mnemonic again.

• Enter the 12 or 24 words in order and case sensitive (all lower case).

• This is to make sure you remember the mnemonic and confirm that you wrote it down correctly.

After verifying your 12 or 24 word phrase, you will be prompted to select any other Cosmos Hub networks you'd like to add to your wallet.

• In this case, we will be adding Stargaze (STARS), so please be sure to select that from the list or use the search bar to find it.

Once you selected the relevant networks you want to use, click 'Save' and you'll be all set to go.

3. Log in to your Keplr wallet

Regardless of whether you already have an wallet or if you just created it, you can now click on the Keplr extension to view your address or visit https://wallet.keplr.app/?tab=overview to see your full Keplr dashboard.

4. Stake your STARS

If you don't already have some STARS tokens in your wallet, you can fund it with some tokens. You may use an exchange to transfer the tokens to your address or get them from a trusted third party that already holds some.

If you want to stake from the browser extension wallet, you can either navigate to the Keplr dashboard (shown below) or scroll down on the wallet screen and select STARS.

Next, you will be prompted to stake.

If you click on STARS directly from your wallet extension, you will see the option to stake. Click on that to be taken to the STARS page of your dashboard.

Alternatively, if you are already on the Keplr dashboard, to stake click on the 'Stake' tab on the left hand side of the dashboard.

Once there, you will see three steps highlighted in the pink box in the screenshot below.

1. Select Chain

2. Select Validator

3. Stake

Scroll or through the list or search for the chain you want, in this case STARS.

• Then, repeat the same steps to find the Chorus One validator.

Once you've chosen the Chorus One validator, select how many STARS tokens you wish to stake, then click the 'Stake' button at the bottom of the screen.

Clicking on Stake will take you to Keplr wallet for approval. Approve the transaction and you will be able to see your stake.

• Note: If you are using a Ledger hardware wallet, you will need to have the wallet connected, unlocked, and approve the transaction there.

5. Claiming Rewards

After some time you will see rewards accumulating in your wallet.

• This can be easiest to view from the Keplr dashboard.

6. Unstaking your STARS

If you wish to unstake your STARS tokens, you can do so from the same interface in Keplr that you used to stake.

• Either go to the Keplr dashboard or manage your asset directly from the browser extension window.

Simply click on the validator you wish to unstake from and you will be prompted with the following screen.

To proceed, click on 'Unstake' and follow the prompts to select the amount of STARS you wish to unstake.

Then confirm and sign the transaction in your wallet.

A Note to Institutional Investors:

If you are an institutional investor looking to stake Stargaze (STARS) with Chorus One, please reach out to us via our staking request form.