Key Takeaways
- Rocket Pool is a decentralized Ethereum liquid staking protocol.
- It lets anyone stake ETH or run a mini-node (with ETH).
- rETH is the liquid staking token (LST) you receive when you stake, which earns rewards while staying usable in DeFi.
New to DeFi?
Check out our DeFi 101 Guide for a overview of how DeFi works and why it matters.
The Basics: What is Rocket Pool?
Rocket Pool is an Ethereum-based protocol that makes staking more accessible, decentralized, and liquid. Instead of locking your ETH to run a validator or trusting CEXs, Rocket Pool allows you to:
- Stake any amount of ETH (starting at 0.01 ETH).
- Receive rETH, a liquid staking token (LST) that earns rewards.
- Participate in Ethereum staking without giving up custody.
- Run a mini-validator node if you are interested in something more technical.
Need more resources?
Rocket Pool was built to align with Ethereum’s decentralization goals.
- To learn more about Rocket Pool, visit their official documentation website.
Why Use Rocket Pool?
- Decentralized: Anyone can join, no KYC required.
- Trustless: Rocket Pool is ran by smart contracts, and it handles everything.
- Liquid: Staking ETH gives back rETH, which lets you use staked ETH in DeFi.
- Accessible: Easy to stake with amounts as low as 0.01 ETH.
- Scalable: Increasing amount of node operators mean more decentralization.
Whether you’re a casual staker or a power user, Rocket Pool is designed to be of great use.
How rETH Works
When you stake ETH through Rocket Pool, you get rETH which is a liquid staking token that automatically tracks your staking rewards.
- Your rETH’s value slowly increases vs. ETH (not via rebasing, but via exchange rate).
- You can use rETH in DeFi while still earning staking rewards.
- You can swap rETH back to ETH later (or swap it via DEXs).
Liquid Staking Refresher
To refresh your knowledge about what Liquid Staking is, head on to our Liquid Staking guide in the Ronin Wiki.
Who is Rocket Pool For?
There are two main users:
- Liquid Stakers: Stake ETH, receive rETH. No need to manage any infrastructure or go technical. Be sure to learn what liquid staking is first and manage risks.
- Node Operators: Run a validator with either 8 or 16 ETH. Rocket Pool pools the rest from users, and node operators earn extra commission. To learn more about running your own mininode, read more from their official documentation website.
Risks and Considerations
Since the protocol runs on smart contracts, you need to take note of the following risks and considerations before committing your assets.
- rETH Price: rETH may trade at a premium/discount rate on secondary markets.
- ETH Withdrawals: These are gated by Ethereum’s queue and Rocket Pool’s liquidity.
- Node Management: Node operators take on more responsibility (slashing risk, uptime).
More on Risks
Check out the DeFi Risks guide to know more about smart contract and validator risks.
Rocket Pool Governance: $RPL and More
Rocket Pool’s governance is structured around a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), called Protocol DAO. Combined with the protocol’s native token RPL, changes can happen.
- Process: Members of the DAO can propose changes to the whole protocol, which are then voted on by the community.
- Voting Power: Each node operator’s voting power is based on the amount of RPL they have staked in their node.
As a regular user, you don’t need RPL to stake ETH.
Get Started With Rocket Pool
Rocket Pool lets anyone stake ETH, earn rewards, and stay decentralized. With rETH, your ETH keeps working in DeFi—no lockups, no central middlemen.
Want to Learn More?
- More on Liquid Staking: Check out our Liquid Staking guide for beginners.
- Total Beginner: Check out our DeFi 101 Guide for beginners for a deeper dive into how DeFi works and why it matters.
- Risk-Aware: Read our guide on DeFi Risks to understand vulnerabilities like smart contract exploits, price manipulation, and liquidation risks.