Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution StarkNet is preparing for a governance vote where STRK token holders will decide on a major upgrade to its staking mechanism. The upgrade, known as Staking Phase 2, is set to launch on Testnet in the coming weeks, with a full Mainnet rollout planned for Q2 2025.
Key Changes in Staking Phase 2
The most notable change in this upgrade is the introduction of block attestations, which will require validators to confirm the validity of new blocks before they are added to the blockchain. This enhances the network’s security and shifts additional responsibility to validators.
Block attestations are already a core feature in other Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchains, such as Polkadot (DOT), where validators confirm new blocks before they are finalized. Like Polkadot’s governance system, StarkNet’s staking update also introduces a fair and transparent commission increase mechanism to incentivize participants economically.
Governance Vote Timeline
STRK holders will have the opportunity to vote on this upgrade in two phases:
- March 10–15: A test vote will be conducted to ensure the system functions as expected.
- March 20–30: The official governance vote will determine whether the upgrade is approved for Mainnet deployment.
Potential Impact on STRK
If approved, Staking Phase 2 could drive increased demand for STRK as more validators and delegators participate in staking. A higher staking participation rate could reduce STRK’s circulating supply, potentially creating upward price pressure.
At the time of writing, STRK is trading at $0.20, with a 24-hour trading volume of $34.7 million, according to CoinMarketCap. The coming governance vote will be a key event for the network, determining the direction of StarkNet’s staking ecosystem and economic incentives.
