리스테이킹이란: EigenLayer & EtherFi 완전 가이드 (2026)

— By Tony Rabbit in Tutorials

리스테이킹이란: EigenLayer & EtherFi 완전 가이드 (2026)

리스테이킹 설명: EigenLayer, EtherFi, APY 10-15%+.

Table of Contents

Restaking has become one of the most talked-about innovations in crypto since the merge to proof-of-stake. If you have been staking ETH for validator rewards and wondering whether you can squeeze more yield out of your already-staked assets, restaking is the answer. In 2026, protocols like EigenLayer and EtherFi have matured into core infrastructure that secures dozens of new services while handing stakers additional rewards on top of their base Ethereum yield.

This guide covers absolutely everything you need to know: the concept, the technical architecture, the leading protocols, the exact steps to restake, the risks you must understand, and a full comparison so you can pick the right platform. Whether you are a seasoned DeFi user or just getting started with MetaMask, this article will bring you up to speed.

1. What Is Restaking?

At its simplest, restaking means taking assets that are already staked on Ethereum's beacon chain and pledging them again to secure additional protocols or services. When you stake 32 ETH (or a fraction through liquid staking via Lido or similar providers), your capital earns the base Ethereum staking APR of roughly 3-4%. Restaking lets that same capital do double duty: it continues validating Ethereum while simultaneously securing other networks, oracle systems, data-availability layers, bridges, and more.

Think of it like a security deposit. You put down a deposit with Ethereum. Restaking lets you use that same deposit as collateral for a second (or third, or fourth) service. Each additional service you secure pays you extra yield, but you also take on additional slashing risk if the services you back behave improperly. The trade-off is straightforward: higher rewards in exchange for higher risk.

Restaking emerged because new decentralized services were struggling with a fundamental bootstrapping problem. Every new protocol that needed economic security had to attract its own set of validators from scratch, which was expensive and fragile. EigenLayer proposed a solution: let these services borrow Ethereum's massive economic security by paying ETH stakers to opt in. The result is a shared security marketplace where stakers earn more and new protocols launch faster.

The innovation is part of a broader trend in DeFi where capital efficiency is everything. Instead of idle collateral sitting in a single staking contract, restaking creates a layered system that multiplies the utility of every ETH token locked in the network.

2. How Restaking Works Technically

Diagram showing how EigenLayer restaking works with validators, AVS, and operators

Actively Validated Services (AVS)

The core building block of restaking is the Actively Validated Service, or AVS. An AVS is any system that requires its own distributed validation to operate correctly. Examples include oracle networks, cross-chain bridges, data-availability layers, keeper networks, new rollup sequencers, and even AI inference verification systems. Before restaking, each of these would need to recruit and incentivize its own validator set from scratch. With restaking, they tap into Ethereum's existing validator base.

🔑 Key Point

Understanding this concept is fundamental to navigating the crypto ecosystem. Take your time with each section before moving on.

Lido Finance liquid staking as the first step before restaking on EigenLayer

Each AVS defines its own validation logic, reward structure, and slashing conditions through smart contracts deployed on Ethereum. When an operator opts into an AVS, they agree to run that AVS's software and follow its rules. In return, the AVS distributes rewards, which flow down to the stakers who delegated to that operator.

Operators

Operators are entities (individuals or companies) that run the actual node software for one or more AVSs. They register on EigenLayer, opt into specific AVSs, and perform the required validation tasks. Stakers delegate their restaked ETH to operators, essentially trusting them to behave honestly. If an operator misbehaves, both the operator and their delegators can get slashed.

Operators compete for delegations by demonstrating reliability, uptime, and the number of AVSs they support. Some of the largest operators in 2026 include professional staking firms, institutional node runners, and well-known crypto infrastructure companies. You can think of operators as the middlemen between passive stakers and the services that need security.

Slashing Mechanics

Slashing is the penalty mechanism that keeps the system honest. In traditional Ethereum staking, you get slashed for double-signing or attestation violations. In restaking, slashing is layered: you remain subject to Ethereum's base-layer slashing rules, and you also become subject to the slashing rules of every AVS you opt into.

This is called "double slashing risk" and it is the primary danger of restaking. If an operator makes an error or acts maliciously on an AVS, a portion of the restaked ETH can be seized. The slashing conditions are defined per-AVS and enforced on-chain. EigenLayer's slashing contracts include a dispute resolution period and a veto committee to prevent erroneous slashing, but the risk remains real and should never be ignored.

Native vs. Liquid Restaking

There are two primary restaking methods. Native restaking is for solo validators who run their own beacon chain node. They point their withdrawal credentials to an EigenPod contract, which allows EigenLayer to enforce slashing on their staked ETH directly. This is the most capital-efficient method but requires technical expertise and 32 ETH minimum.

Liquid restaking is the more accessible path. You deposit a liquid staking token (like stETH from Lido, rETH from Rocket Pool, or cbETH from Coinbase) into a restaking protocol. The protocol handles the delegation to operators and AVSs on your behalf. In return, you receive a liquid restaking token (LRT) that represents your position. This LRT can then be used in DeFi for even more yield, which is where things get truly interesting.

🔑 Key Point

The crypto ecosystem moves fast. What matters is understanding the fundamentals - those do not change regardless of market conditions.

3. EigenLayer Deep Dive

EigenLayer is the protocol that invented restaking. Founded by Sreeram Kannan and launched on Ethereum mainnet in mid-2023, it has grown into one of the largest protocols by TVL. As of early 2026, EigenLayer secures over 20 AVSs and holds billions of dollars in restaked assets. It is the foundational layer upon which the entire restaking ecosystem is built.

The Deposit Flow

For liquid restaking on EigenLayer, the process works like this: you connect your wallet (such as MetaMask or a hardware wallet like Ledger), navigate to the EigenLayer app, select which LST you want to deposit, approve the token, then deposit. Your tokens go into EigenLayer's strategy contracts, which are specialized smart contracts that hold specific asset types. Once deposited, you choose an operator to delegate to. The operator then uses your economic weight to secure the AVSs they have opted into.

For native restaking, you deploy an EigenPod (a dedicated smart contract) and set it as the withdrawal address for your beacon chain validator. This links your 32 ETH directly to EigenLayer without needing any LST intermediary. The EigenPod tracks your validator's balance and enforces any slashing that occurs from AVS participation.

EigenLayer Points & the EIGEN Token

EigenLayer introduced a points system during its early growth phase. Restakers earned points proportional to the amount and duration of their deposits. These points were later converted into the EIGEN token during the protocol's airdrop. The EIGEN token serves a dual role: it is a governance token for the EigenLayer protocol and a work token that can itself be staked to secure AVSs, creating a secondary restaking layer.

In 2026, EIGEN has matured beyond the points meta. The token is used in EigenLayer's unique "intersubjective slashing" framework, where disputes about off-chain behavior can be resolved by EIGEN holders through a forking mechanism. This is separate from the on-chain slashing that applies to ETH restakers and provides an additional security layer for ambiguous violations that are difficult to verify purely on-chain.

Key AVSs on EigenLayer

Several notable AVSs have launched on EigenLayer. EigenDA is a data-availability service that provides cheap blob storage for rollups and Layer 2 chains. Brevis is a ZK coprocessor for cross-chain data verification. Lagrange provides state committees for cross-chain messaging. Omni Network operates as a cross-rollup communication layer. Witness Chain verifies physical locations for decentralized infrastructure. The diversity of AVSs demonstrates the flexibility of the restaking model and continues to expand.

4. EtherFi Deep Dive

EtherFi liquid restaking dashboard showing eETH and weETH tokens

While EigenLayer is the restaking infrastructure, EtherFi is the most popular liquid restaking protocol built on top of it. EtherFi simplifies the entire restaking experience into a single action: deposit ETH, receive eETH. Behind the scenes, EtherFi handles the staking, the restaking delegation to EigenLayer operators, and the AVS selection, all automatically.

🔑 Key Point

This is where most people stop reading. If you made it this far, you understand more than 90% of crypto users. The next step is to actually try it with a small amount.

eETH and weETH Tokens

EtherFi issues two tokens. eETH is a rebasing token that increases in quantity in your wallet as rewards accrue. Your balance of eETH grows over time without any action needed on your part. weETH (wrapped eETH) is a non-rebasing, value-accruing token. Instead of your balance growing, the price of weETH relative to ETH increases over time. Most DeFi integrations use weETH because it is simpler for smart contracts to handle a token whose supply remains constant.

The beauty of weETH is composability. You can take weETH and supply it as collateral on lending platforms like Aave, borrow against it, or provide liquidity in DEX pools. Every layer of usage adds incremental yield on top of the base staking and restaking rewards. For users focused on building passive income strategies, this composability is extremely powerful.

How EtherFi's Liquid Restaking Works

When you deposit ETH into EtherFi, the protocol mints eETH and routes your ETH into a staking pool. From there, EtherFi's node operators stake the ETH on the beacon chain and simultaneously restake it on EigenLayer. The protocol selects a diversified set of operators and AVSs to spread risk. EtherFi's unique advantage is that stakers retain custody of their validator keys through a distributed key generation (DKG) process, which is a security feature that most competitors do not offer.

EtherFi also operates its own node infrastructure and has expanded into a full-service DeFi hub. Their "Liquid" vault product automatically deploys your restaked assets into yield-generating DeFi strategies, compounding returns even further. Their Cash product lets users spend against their staked position via a Visa card, blurring the line between DeFi yield and everyday spending.

The ETHFI Token

EtherFi has its own governance token, ETHFI, which launched via airdrop to early depositors. ETHFI is used for protocol governance decisions and receives a portion of protocol revenue. Staking ETHFI in the governance module provides additional yield. The protocol generates revenue from a percentage of restaking rewards and from its DeFi vault management fees.

5. Kelp DAO & Renzo Protocol

Kelp DAO (rsETH)

Kelp DAO is another prominent liquid restaking protocol that issues rsETH. Built by the team behind Stader Labs, Kelp accepts multiple LSTs (stETH, ETHx, sfrxETH, and others) and deposits them into EigenLayer on your behalf. The rsETH token represents a basket of restaked LSTs and accrues value from both staking and restaking rewards. Kelp differentiates itself with multi-chain support, offering rsETH bridged to several Layer 2 networks for cheaper DeFi interactions.

Kelp's approach to operator and AVS selection is transparent. They publish their delegation strategy and spread risk across multiple operators. Kelp also earned a reputation for aggressive points farming during the early restaking boom, offering Kelp Miles on top of EigenLayer points, which helped them attract significant TVL.

Renzo Protocol (ezETH)

Renzo Protocol issues ezETH and positions itself as a "Strategy Manager" for EigenLayer. Renzo's smart contracts automatically select operators and AVSs based on risk-adjusted return optimization. Their approach is more algorithmic than manual, aiming to maximize restaking rewards while keeping slashing exposure within defined parameters. Renzo supports both native ETH deposits and LSTs, and ezETH is available on multiple chains including Arbitrum, Linea, and Base.

One consideration with Renzo is the ezETH peg stability history. During periods of high market volatility, ezETH temporarily traded below its fair value on secondary markets, causing concern among holders. The protocol has since implemented improved liquidity mechanisms and redemption buffers, but it serves as a reminder that LRT depegging is a real risk that all restakers should monitor.

6. Yield Stacking Breakdown

One of the most compelling aspects of restaking is yield stacking - the ability to earn multiple layers of rewards from the same underlying ETH. Here is how each layer adds up:

Yield Layer Source Estimated APR
Base ETH Staking Beacon chain consensus + execution rewards 3-4%
Restaking Rewards AVS payments for securing additional services 1-3%
LRT DeFi Yield Lending, LP, or collateral usage of weETH/rsETH/ezETH 2-5%
Points/Airdrops Protocol incentive programs and token distributions 2-5%+ (variable)
Total Estimated 10-15%+

Layer 1 - Base ETH Staking (3-4% APR): This is the foundation. Your ETH validates Ethereum blocks and earns consensus rewards plus tips from transaction execution. Whether you stake directly or through a liquid staking provider like Lido, this base yield is the bedrock of your income.

Layer 2 - Restaking Rewards (1-3% APR): AVSs pay restakers for the security they provide. As more AVSs launch and competition for restaked security grows, these rewards have been increasing. Early on, most AVS rewards were paid in the AVS's native token, but the market is moving toward ETH-denominated payments for simplicity.

Layer 3 - LRT DeFi Yield (2-5% APR): Your liquid restaking token (weETH, rsETH, ezETH) can be used across DeFi. Supply it on Aave as collateral and borrow stablecoins to deploy elsewhere. Provide liquidity in a Curve or Balancer pool. Use it in Pendle to trade future yield. Each DeFi integration adds another yield layer. This is where understanding DeFi strategies becomes crucial.

Layer 4 - Points & Airdrops (2-5%+ variable): Many protocols still distribute points or run incentive campaigns to attract liquidity. While less predictable than direct yield, these can be substantial. During peak points season in 2024, some restaking positions were earning the equivalent of 20%+ APR when accounting for expected airdrop value.

Combining all four layers, an optimized restaking position can realistically generate 10-15% APR or more on your ETH. That is a significant improvement over the 3-4% base staking rate, making restaking one of the best passive income strategies available in crypto right now.

7. How to Restake: Step-by-Step Guide

Below is a complete walkthrough for the most common restaking path: depositing ETH into EtherFi to receive weETH, and then optionally using it in DeFi. We will also cover depositing an LST directly into EigenLayer.

Method A: EtherFi Liquid Restaking (Easiest)

Step 1: Prepare Your Wallet

Make sure you have ETH in your wallet on Ethereum mainnet. You will need enough ETH for both the deposit and gas fees (roughly $5-15 in gas depending on network congestion). If you are using a hardware wallet for maximum security, connect your Ledger device to MetaMask before proceeding.

Step 2: Navigate to EtherFi

Go to the official EtherFi app at app.ether.fi. Always double-check the URL to avoid phishing sites. Connect your wallet by clicking the "Connect Wallet" button in the top right.

Step 3: Deposit ETH

On the Stake page, enter the amount of ETH you want to restake. The interface will show the expected eETH or weETH you will receive. Select whether you want eETH (rebasing) or weETH (wrapped, non-rebasing). For most users and DeFi use cases, weETH is recommended.

Step 4: Confirm the Transaction

Review the transaction details in your wallet. You will see the amount of ETH leaving your wallet and the estimated weETH you will receive. Confirm the transaction and wait for it to be included in a block (usually 15-30 seconds).

Step 5: Verify Your Position

Once confirmed, you will see weETH in your wallet. You can add the weETH token contract to MetaMask to track your balance. Your position is now earning base staking yield plus restaking rewards automatically.

Step 6 (Optional): Deploy weETH in DeFi

To stack additional yield, take your weETH to a lending protocol like Aave and supply it as collateral. You can borrow stablecoins against it and redeploy them. Alternatively, provide weETH/ETH liquidity on a DEX. Each additional step adds complexity and risk, so start simple if you are new to DeFi.

Method B: Direct EigenLayer Deposit

Step 1: Get an LST

First, stake your ETH through a liquid staking provider to receive an LST. For example, deposit ETH on Lido to receive stETH, or use Rocket Pool for rETH, or Coinbase for cbETH.

Step 2: Go to EigenLayer App

Navigate to app.eigenlayer.xyz and connect your wallet. Go to the "Restake" section.

Step 3: Deposit Your LST

Select the LST you hold (e.g., stETH). Enter the amount and approve the token spend first, then confirm the deposit. Your LST goes into an EigenLayer strategy contract.

Step 4: Delegate to an Operator

Browse the operator list and select one to delegate to. Review their AVS selection, track record, and commission rate. Once you delegate, the operator uses your restaked assets to secure their chosen AVSs. You earn rewards and are subject to slashing from those AVSs.

Note that with the direct EigenLayer method, you do not receive a liquid restaking token. Your LST is locked in the strategy contract until you queue a withdrawal (which has a 7-day unbonding period). This is less capital-efficient than the EtherFi method, but it gives you direct control over operator selection.

8. Risks of Restaking

Restaking offers compelling rewards, but it also introduces significant risks that every participant must understand. Do not enter restaking positions without fully appreciating the downside scenarios.

Double Slashing Risk

The most unique risk in restaking is double (or cascading) slashing. Your restaked ETH is exposed to Ethereum's base-layer slashing rules and every AVS's slashing conditions simultaneously. If an operator you delegated to gets slashed on both Ethereum and an AVS in the same incident, your losses compound. While the probability is low with reputable operators, the impact can be severe. Choose operators carefully and diversify across multiple operators when possible.

Smart Contract Risk

Restaking involves interacting with multiple layers of smart contracts: the base staking contract, the LST contract, the EigenLayer strategy contract, the AVS contracts, and potentially a liquid restaking protocol's contracts on top. Each additional contract layer introduces a new attack surface. A vulnerability in any single contract could lead to loss of funds. While major protocols undergo extensive audits, smart contract risk can never be fully eliminated. This is why understanding smart contracts and their limitations is important before committing capital.

LRT Depegging

Liquid restaking tokens like weETH, rsETH, and ezETH are supposed to trade close to the value of their underlying ETH. However, during periods of market stress, high redemption demand, or liquidity crunches, they can trade at a discount. This "depegging" means that if you need to exit quickly by selling on a DEX, you may receive less ETH than your position is actually worth. The alternative is to redeem directly through the protocol, but this typically involves a multi-day unbonding period. Depegging risk is especially relevant for leveraged positions where a sudden depeg can trigger liquidation cascades.

Operator Risk

When you delegate to an operator, you are trusting them to run reliable infrastructure and behave honestly. A negligent operator that suffers downtime, fails to update their AVS software, or acts maliciously can cause slashing for all their delegators. Research operators thoroughly before delegating. Look at their track record, infrastructure setup, insurance coverage, and the number of AVSs they support.

Systemic Risk and Leverage

The yield-stacking capability of restaking creates systemic concerns. When restaked assets are used as collateral on lending protocols, and the borrowed funds are restaked again, the system builds leverage. A significant slashing event or depeg could cascade through DeFi lending markets, causing liquidations that further depress LRT prices, creating a feedback loop. This type of systemic risk is amplified by the interconnectedness of modern DeFi.

Regulatory Uncertainty

Restaking sits in a regulatory gray area. Regulators have not yet issued clear guidance on whether liquid restaking tokens constitute securities or how restaking rewards should be taxed. As the space matures, regulatory actions could impact protocol operations, token classifications, or geographic availability.

9. Comparison: EigenLayer vs EtherFi vs Kelp vs Renzo

Feature EigenLayer EtherFi Kelp DAO Renzo
Type Restaking Infrastructure Liquid Restaking Protocol Liquid Restaking Protocol Liquid Restaking Protocol
LRT Token None (direct deposit) eETH / weETH rsETH ezETH
Accepts ETH Directly Native restaking only Yes Yes (converts to LST) Yes
Accepts LSTs Yes (stETH, rETH, etc.) No (ETH only) Yes (stETH, ETHx, etc.) Yes (stETH, wBETH)
Operator Selection User chooses Protocol managed Protocol managed Algorithmic
DeFi Composability Low (no LRT) High (weETH widely supported) High (rsETH multi-chain) Medium-High
Withdrawal Period 7 days Instant via DEX or 7 days Instant via DEX or 7 days Instant via DEX or 7 days
Governance Token EIGEN ETHFI KELP (upcoming) REZ
Multi-Chain Support Ethereum only Ethereum + L2 bridging Ethereum + multiple L2s Ethereum + multiple L2s
Best For Solo validators, power users Most users, DeFi composability LST holders, L2 users Automated strategy seekers

For most users in 2026, EtherFi represents the best combination of simplicity, DeFi composability, and security. weETH has the deepest liquidity of any LRT and is accepted as collateral on the most lending platforms. If you already hold an LST and want more control over operator selection, depositing directly into EigenLayer makes sense. Kelp is excellent for multi-chain users who want their LRT available on Layer 2 networks with lower gas fees. Renzo appeals to users who prefer algorithmic, hands-off restaking management.

10. Who Should Restake?

Restaking is not for everyone. Here is a breakdown of different user profiles and whether restaking suits them:

Long-term ETH holders: If you plan to hold ETH for years and are already staking, restaking is a natural extension. The additional yield compounds significantly over time and the risks are manageable for a long time horizon. This is probably the ideal restaking candidate.

DeFi power users: If you are comfortable navigating lending protocols, managing collateral ratios, and understanding liquidation risks, restaking with DeFi composability opens up advanced yield-stacking strategies that can significantly outperform basic staking.

Yield optimizers: If maximizing returns on ETH is your primary goal and you understand the additional risks involved, restaking is currently the best risk-adjusted yield available on Ethereum-native assets.

Complete beginners: If you are new to crypto, start with the basics first. Learn how to use a wallet, understand DeFi fundamentals, and try basic staking before adding the complexity of restaking. There are simpler ways to earn yield.

Short-term traders: Restaking is not designed for quick in-and-out positions. Withdrawal periods, gas costs, and potential depegging make it unsuitable for trading strategies.

Risk-averse investors: If losing even a small percentage of your ETH to slashing would cause significant financial stress, vanilla staking through a reputable provider is the safer choice.

11. Pros & Cons of Restaking

Pros

  • Higher yields than plain staking (10-15%+ vs. 3-4%)
  • Capital efficiency - same ETH secures multiple services
  • Liquid restaking tokens maintain DeFi composability
  • Strengthens Ethereum's security model for the entire ecosystem
  • Enables new protocols to bootstrap security affordably
  • Multiple competitive platforms to choose from
  • Growing AVS ecosystem means increasing reward opportunities
  • Points and airdrop incentives provide bonus upside

Cons

  • Double slashing risk from multiple validation layers
  • Compounding smart contract risk across many protocols
  • LRT depegging during market stress
  • Operator dependency and trust requirements
  • Complex tax implications for multi-layer yields
  • 7-day withdrawal period for direct redemptions
  • Systemic leverage risk from DeFi composability
  • Regulatory uncertainty around LRTs and restaking rewards

12. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum amount of ETH needed to restake?

For liquid restaking through EtherFi, Kelp, or Renzo, there is no practical minimum beyond what is needed for gas fees. You can restake as little as 0.01 ETH. For native restaking directly on EigenLayer, you need 32 ETH because you are running a full validator. Most users go the liquid restaking route for this reason.

Is restaking safe?

Restaking introduces additional risks beyond standard staking, including smart contract vulnerabilities, slashing from AVS participation, operator failures, and LRT depegging. Major protocols have been extensively audited and have operated for over two years without major incidents. However, "safe" is relative. It is riskier than plain staking, less risky than many DeFi yield farming strategies, and you should never restake more than you can afford to lose.

Can I lose all my ETH from restaking?

A total loss is theoretically possible but extremely unlikely. Slashing penalties are typically capped at a percentage of your stake (not 100%). The more realistic risk is a partial loss from a slashing event or a temporary loss from an LRT depeg that forces you to sell at a discount. A complete loss would require a catastrophic smart contract exploit, which audits and time-tested code help mitigate.

What is the difference between staking and restaking?

Staking means locking ETH to validate the Ethereum network and earn rewards. Restaking means taking that already-staked ETH (or its liquid staking derivative) and pledging it to secure additional services on top of Ethereum. Staking earns 3-4% from Ethereum; restaking adds 1-3%+ from AVS rewards on top of that. For a complete staking walkthrough, see our guide to staking ETH.

What is a liquid restaking token (LRT)?

An LRT is a token that represents your restaked position. When you deposit ETH into EtherFi, you receive weETH. This weETH can be freely transferred, traded, or used in DeFi while your underlying ETH continues earning staking and restaking rewards. LRTs make restaking liquid, meaning your capital is not fully locked up.

How long does it take to withdraw from restaking?

If you hold an LRT like weETH, you can sell it instantly on a DEX for ETH (subject to available liquidity and potential slippage). For direct redemption through the protocol, the standard unbonding period is 7 days for EigenLayer. EtherFi and other LRT protocols may have their own withdrawal queue times depending on exit demand.

Do I need to run a node to restake?

No. Liquid restaking protocols like EtherFi handle all the node operation for you. You simply deposit ETH and receive an LRT. You only need to run a node if you want to be a native restaker on EigenLayer (which requires 32 ETH and technical expertise) or if you want to become an operator.

Which liquid restaking protocol should I choose?

For most users, EtherFi is the recommended choice due to its high TVL, deep liquidity, wide DeFi integration, and unique key management security. Kelp DAO is excellent if you want multi-chain access to your LRT on Layer 2 networks. Renzo is suited for users who want algorithmic, hands-off strategy management. All three are legitimate and audited protocols.

Are restaking rewards taxable?

In most jurisdictions, yes. Staking and restaking rewards are generally treated as income at the time they are received. The multi-layered nature of restaking (base staking rewards, AVS rewards, LRT appreciation, DeFi yield) makes tax tracking complex. Use a crypto tax tool that supports restaking positions and consult a tax professional familiar with crypto regulations in your jurisdiction.

What happens if an AVS I am securing gets attacked?

If an AVS is attacked and its operators behave correctly (defending the network as designed), restakers are not penalized. Slashing only occurs when an operator verifiably violates the AVS's rules. If your operator was involved in the violation, a portion of your restaked ETH could be slashed according to the AVS's slashing conditions. EigenLayer includes a dispute resolution and veto process to prevent incorrect slashing.

Can I restake tokens other than ETH?

EigenLayer primarily supports ETH and ETH-based LSTs. However, the concept of restaking is expanding. Symbiotic is a competing restaking protocol that accepts a broader range of collateral types, including stablecoins and other tokens. Babylon Protocol enables Bitcoin restaking. The restaking model is being adopted across multiple ecosystems beyond Ethereum.

What is the EIGEN token used for?

EIGEN serves as EigenLayer's governance token and as a work token for intersubjective slashing. It can be staked to secure AVSs in a complementary way to ETH restaking. EIGEN is also used in dispute resolution for off-chain violations that cannot be verified purely on-chain. Holding and staking EIGEN may provide additional governance influence and protocol rewards.

13. Related Tutorials

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Restaking involves real financial risk including potential loss of staked assets. Always do your own research, understand the risks, and never invest more than you can afford to lose. Yields mentioned are estimates based on current market conditions and can change significantly.