Slashing is real protocol risk
EigenLayer documents slashing as a penalty set by AVSs for broken operator commitments, with funds burned or redistributed depending on the operator set; review the slashing overview before delegating.
Restake ETH on EigenLayer
EigenLayer Restaking — Restake ETH-linked assets to help secure AVSs while taking on added smart-contract and slashing risk.
Live preview — open EigenLayer Restaking to restake.
On-chainNon-custodial
What is EigenLayer Restaking?
EigenLayer restaking is an Ethereum-based model where stakers use native ETH, liquid staking tokens, EIGEN, or eligible ERC-20 assets to support additional services through EigenLayer smart contracts. The official EigenLayer overview describes it as a marketplace for trust connecting restakers, operators, and Autonomous Verifiable Services. It can create extra reward opportunities, but it also adds protocol, operator, withdrawal, and slashing risk.
How EigenLayer Restaking works
Restaking separates capital, operations, and service demand. A restaker supplies stake, an operator runs infrastructure, and AVSs define the work and risk rules.
- Choose a restaking routeNative restakers use an EigenPod with Ethereum validators; liquid restakers deposit supported assets into EigenLayer strategies.
- Delegate to an operatorDelegation assigns all available restaked balance to one operator at a time, without giving that operator custody of the tokens.
- Operator supports AVSsThe operator opts into AVS work and allocates stake to operator sets under rules created by each AVS.
- Rewards and risk accrueAVSs may submit rewards, while misbehavior or broken commitments can expose allocated stake to slashing.
Costs, security, and withdrawal considerations
Treat restaking as an added risk layer on top of ordinary Ethereum staking or liquid staking. The main costs are network gas, asset-specific mechanics, operator choices, and protocol conditions.
Withdrawals have staged mechanics
Native ETH withdrawals can involve Ethereum validator exit flow, EigenPod movement, and EigenLayer escrow rather than a single button press; see native withdrawal delays for the official flow.
Rewards are not fixed yield
AVSs submit rewards that are calculated offchain and claimed onchain, so published rates should be treated as variable rather than guaranteed; EigenLayer explains the model in its rewards documentation.
Choosing an operator
Operator selection is the practical decision most restakers make after choosing an asset route. The right review starts with risk exposure, not headline rewards.
Check AVS exposure
An operator can allocate delegated stake to operator sets, which determines what may become slashable; EigenLayer defines these terms in its key terms.
Understand all-or-nothing delegation
EigenLayer says restakers can delegate to only one operator at a time and delegation uses all available restaked balance; read the restaking overview before switching.
Review reward splits
Operators may set fee rates for AVS rewards, and those economics can vary by AVS or operator set; the official rewards page explains the split model.
Restaking paths
EigenLayer supports several asset routes, each with a different operational and risk profile.
Native ETH
Validator-based restaking Native
For users already running Ethereum validators. It uses an EigenPod and validator withdrawal credentials, so operations and exit mechanics matter.
Docs ↗Liquid staking tokens
Token deposit route Liquid
For holders of supported liquid staking tokens. The main review points are token risk, strategy support, smart contracts, and delegation.
Docs ↗
EIGEN staking
Protocol token route Token
EIGEN has separate staking and slashing design considerations. It should not be evaluated as the same risk as native ETH.
Docs ↗ERC-20 strategies
Strategy-based assets Strategy
Eligible ERC-20 assets may be added through strategies. Confirm current support in official app or docs before assuming an asset is restakable.
Docs ↗Core roles
EigenLayer restaking works because separate participants opt into shared security under explicit rules.
Restaker
Supplies restaked assets User
The restaker chooses the asset route and operator. They retain responsibility for risk tolerance, withdrawal timing, and delegation changes.
Docs ↗
Operator
Runs AVS infrastructure Infra
Operators run AVS software and allocate delegated stake. Their AVS choices can affect the restaker's slashing exposure.
Docs ↗AVS
Uses shared security Service
Autonomous Verifiable Services define tasks, rewards, and slashing conditions. Each AVS should be reviewed as its own risk source.
Docs ↗EigenPod
Native restaking contract Contract
An EigenPod links native Ethereum validator balances to EigenLayer accounting. It is central to native ETH restaking operations.
Docs ↗Rewards
AVS-paid incentives Claim
Rewards depend on AVS submissions, operator participation, and claim mechanics. They are variable and should be verified from official data.
Docs ↗Slashing
Penalty mechanism Risk
Slashing is the downside that makes commitments economically meaningful. Read each operator and AVS condition before chasing rewards.
Docs ↗Native vs liquid restaking
EigenLayer separates native ETH restaking from liquid restaking in its restaker documentation, and the choice changes operations more than branding.
| Route | Best fit | Main review point |
|---|---|---|
| Native ETH | Validator operators or managed validator setups | EigenPod setup, validator exit flow, and withdrawal credentials |
| LST restaking | Users holding supported liquid staking tokens | Token, strategy, liquidity, and smart-contract exposure |
| EIGEN or ERC-20 | Users evaluating broader EigenLayer strategies | Asset eligibility, slashing rules, and reward source |
EigenLayer Restaking FAQ
Is EigenLayer Restaking the same as Ethereum staking?
No. Ethereum staking secures Ethereum, while EigenLayer restaking extends staked assets toward AVSs through EigenLayer. Ethereum.org describes restaking as using already staked ETH to secure other decentralized services, with added rewards and added risk; see the ethereum.org restaking guide.
Do I need to run a validator to use EigenLayer Restaking?
Only native ETH restaking requires operating an Ethereum validator and using an EigenPod. Liquid restaking uses supported tokens deposited into EigenLayer smart contracts. The official restaking overview explains both routes.
Can an operator take my restaked tokens?
Delegation does not give the operator direct custody, but it can expose delegated stake to AVS slashing conditions. EigenLayer defines delegation as assigning staked tokens to an operator while noting the operator can subject delegated tokens to slashing by an AVS in the key terms.
Are EigenLayer Restaking rewards guaranteed?
No. Rewards depend on AVS reward submissions, operator participation, protocol rules, and claim mechanics. EigenLayer states that AVSs distribute rewards to stakers and operators for participation, with calculation and distribution handled through its rewards process; read the rewards documentation.
What is the biggest risk in EigenLayer restaking?
Slashing and correlated exposure are the main risks to understand, alongside smart-contract and asset risk. EigenLayer warns that delegated stake can become slashable when an operator opts into operator sets and allocates stake, as described in the restaker overview.
Where should I verify the real EigenLayer app or docs?
Use the official EigenCloud and EigenLayer documentation, then navigate from there to any app or ecosystem link. The current official docs hub lists EigenLayer, restaker documentation, security pages, GitHub, and community links at docs.eigencloud.xyz.