FAQ | Nodes | Shardeum

1. How do I start delegating SHM and earning staking rewards on Shardeum?

Follow this blog-cum-tutorial to delegate SHM, contribute to network security, and earn staking rewards in return.

2. How does Shardeum’s EVM roadmap and smart contract launch affect validators?

Validators will continue to be an integral part of Shardeum. EVM mainnet will remain permissionless – anyone can participate in validation by staking SHM, with active validator slots determined by the amount staked. Validation will follow a block-based architecture with fast finality, block production, and slashing mechanics similar to other proof-of-stake blockchains. For operators interested in running a validator node, developer documentation is available to guide setup and operations.

To enable broader participation, delegation is now live, allowing SHM holders to support validators of their choice, earn a share of rewards, and help secure the network without running a node themselves. Within days of launching the delegators program, over 1 billion SHM was staked, with more than 75% contributed by the community. With delegation live, rewards accruing, and participation accelerating, now is a strong time to start or increase your delegation.

3. What are the primary types of nodes on Shardeum?

The Shardeum network runs on two main types of nodes.

Validator Nodes: Validators are responsible for proposing blocks, participating in consensus, and securing the network. Running a validator requires staking SHM tokens and maintaining high uptime and performance.
Full Nodes: Full nodes do not participate in consensus. They maintain and verify the blockchain state, functioning as a reliable “source of truth” for applications, wallets, and other network participants. Full nodes run with pruning enabled by default, storing only the most recent state needed for operation.
- Archive Nodes: Archive nodes are a special configuration of full nodes. They store all historical blockchain state from genesis to the present. Configuration involves disabling pruning so the node retains every historical state snapshot. Running an archive node requires significantly more storage and may grow rapidly over time.

You can refer to our developer documentation for guidance on running the node types mentioned above, including RPC nodes.

4. What would be the hardware requirements to run a validator node on Shardeum?

You can find the details here.

5. What is the RPC endpoint for Shardeum Mainnet?

You can find the mainnet endpoint here.

6. Where can I find detailed information about slashing policies, rules, and reward structure for running a validator node on Shardeum?

You can find the details here.

7. Where can I ask my questions or clear doubts about Shardeum?

If you don’t find an answer to your question in our FAQ pages here, feel free to post your questions or doubts directly on the Shardeum Discord. Our team and community members will be happy to help.