Steps to Join Chainlink Rewards Season 1

1. Verify Your Eligibility
   • Start by checking your eligibility on Chainlink’s dedicated Rewards page
   • Participation is based on your staking history in the prior versions of Chainlink Staking
   • Your Cube balance is calculated based on how much LINK you staked and the duration of that staking
   • Remember that Cube accumulation stops during Season 1, based on the initial snapshot
2. Explore Participating Projects
   • Thoroughly investigate the projects involved and their utility within the ecosystem
   • Each project serves different sectors such as DeFi, payment solutions, and analytics
   • Look into each project’s relationship with Chainlink to gauge their credibility and support
3. Engage with Project Quizzes
   • Before allocating your Cubes, it’s crucial to complete a quiz about each project
   • This ensures you are well-informed about the projects you plan to support
   • Understanding project details can lead to more strategic decisions when allocating rewards
4. Distribute Your Cubes (November 11 – December 9, 2025)
   • Login to the Rewards page within the specified allocation window
   • Allocate your Cubes according to your preferences across different projects
   • Your selections are offchain and do not incur gas fees, allowing for easy adjustments
   • Keep track of the dynamic redemption rates to optimize your allocation
   • Your final allocation determines your share of each project’s total reward pool
5. Claim Tokens (Starting December 16, 2025)
   • After December 16, return to the rewards portal to claim your tokens
   • Tokens will unlock progressively over a 90-day period
   • Claiming will occur on the Ethereum mainnet, which involves gas fees
   • Multiple claims are permissible as tokens become available
6. Consider Early Unlocking (Optional)
   • If immediate liquidity is a priority, you may choose to use the Early Unlock option
   • This allows you to access a percentage of your unlocked tokens ahead of the scheduled release
   • Be aware that this option forfeits any remaining locked tokens which will be redirected to a Loyalty Pool
   • The percentage available for early unlock increases over the period, rewarding those who remain patient
   • Benefits from the Loyalty Pool go to participants who wait until the full unlock date

Common Questions

Can I still accumulate Cubes during this season?

Currently, Cubes will not be accumulating further during Season 1. Your balance is fixed based on the snapshot of your staked LINK taken on November 3, 2025, reflecting your staking engagement.

What if I do not allocate my Cubes?

If any Cubes remain unallocated by the close of the allocation window on December 9, 2025, they will be forfeited and cannot roll over into future seasons.

Can I modify my allocations after submitting?

Absolutely. You can update your allocations within the defined allocation period. The adjustments are recorded offchain without incurring gas costs.

How frequently should I claim my tokens?

Your claiming frequency should depend on your gas expenditure tolerance and personal preferences. With a linear unlock, participants can evaluate the best strategy for their needs, whether that’s claiming daily or weekly.

Is an Early Unlock a good option?

Early Unlock is ideal for those who need immediate access to funds; however, bear in mind that it also means missing out on potential token rewards in the Loyalty Pool.

Can we expect future seasons?

The label “Season 1” indicates there are possibilities for future rounds, although further details regarding these have not been made public yet.

What are the uses for the tokens I receive?

The tokens can serve varying functions based on the project they originate from, including governance rights, rewards, and staking opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Chainlink Rewards Season 1 offers a unique opportunity for LINK stakers to diversify their portfolio by engaging with emerging projects. This is a well-structured program that promotes thorough research and strategic allocation of rewards while providing flexibility for adjustments.

The model encourages patience through its unlocking mechanism and introduces an engaging dynamic with the Loyalty Pool. As this marks an initial step in a potentially ongoing venture, it enhances the relationship between Chainlink stakers and innovative projects building on its platform and infrastructure. Understanding the allocation mechanics can help participants maximize their engagement with this pioneering rewards program.