BlockBeats reported on August 17, 2022, that Ethereum's official website, ethereum.org, released a series of clarifications addressing potential misunderstandings surrounding the upcoming Proof-of-Stake (PoS) Merge. Below are the key points to understand correctly:
Key Clarifications About the Ethereum Merge
- Node Operation Without Staking
Most nodes on the network do not require economic resources or ETH holdings to sync with Ethereum's self-verifying copy. There is no mandatory 32 ETH staking requirement to operate a node. Consensus Change, Not Scalability Upgrade
The Merge transitions Ethereum to PoS but does not:- Increase network capacity.
- Reduce gas fees.
- Layer 1 Speed Remains Stable
Transaction speeds on Ethereum’s base layer will stay largely unchanged post-Merge. - Staking Withdrawals Post-Shanghai Upgrade
Withdrawals for staked ETH will not be enabled immediately after the Merge. This functionality will debut with the Shanghai upgrade. - Fee Rewards & MEV Distribution
Validators will receive transaction fees and MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) rewards directly to their mainnet accounts, making funds immediately usable. - Validator Exit Rate Limits
Once withdrawals are enabled, a security protocol will limit the exit rate of validators to prevent network instability. - Staking APR Increase (~50%)
Contrary to speculation, post-Merge staking annual percentage yield (APR) is projected to rise by approximately 50%, not 200%. - Zero Downtime Transition
The Merge is designed to shift Ethereum to PoS without service interruptions.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I run an Ethereum node without staking ETH?
A: Yes! The Merge does not impose staking requirements for most nodes. You can sync with the network freely.
Q2: Will gas fees drop after the Merge?
A: No. Gas fees are tied to network demand, not consensus mechanisms. Scaling solutions (e.g., rollups) are needed for fee reduction.
Q3: When can I withdraw staked ETH?
A: Staked ETH becomes withdrawable after the Shanghai upgrade, which follows the Merge.
Q4: How does MEV work post-Merge?
A: Validators earn MEV rewards directly to their wallets, bypassing complex auction systems.
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Why These Clarifications Matter
Misinformation about the Merge could lead to unrealistic expectations or misguided investments. By clarifying these points, Ethereum aims to:
- Prevent confusion among node operators and stakers.
- Highlight the Merge’s true scope—a consensus shift, not a scalability fix.
- Set accurate yield expectations for validators.
For further reading, refer to Ethereum’s official documentation.
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