The Vibe: Reusing your already staked ETH to secure extra networks and earn more rewards on top.
The Details: Restaking lets you take staked ETH (or liquid staking tokens like stETH) and commit it to additional protocols beyond just Ethereum. Pioneered by EigenLayer, it extends Ethereum’s security to “Actively Validated Services” (AVSs) like data availability layers, oracles, or rollups. You delegate to node operators who run these AVSs, earning fees from them while still getting your original staking rewards. It’s capital-efficient (no need for new stakes) but adds risks like extra slashing if operators misbehave.
Pro Tip: Restaking boosts yields but amps up complexity and risk—start small on audited platforms like EigenLayer. Choose trusted operators, watch for slashing events, and use Layer 2 for lower fees. As of 2026, TVL in restaking has exploded past $50B, but always DYOR on AVS health.