# Staking SHADE

Once you have a balance of SHADE within your wallet, either by earning it or purchasing it on [SpookySwap](https://spookyswap.finance/swap?inputCurrency=0x3A3841f5fa9f2c283EA567d5Aeea3Af022dD2262), there are two ways to earn rewards using it by:

1. Staking SHADE
2. Staking and locking SHADE

## Staking SHADE

You can stake your SHADE to earn a portion of the protocol revenue (FTM). Rewards earned from staking SHADE are available immediately and the staked SHADE can be withdrawn at any time without penalties.

## Staking and locking SHADE (Coming Soon)

SHADE can be staked and locked to receive a portion of the protocol revenue (FTM) and 100% of the penalty fees paid by users who withdraw vested tokens early. Rewards earned from locking SHADE are available immediately.

xSHADE is a variable that represents the staked and locked version of SHADE. It is acquired by locking your SHADE for a predetermined amount of tim*e* on the [**xSHADE** ](https://shadecash.gitbook.io/shadecash/master)page of our website.

**Locking demonstrates a commitment to the long-term vision of Shade**.

### **How is xSHADE used?**

xSHADE has three main applications: voting on proposals, earning a portion of protocol revenues, and earning 100% of penalty fees paid by users who withdraw vested tokens early. The amount of xSHADE you have determines your share of the pool.

### **xSHADE mechanics**

Your xSHADE balance is determined by two things: the amount of SHADE you have locked and the time left on your lock period. 

SHADE must be locked for a predetermined amount of time. During this time your SHADE cannot be removed or transferred, and you cannot decrease the amount of time it is locked for. The minimum lock period is 1 week and a maximum is 4 years. You will receive more xSHADE the longer your SHADE is locked - it is NOT possible to pay a penalty to withdraw locked SHADE early.

| **SHADE Staked** | **Time Staked** | **xSHADE Received** |
| ---------------- | --------------- | ------------------- |
| `1`              | `1 week`        | `0.005`             |
| `1`              | `1 month`       | `0.04`              |
| `1`              | `3 months`      | `0.06`              |
| `1`              | `6 months`      | `0.12`              |
| `1`              | `1 year`        | `0.25`              |
| `1`              | `2 years`       | `0.5`               |
| `1`              | `4 years`       | `1`                 |

Your xSHADE balance will decrease linearly over time until it reaches zero. When your xSHADE balance reaches zero, you will be able to withdraw your SHADE.


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