> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://orbs-doc.gitbook.io/pos/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://orbs-doc.gitbook.io/pos/orbs-pos-universe/readme.md). # Proof of stake V3 The Orbs Proof-of-Stake (PoS) Universe is the backbone of the Orbs network and the Universe that is being created. Orbs’ current PoS model - “Orbs PoS V3: Multi-chain Staking” utilizes Orbs’ hybrid architecture and cross-chain capabilities to deploy multi-chain Orbs PoS staking on both Ethereum and Polygon. *** ## **Orbs PoS V3: Multi-chain Staking** The Orbs Network launched in March of 2019​. The successful mainnet launch has enabled the growth of the Orbs ecosystem across all vectors. During Year 0 of the mainnet, development efforts were focused on building and maintaining a secure, stable and inclusive network. While at first the goal was mostly network stability, with time it evolved into growth and scalability. The Orbs Universe now emphasizes usage and performance while empowering the Orbs Universe Guardians. It enables Orbs Universe Guardians to take an active role in building and maintaining a secure, scalable network, which will be the first choice for blockchain adoption, and to better manage and serve the network and its participants. With the launch of V2.5, Orbs introduced numerous improvements, mainly in the staking rewards assignment and distribution architecture, leading to an improved distribution mechanism and significant reduction in Guardians operating costs. V2.5 aims to enhance network security and scalability through the Orbs PoS Universe and enables the on-boarding of clients with different use-cases. Orbs PoS V3: Multi-chain Staking utilizes Orbs’ hybrid architecture and cross-chain properties to allow for participation in Orbs PoS on both Ethereum and Polygon.
*** ## DELEGATORS Delegators are ORBS token holders who assign their voting weight (stake) to Guardians, empowering them to maintain security and uphold the long term vision of the ecosystem. **Roles and Responsibilities** * Actively contribute to the network’s success by staking your ORBS tokens. [Instructions](https://www.orbs.com/tetra-orbs-staking-wallet-tutorial/) on how to stake using the Orbs Tetra wallet. * Select a worthy [Guardian](https://staking.orbs.network/?p=/guardians) to delegate your voting power to. * Staked tokens will be locked for a period of 14 days. Read more about the [Orbs locking](https://www.orbs.com/introducing-locking-when-staking-orbs) mechanism. * Orbs Delegators can choose to stake on Ethereum or Polygon. **Economic Incentives** * Token holders that delegate to an active Guardian are rewarded in proportion to their stake. * Annual reward of up to 6.66% of the Delegator’s staked tokens, depending on the reward distribution split set by the selected Guardian. * Only delegation to an active Guardian that participates in the elected committee receives rewards. Also, it is important to note that staking rewards may vary between Guardians, so choose your Guardian carefully! *** ## GUARDIANS Orbs Guardians represent the Orbs community, they maintain the security of the network by running validator nodes and uphold its long term vision, investing time and effort in the network's success. **Roles and Responsibilities** * Guardians operate the Orbs network validator nodes and run the subscribed applications. * Guardians are responsible for the staking rewards distribution to their community of delegators by being able to modify their Delegator’s rewards split. * Guardians have an option to be part of the [Certified Committee](https://www.orbs.com/white-papers/orbs-pos-v2-the-age-of-guardians-section-election-committees) and operate virtual chains that require certified Guardians. Certified Committee members are eligible for added incentives. * Guardians are expected to be committed to their communities and their Delegators’ staked tokens. Following [OGV-1&2 ](https://www.orbs.com/Reinstating-Guardians-Self-Stake-Requirement/), Guardians are required to have a self-stake of at least 3% of their total delegated stake. **Economic Incentives** * Applications running virtual chains on Orbs pay fees directly to the Guardians, representing the cost of the computational resources allocated to the virtual chain. * Guardians receive staking rewards of at least 3.33% of their delegated stake, for operating the network and contributing to the network’s security. * Guardians who choose to participate in the Certified Committee receive a bootstrap fund distributed in DAI. *** Read more about ORBS POS UNIVERSE [here](https://www.orbs.com/pos/).