# Actors (Validators & Delegators)

## Key Actors

### **Validators**

Validators are active participants who produce blocks, validate transactions, and earn staking rewards. There are two types of validators at Mosaic Chain.

#### **PoS Validators**

Solo validators who produce blocks using only their Validator NFT's nominal value as stake. 

**Key features:**

* ✅ Run validator nodes and produce blocks
* ✅ Stake via Validator NFT nominal value only
* ✅ Cannot accept delegations
* ✅ Keep 100% of their rewards

**Best for:** Independent operators who want full control

[Learn more about PoS Validators →](#pos-validators)

***

#### **DPoS Validators**

Validators who produce blocks and accept delegated stakes from others. 

**Key features:**

* ✅ Run validator nodes and produce blocks
* ✅ Stake via Validator NFT nominal value + MOS coins
* ✅ Accept delegations from stakers
* ✅ Earn block rewards + commission from delegators

**Best for:** Validators seeking to maximize staking power and earnings

[Learn more about DPoS Validators →](/documentation/mosaic-chain/architecture-and-technology/actors-validators-and-delegators/dpos-validators.md)

***

#### **Validator Statuses**

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="129.67578125">Status</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Active</td><td>Currently producing blocks and earning rewards (~200 validators per session)</td></tr><tr><td>Waiting</td><td>Ready to be selected for the next session (not currently active)</td></tr><tr><td>Drafted</td><td>Announced for the next session (will become active soon)</td></tr><tr><td>Chilled</td><td>Offline or voluntarily inactive (not participating in consensus)</td></tr></tbody></table>

***

### **Delegators (Stakers)**

Passive participants who stake or MOS coins or special NFTs to DPoS validators and earn rewards.

**Key features:**

* ✅ Stake MOS coins / Delegator NFT to DPoS validators
* ✅ NFT is not necessary to participate
* ✅ No technical requirements or uptime
* ✅ Earn passive rewards (minus validator commission)

**Best for:** MOS holders who want passive staking income

[Learn more about Delegators →](/documentation/mosaic-chain/architecture-and-technology/actors-validators-and-delegators/delegators-stakers.md)

***

### **Quick Comparison**

| Feature                          | PoS Validators       | DPoS Validators                   | Delegators (Stakers)                  |
| -------------------------------- | -------------------- | --------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| **Run validator node**           | ✅ Yes                | ✅ Yes                             | ❌ No                                  |
| **NFT required**                 | PoS Validator NFT    | DPoS Validator NFT                | Optional (Delegator NFT)              |
| **Stake with NFT nominal value** | ✅ Yes (only option)  | ✅ Yes                             | ✅ Yes (if they own Delegator NFT)     |
| **Stake with MOS coins**         | ❌ No                 | ✅ Yes                             | ✅ Yes                                 |
| **Accept delegations**           | ❌ No                 | ✅ Yes                             | N/A                                   |
| **Rewards**                      | Block rewards + fees | Block rewards + fees + commission | Proportional rewards minus commission |
| **Technical requirements**       | High                 | High                              | None                                  |
| **Best for**                     | Solo operators       | Delegation-seeking validators     | Passive stakers                       |

**Learn more:**

* [Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) →](/documentation/mosaic-chain/architecture-and-technology/consensus-dpos.md)
* [Staking Rewards & Commission →](/documentation/mosaic-chain/architecture-and-technology/staking.md)
* [Slashing & Chilling →](/documentation/mosaic-chain/architecture-and-technology/slashing-and-chilling.md)


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