TL;DR
- Virtuals has launched Agent Staking, a feature that allows AI Agent token holders to lock them up and earn internal rewards.
- There are already 70 projects enabled for staking, including AIXBT, VADER, LUNA, and G.A.M.E., with the option to add new tokens.
- Since the announcement, Virtual’s token has surged 10% in 24 hours, with $390 million in trading volume and growing expectations for a sustained recovery.
Virtuals Protocol has officially introduced Agent Staking, a feature that lets users deposit tokens from AI Agent projects built on its network to earn rewards. The system aims to revive the AI-driven meme coin market by offering real, usable features and giving holders early access to upcoming launches within the platform.
Currently, around 70 projects are approved for staking, including notable names like AIXBT, VADER, LUNA, RIBBITA, and G.A.M.E. However, the team has left the door open for new tokens to be added, provided they meet Virtual’s technical and security requirements. Users who lock their tokens into these contracts will receive ‘Virgen’ points — an internal currency that grants early access to token allocations from unreleased AI projects.
The Road to Recovery
The announcement comes after a turbulent period for Virtual, which saw its token price collapse in the early months of 2025. In just three months, its value fell from $4.6 to $0.48, slashing its market capitalization from $4.6 billion to $284 million. This sharp drop drove many investors away and left the AI Agent sector in a fragile position. However, since mid-April, the protocol has staged a steady recovery, climbing back to $2 and raising its market cap to over $1.3 billion.
Virtual Gains Momentum on Fresh Market Expectations
The launch of Agent Staking reignited market interest in Virtual. In the past 24 hours, its token gained 10%, returning to $1.9 per unit, alongside a spike in trading volume that reached $390 million. This rebound reflects renewed market expectations, with investors once again focusing on AI projects offering practical, usable features.
The migration period to move tokens into active staking contracts remains open until May 22 at 3:00 p.m. (GMT+8). After this deadline, only tokens locked before that time will begin generating rewards. The initiative aims to leverage growing interest in Web3-based AI projects and strengthen Virtuals’ position as a network capable of delivering tangible advantages to its users
