# VeChain Nodes X GM NFTs: Maximising Benefits within VeBetter

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Legacy System (Pre-StarGate)**

This page explains how **legacy VeChain nodes** previously interacted with **GM NFTs** before the StarGate upgrade. Legacy node mechanics have been replaced by **StarGate staking NFTs**.

GM NFT interactions are no longer based on legacy nodes.

👉 **Learn how staking NFTs work in StarGate:**

<https://docs.stargate.vechain.org/overview/nft-tiers>
{% endhint %}

As a VeChain Node holder, you have unique opportunities to enhance your participation in the ecosystem. By linking your VeChain Node to a Galaxy Member (GM) NFT, you can unlock additional rewards, boost your GM NFT level, and significantly increase your influence in governance.

This guide explains how VeChain Node holders can link their nodes to GM NFTs, the benefits of doing so, and the steps to get started.

Following the [April 2025 governance proposal](https://governance.vebetterdao.org/proposals/29105190577567483236613349157882547619640909716326747339146460525546041993191), major changes were made to strengthen the GM system and incentivize voter participation.

***

## Why Link Your VeChain Node to a GM NFT?

Linking your VeChain Node to a GM NFT provides multiple advantages:

1. **Unlock Free Level Upgrades**:
   * Your node's type determines the **free upgrade level** of your GM NFT.
   * Higher levels increase your voter rewards which in return increases your influence in governance.
2. **Boost Voter Rewards**:
   * Higher GM NFT levels provide **multipliers** for voter rewards.
   * Multiplier percentages increase with GM NFT levels, enhancing the value of your votes.
3. **Dynamic Benefits**:
   * If your node level is upgraded, the GM NFT's level is also upgraded dynamically.
   * Nodes can be detached and reassigned as needed.

***

## VeChain Nodes and Free Upgrade Levels

When you link a VeChain Node to a GM NFT, the NFT receives a free upgrade based on the node type:

| VeChain Node Type | Free Upgrade Level |
| ----------------- | ------------------ |
| **None**          | 1                  |
| **Strength**      | 2                  |
| **Thunder**       | 4                  |
| **Mjolnir**       | 6                  |
| **VeThorX**       | 2                  |
| **StrengthX**     | 4                  |
| **ThunderX**      | 6                  |
| **MjolnirX**      | 7                  |

> **Note**: If the free upgrade level exceeds the NFT's current maximum unlocked level, the level is capped.

***

## Step-by-Step Guide: Linking Your Node

1. **Check Node Ownership**:
   * Ensure you own the VeChain Node or it has been delegated to you.
2. **Select a GM NFT**:
   * Choose an NFT to link to your node. Use the VeBetter interface to view your GM NFTs.
3. **Link Your Node**:
   * Use the **Node Management** feature in the VeBetter platform to attach your node to the selected GM NFT.
4. **Monitor Your GM NFT Level**:
   * Check the NFT’s level after linking. Free upgrades are applied automatically.
5. **Participate in Governance**:
   * Use the linked GM NFT for voting in VeBetter proposals and XApp allocation to maximize rewards.

***

## Rules for Linking Nodes

* **Single Linkage**:
  * A node can only be linked to one GM NFT at a time.
* **Non-Transferable**:
  * GM NFTs with attached nodes cannot be transferred or sold.
* **Ownership Alignment**:
  * Free upgrades apply only if the GM NFT owner and the node owner (or delegatee) are the same.
* **Dynamic Adjustments**:
  * Upgrading or downgrading a node updates the GM NFT’s level dynamically.

***

## Reward Multipliers and Governance Influence

Higher GM NFT levels significantly increase your rewards during governance and x-allocatin voting participation. Here’s how the multiplier system works:

| Level  | Name    | Multiplier Percentage | Reward Weight |
| ------ | ------- | --------------------- | ------------- |
| **2**  | Moon    | 10%                   | 1.1           |
| **3**  | Mercury | 20%                   | 1.2           |
| **4**  | Venus   | 50%                   | 1.5           |
| **5**  | Mars    | 100%                  | 2             |
| **6**  | Jupiter | 150%                  | 2.5           |
| **7**  | Saturn  | 200%                  | 3             |
| **8**  | Uranus  | 400%                  | 5             |
| **9**  | Neptune | 900%                  | 10            |
| **10** | Galaxy  | 2400%                 | 25            |

***

## Detaching and Reassigning Nodes

* **Detachment Rules**:
  * Only the node owner, delegatee, or GM NFT owner can detach the node.
  * Detaching a node resets the GM NFT’s level unless it was paid for using B3TR.
* **Reassigning Nodes**:
  * After detaching, the node can be linked to another GM NFT for additional upgrades or governance participation.

***

## Examples

### **Example 1: Free Upgrade with a Node**

* **Node Type**: **Thunder**
* **GM NFT Initial Level**: **1**
* **Free Upgrade Level**: **4 (Venus)**

**Outcome**:\
The GM NFT is upgraded to **Level 4 (Venus)** for free.

* **GM Rewards Weight**: **1.5**
* If the total GM voter reward weight that cycle is 300, the user's share is:
  * $$\frac{1.5}{300} = 0.5%$$ of the GM Rewards Pool

### **Example 2: Combining Free and Paid Upgrades**

* **Node Type**: **MjolnirX**
* **GM NFT Initial Level**: **5 (Mars)**
* **Free Upgrade Level**: **7 (Saturn)**

**Outcome**:\
The GM NFT is upgraded to **Level 7 (Saturn)** for free. To reach **Level 8 (Uranus)**, donate **2,500,000 B3TR**.

Given total GM voter reward weight that cycle is 300

* **At Level 7**: **Wote Weight = 3**
  * $$\frac{3}{300} = 1.0%$$ of the GM Rewards Pool
* **At Level 8**: **Vote Weight = 5**
  * $$\frac{5}{300} = 1.66%$$ of the GM Rewards Pool

***

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Important Update:**

Legacy node mechanics have been replaced by **StarGate staking NFTs**.

Learn how staking, delegation, and participation work now:

<https://docs.stargate.vechain.org/>
{% endhint %}


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