Pi Network Staking Faces Backlash Over Zero Rewards

Key Points

• Pi Network Staking Faces Backlash Over Zero Rewards.
• Users are confused and frustrated by unclear communication.
• Staking only helps boost app visibility, not earn Pi coins.
• A locked Pi temporarily reduces supply, which may impact the price.

Pi Network Staking is making headlines—but not for the reasons its creators hoped. Unveiled during Pi2Day 2025, the platform’s new Ecosystem Directory Staking feature allows users to lock up Pi Coins to improve the visibility of their favorite apps in the ecosystem.

Sounds innovative, right? Maybe. But here’s the problem: there are no rewards.

In traditional crypto staking, users typically earn more tokens or interest by supporting the network. But with Pi Network’s new system, users simply get back the Pi they staked—nothing more, minus a small transaction fee.

“You WILL NOT get Pi rewards for staking for ranking apps!” a frustrated user posted, warning others in the community.

🚨 Pioneers! There is another misunderstanding about this new staking feature. You WILL NOT get Pi rewards for staking for ranking apps!

⚠️ Please read carefully as always! When staking ends, you get your $Pi back minus transaction fee.

🔁 Share this information with other… pic.twitter.com/JrXZY6AEul

— b1rdx (@b1rdx0) June 29, 2025

Many users expected something in return for staking their Pi. But the Core Team failed to clearly communicate the zero-reward structure from the start. This led to a wave of confusion, forcing Pi Network to quietly update its blog post with clarifications after backlash mounted.

“If this had been emphasized earlier, people would’ve understood. The way it was introduced created false expectations,” another user added.

A new paragraph has been added to the Pi Blog, clearly stating that there are no rewards for Pi staking.

If this point had been emphasized multiple times from the beginning, many people would have understood it more easily. #Pi #piNetwork #Picoin #파이 #파이코인 pic.twitter.com/9V7zw5oAfW

— Dao world (@Koreanteacher1) June 30, 2025

A New Model for Community Engagement?

Despite the frustration, some users are optimistic about what this staking system could mean for Pi’s future.

Instead of earning tokens, users now have the power to boost projects they care about. Developers are encouraged to offer alternative rewards like in-app perks, access to premium features, or special recognition. This could lead to stronger community-driven growth rather than speculative staking.

“After 60 days, you’ll get back exactly 200 Pi—no bonus, no interest. Staking is a way to support the ecosystem, not to earn,” one user clarified.

📣 PiPet users, note:

Pi Network introduced the staking feature to support and rank apps — not to give rewards.

When you stake, your Pi is locked (can’t be used for purchases).
Example: You stake 200 Pi for 60 days .

✅ After 60 days, you’ll get back exactly 200 Pi — no bonus…

— SuperChain (@PiSuperChain) June 29, 2025

Also, when users stake Pi, those coins are temporarily locked—which means they’re out of circulation. While this doesn’t reward users directly, it could have a long-term impact on the coin’s price by reducing its availability on the market.

“Circulating Supply is decreasing—because all the Pioneers who are staking Pi are locking it, so it will not be available in the market,” a community post highlighted.

This system of “ranking by staking” in $Pi apps is actually doing two things:

📉 Circulating Supply is decreasing – because all the Pioneers who are staking Pi are locking it, so it will not be available in the market.👇👇#pinetwork pic.twitter.com/RI6GtBbdSt

— CYRILLQ π (@TayKingsleyc) June 30, 2025

That said, Pi Coin has not seen any short-term price benefits. It’s currently trading at $0.48, down 3.57% in the last 24 hours and hovering just above its all-time low.

What This Means for Pi Network’s Reputation

At its core, the Pi Network Staking update exposes a critical gap in communication between the development team and its growing user base. In the world of Web3 and decentralized finance, clarity is everything. Without it, even well-intentioned updates can be met with skepticism—or worse, backlash.

Many users are now questioning the Core Team’s strategy. Was the lack of rewards a misstep, or is it a calculated move to shift focus from profits to participation? Only time will tell.

The introduction of Pi App Studio, which allows developers to build apps inside the Pi ecosystem, was generally well-received. However, the success of these tools depends largely on user trust—and that trust has taken a hit.

For Pi Network to move forward, it needs to be clear, direct, and proactive in its communication. Pioneers aren’t just staking coins—they’re staking their time and belief in the project. If the platform wants to grow, it must start listening more closely to its community.