LayerZero Sunsets Stargate V1, Zero-Fee Withdrawals Enabled

LayerZero Labs is sunsetting Stargate V1, its cross-chain bridging protocol that launched in March 2022. The protocol's V1 liquidity pools will become inoperable after December 15, 2026, and liquidity providers who don't withdraw their capital before then risk losing access to their positions.

The deprecation stems from LayerZero's decision to retire its V1 Relayer, the underlying messaging infrastructure that Stargate V1 depends on. This move is part of a broader initiative by LayerZero to phase out support for low-activity chains and consolidate resources around its newer technology stack.

To smooth the transition, zero-fee withdrawals are being enabled. Approximately two weeks before the December 15 deadline, V1 messaging will be temporarily paused. Pools will then reopen solely for the purpose of allowing withdrawals. This pause window gives the team time to configure the zero-fee exit mechanism so LPs can pull their funds without getting dinged on the way out.

This deprecation applies exclusively to V1. Stargate V2 and Hydra, LayerZero's newer protocols, will continue operating as normal.