Rocket Pool Price Surges as Saturn One Upgrade Drives Optimism

Rocket Pool’s native token, RPL, has surged over 58% in early 2026, driven by anticipation for the Saturn One network upgrade. The token traded above $2.80 as of February 17, marking one of the most significant price moves in the protocol’s history. The upgrade, scheduled for Wednesday, introduces major changes to token economics, scalability, and capital efficiency.

The Saturn One upgrade transforms RPL from an inflation-reward token to one that captures ETH revenue for stakers. This change, known as the RPL fee switch, is expected to make the token more valuable by aligning its performance with the protocol’s revenue generation. The upgrade also reduces the minimum ETH required for node operators from 8 to 4, potentially increasing participation and network liquidity.

Megapools are another key feature of the upgrade. These pools aim to improve capital efficiency and reduce gas costs while allowing for flexible commission rates. The introduction of 4ETH validators should also allow for more stakers to join with less capital, improving the network’s capacity to accommodate demand.

Why Did This Happen?

Rocket Pool’s surge is partly due to structural changes in the Ethereum staking landscape. Institutional liquidity is increasingly entering the protocol, which has historically been dominated by retail stakers. The shift is supported by regulatory clarity favoring decentralized staking and a reduction in Ethereum validator queue wait times.

The protocol has also seen a rise in Total Value Locked (TVL), with Rocket Pool currently securing 2.8% of all staked Ethereum. This growth is a sign that sophisticated stakers are favoring decentralized, censorship-resistant infrastructure over centralized alternatives.

How Did Markets React?

The market response has been positive, with RPL seeing a 65% rise in the past 24 hours. On-chain data indicates increased activity, including a 40% rise in unique wallet addresses and larger average transaction sizes. These trends suggest accumulation by institutional investors and broader market confidence in the protocol’s future.

Rocket Pool’s performance has outpaced Bitcoin, reflecting strong investor interest in Ethereum-based staking infrastructure. The upgrade is expected to enhance the protocol’s ability to scale and meet rising rETH demand.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Market analysts are closely monitoring how the Saturn One upgrade affects investor sentiment and staking activity. The shift to a dividend-like model for RPL is seen as a positive move for long-term value creation. If the upgrade continues to attract more node operators and TVL, it could reinforce Rocket Pool's position as a leading decentralized staking solution.

Institutional adoption and regulatory developments will be key factors to watch in the coming weeks. The protocol’s ability to maintain and grow its share of staked Ethereum will determine its long-term performance and relevance in the evolving staking landscape.

The broader implications of the Saturn One upgrade could extend beyond Rocket Pool, influencing the future of decentralized staking protocols and how they compete with centralized alternatives.