> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.illuvium.io/staking-v2/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.illuvium.io/staking-v2/user-guides/about-illuvium-staking/what-happens-when-i-vest-my-rewards.md).

# What happens when I vest my rewards?

In order to acquire your accumulated tokens, you must vest them. Vesting tokens costs gas, and as such, you should only vest when you feel like you have accumulated enough rewards for it to be worth it. When you do vest them, they will be locked in the ILV pool for 12 months and count to your accumulation of new tokens at a token weight of 2. This effectively means that tokens can compound.