# Masternodes
Masternodes are a core part of the Arionum network. They have been available since Block 80,000.
They will be used for the assets system and other features of the network.
Masternodes earn a third of each block, and require 100 thousand ARO to initialise.
# Closing a masternode
The steps below are for retrieving the initial deposit and closing the masternode.
These commands require either the light-wallet-cli (opens new window) or the arionum-cli (opens new window).
- Pause the masternode using the corresponding command for your wallet:
# Light Wallet CLI ./light-arionum-cli masternode pause # arionum-cli arionum masternode:pause
- There is then a 30 day confirmation period
- Release the funds using the corresponding command for your wallet:
# Light Wallet CLI ./light-arionum-cli masternode release # arionum-cli arionum masternode:release