> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hyro.network/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting Started as a Trader

> What you need and how to begin trading on Hyro Protocol.

There are two ways to manage capital on Hyro. Most traders start with a **Challenge Vault**.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Challenge Vault" icon="trophy">
    For traders **without** an existing track record. Pay an entry fee, pass an on-chain evaluation, get funded. Available from Q4 2026.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Direct Vault" icon="user-check" href="/managers/direct-vault-overview">
    For verified senior traders, funds, and algo desks **with** a track record. No challenge required. Opens Phase 2 (Q1 2027).
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## What you need

<Steps>
  <Step title="A wallet">
    Either sign in with **email** (a Solana wallet is auto-generated for you via embedded wallet — no extension required) or connect **Phantom** for full self-custody. You can export keys or migrate to Phantom at any time.
  </Step>

  <Step title="USDC on Solana">
    Evaluation fees and all settlement happen in USDC.
  </Step>

  <Step title="A Bybit account">
    Trade execution happens on Bybit's real environment. You'll connect your account during challenge setup.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  **You never need SOL for gas.** Hyro sponsors all Solana gas for vault interactions, challenge purchases, and payouts.
</Tip>

## The path at a glance

<Steps>
  <Step title="Buy a challenge">
    Pick a size (25k / 50k / 100k), pay the evaluation fee in USDC. [Rules →](/traders/evaluation-rules)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pass the evaluation">
    Trade the demo under smart-contract rules. Hit the target without breaking drawdown limits.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Trade the funded demo">
    Keep 80% of profits from 0 to +15%. [Funded demo →](/traders/funded-demo)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Unlock the dual-track">
    At +15%, a real-capital LP-funded vault opens in parallel. [Vault unlock →](/traders/dual-track)
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Card title="Walk through your first challenge" icon="play" href="/traders/getting-started" horizontal>
  A complete step-by-step tutorial, start to finish.
</Card>