How to Run a NEAR Validator Node with Node Studio

Node Studio is a software platform designed to make running a NEAR validator node easy and accessible for everyone. No technical knowledge is required—anyone can set up and launch a validator node with just a few clicks. Node Studio also handles maintenance and updates, allowing validators to focus on participating in the network without worrying about complex technical tasks. Learn more and get started here: https://nodestudio.metapool.app/

✨ Why Use Node Studio?

• Low cost: ~$20/month for VPS + 5 NEAR/month for Node Studio (maintenance + support + updates). Please note that VPS prices are set directly by the infrastructure provider and may change over time.
• One-click Updates: Install new NEAR releases simply by pressing a button.
• High Uptime: 97–99% average uptime (guaranteed above 90%).
• Full Dashboard: monitor logs, node health, validator fee; available 24/7.
• Fully self-managed and secure: Node Studio automates most of the process, but you retain full control.
  • No one from Meta Pool, Openmesh, or any external party can access your private keys or VPS. Your private keys remain fully under your control at all times.
  • Your validator and all associated data are completely owned by you.

⚠️ Responsibilities of the Node Runner

Even with Node Studio automating most tasks, you must check your Dashboard periodically to ensure your validator is running smoothly.

• Monitor logs: check for errors or warnings regularly.
• Monitor disk usage: when reaching 80–85%, click “Delete NEAR Chain Data” to free space and resync.
  • This process takes 25–75 minutes; the validator won’t produce endorsements during this time.
  • Downtime does not drop uptime below 70% (minimum for active set).
• Check validator performance: ensure your validator’s production stays above 90% and never drops below 70% to remain eligible for the active set.

⚠️ Important: Enter your Dashboard periodically. Regular monitoring is essential to maintain validator health and stay eligible in the Meta Pool program.

🛠️ Step 1: Prepare Hivelocity Account

1. Create a Hivelocity account: Hivelocity.
2. Add a valid payment method and verify it. https://my.hivelocity.net/billing/payment-methods
3. Generate an API key under User > Settings > API Key. Save it securely. https://my.hivelocity.net/settings/api-keys

⚠️ Important:

• Do not buy or rent VPS servers directly from Hivelocity. If you already did, please contact the Meta Pool team.
  
• Node Studio uses your API key to rent the VPS automatically.

Disclaimer: Meta Pool has no partnership, affiliation, or commercial relationship with Hivelocity. The recommendation of Hivelocity as a VPS provider is based solely on its proven reliability and cost–quality balance. Any purchase, rental, or contract is made directly between the user and Hivelocity, without Meta Pool’s involvement.

🛠️ Step 2: Connect to Node Studio

1. Go to the Node Studio Home page. https://near.xnode.openmesh.network/
2. Log in using either:
   • An EVM-compatible wallet (e.g., MetaMask) or
   • Your Google account.
3. Sign the authentication request.

📸 [Figure 1: Node Studio login screen]

🛠️ Step 3: Deploy Your VPS

1. On the Home page of Node Studio, click Deploy.
2. Node Studio will automatically:
   • Rent the VPS using your Hivelocity API key.
   • Install the operating system.
   • Set up all packages needed for the NEAR validator.

⚠️ This process usually takes ~10 minutes.

During this time:

• Your VPS will appear listed on the Home page.
• Once visible, click on it to enter the Dashboard, where you continue the validator installation.

📸 [Figure 2: Deploy screen with VPS selection and API key field]

📸 [Figure 3: Home page showing VPS listed]

🛠️ Step 4: Set Your Subdomain

Once in the Dashboard, the first step is to set a subdomain. This improves security and ensures encrypted communication between your VPS, the validator, and Node Studio.

1. Locate the Subdomain field in the Dashboard.
2. Enter the name you want for your subdomain.
3. Click Claim to save it.

⚠️ Important:

• The process may take a few minutes to complete.
• Do not close or refresh the page until the subdomain is fully set.

📸 [Figure 4: Subdomain setup field in Dashboard]

🛠️ Step 5: Configure Your Pool

1. Enter your Pool ID (validator name).
   • Must be unique and appropriate:
     1. Do not use “Meta Pool,” offensive terms, or brand names.
     2. Only the following special characters are allowed: – (dash) and _ (underscore).
     3. Do not use dots (.) or any other special characters.
2. Select pool type:
   • poolv1.near → legacy contract, higher cost.
   • pool.near → upgradeable version, lower cost; recommended.
3. Optional: Enable Pinger (sends automatic ping every epoch, ~7.3h).
   • Has a small NEAR cost from your wallet.
   • Not required; Meta Pool provides free automated pings. Recommended: do not enable.
4. Set Reward Fee (validator commission).
   • ⚠️ Maximum allowed for Meta Pool program: 7%.

📸 [Figure 5: Configure Pool section with Pool ID, pool version, pinger, and fee fields]

🛠️ Step 6: Manage Your Node

1. Click Update OS to configure the system.
2. Click Deploy NEAR App to install the validator software.

📸 [Figure 6: Manage Node section with Patch OS and Deploy buttons]

🛠️ Step 7: Deploy Your Staking Pool

1. Go to Manage Pool.
2. Connect your NEAR wallet.
3. Ensure the wallet has at least 5 NEAR.
4. Click Deploy Pool.

⚠️ Important:

• This wallet becomes the contract owner: only it can modify the staking pool or receive fees. Secure your seed phrase.
• Data from Configure Pool is used to create the staking contract.
  • Pool ID and pool type cannot be changed later.
  • Reward fee can be updated.

📸 [Figure 7: Manage Pool section with wallet connection and Deploy button]

🛠️ Step 8: Sync Your Validator

• Check the logs panel at the bottom of the Dashboard.
• Node Studio will download the snapshot and sync your validator.
• Expected sync time: ~1–2 hours.

📸 [Figure 8: Logs panel showing syncing]

🛠️ Step 9: Confirm With Meta Pool (Program Users Only)

1. Once the validator is running, send a screenshot of the logs to the Meta Pool team.
2. The team has 10 days to delegate the seat price.
3. Once delegated, your validator enters the active set on NEAR.

📸 [Figure 9: Example of synced node log]

✅ Done!

Your NEAR validator is now active.

• Program participants → wait for delegation.
• Independent users → start staking or accepting delegators immediately.
• Start your validator journey and claiming fee rewards

ℹ️ Troubleshooting

• Node doesn’t appear? Check wallet connection; wait up to 30 minutes. Also check Hivelocity, might be an issue from their side (e.g. verification issue, not allowed to rent servers)
• Node not syncing? Make sure the OS is updated and NEAR app deployment is completed.
• Pool deployment failed? Ensure the NEAR wallet has ≥5 NEAR.

👉 Meta Pool Validators Program:

The Node Studio Program is a support initiative designed to help new validators get onboarded to the NEAR Protocol. The upcoming edition will start on October 1st, 2025, and will have 63 slots available.

To join the program, applicants must first register through the Node Studio Sign-up Form form and wait for Meta Pool’s contact and confirmation. The form will remain open for future editions that will be announced soon, so we encourage you to register even if you do not secure a slot in this round.

By joining the program, validators can receive the seat price delegation and begin earning fee rewards once their validator enters the active set on NEAR. Existing validators who already have their own seat price can use Node Studio freely. Program participants must also complete minimal marketing activities to remain active.

📢 Official announcements and updates for Node Studio and the NEAR validator program are posted in:

• [Meta Pool Validators Telegram Channel] https://t.me/+nfNA4US6NHAyMTYx
• [Meta Pool Validators Discord Channel] https://discord.gg/URYQ6Cyc9b

👉 Be part of the future of NEAR staking — register to Node Studio Program today and simplify your validator journey.

🔗 Register here: Node Studio Sign-up Form

📞 Support

• [Meta Pool Validators Telegram] https://t.me/+nfNA4US6NHAyMTYx
• [Meta Pool Validators Discord] https://discord.gg/URYQ6Cyc9b

Updated: September 25, 2025