🔥Run a node in 3 clicks

This guide will walk you step by step through deploying your own NEAR validator node on mainnet, using the Meta Pool Node Studio tool developed in collaboration with Openmesh.

✨ Introduction

In this guide, you’ll learn how to launch your NEAR validator node using Meta Pool Node Studio. The process is fully online, simple, intuitive, and avoids complex technical steps.

Requirements

  • Web3 wallet compatible with Ethereum (e.g., MetaMask)

  • Wallet compatible with NEAR (e.g., Meteor Wallet)

  • Verified account with Hivelocity

  • Active API Key from Hivelocity

🛠️ Step 1: Create a Hivelocity Account and Obtain an API Key (Infrastructure Provider)

1.1 Go to https://www.hivelocity.net/ and create an account.

1.2 Add a valid payment method and verify it. https://my.hivelocity.net/billing/payment-methods

1.3 Generate an API key under User > Settings > API Key. Save it securely. https://my.hivelocity.net/settings/api-keys

⚠️ Important: -You must validate a payment method in Hivelocity. This process can take up to 48 hours. Go to Billing > Payment Methods > Manage to validate your payment method. -Do not buy or rent VPS servers directly from Hivelocity. If you already did, please contact the Meta Pool team.

⚠️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

2.1 Go to the Node Studio Home page. https://near.xnode.openmesh.network/

2.2 Log in using either:

  • An EVM-compatible wallet (e.g., MetaMask) or

  • Your Google account.

2.3 Sign the authentication request.

🛠️ Step 3: Deploy Your VPS

3.1 On the Home page of Node Studio, click Deploy.

3.2 Choose a Hivelocity VPS Select any plan that includes at least:

  • 4-Core CPU

  • 8 GB RAM

  • 80 GB Storage (1x 80 GB) or (1x 80 GB NVMe)

  • 1 Gbps Networking

  • 10,000 GB Bandwidth

⚡ There is usually a $14/month option and an NVMe option for $20/month (depending on stock), which we also recommend.

3.3 Click Next After selecting your VPS, continue with the on-screen instructions using the Next button.

3.4 Link your Hivelocity account You must link your account with the API Key you previously saved. If you don’t have it, you can generate a new one at: https://my.hivelocity.net/settings/api-keys

3.5 Rent the server Click the Rent Server button (⚠️ only once to avoid renting multiple VPS). Wait until your VPS appears in Node Studio.

3.6 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.

⚠️ Warning: At this point, the server is actually being rented. If your payment method in Hivelocity hasn’t been validated, you’ll encounter an error and won’t be able to continue.

🛠️ Step 4: Set Your Subdomain

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

4.1 Locate the Subdomain field in the Dashboard.

4.2 Enter the name you want for your subdomain.

4.3 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.

🛠️ Step 5: Configure Your Pool

5.1 Enter a name for your validator in the “pool ID” field.

  • Must be unique and appropriate:

    • Do not use “Meta Pool,” offensive terms, or third-party brand names.

    • Only the following special characters are allowed: - (dash) and _ (underscore).

    • Do not use dots (.) or any other special characters.

5.2 Select pool type:

  • pool.near → upgradeable version, lower cost; recommended.

  • poolv1.near → legacy contract, higher cost.

5.3 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.

5.4 Set Reward Fee (validator commission).

  • ⚠️ Maximum allowed for Meta Pool program: 7%.

🛠️ Step 6: Manage Your Node

6.1 Click Update OS to configure the system.

6.2 Click Deploy NEAR App to install the validator software.

🛠️ Step 7: Deploy Your Staking Pool

7.1 Go to "Manage Pool" section.

7.2 Connect your NEAR wallet.

7.3 Ensure the wallet has at least 5 NEAR.

7.4 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.

✅ Done! If you’ve followed all the steps, your validator node should now be synced and fully operational. It’s ready to start receiving stake and participating in block validation on the NEAR network.

🛠️ Step 8: Confirm With Meta Pool team (for pre-approved program users only)

8.1 Once the validator is running, send a screenshot of the logs to the Meta Pool team.

8.2 The team has 10 days to delegate the seat price.

8.3 Once delegated, your validator enters the active set on NEAR.

ℹ️ Troubleshooting

  • My node doesn’t appear: Wait up to 30 minutes. Ensure your Web3 wallet is connected properly.

  • Node isn’t syncing: Make sure the OS patch was applied correctly.

  • Can’t create pool: Check that your wallet has enough NEAR.

🚀 Support and Contact

If you have questions or need help, feel free to contact us at our validator Telegram group: https://t.me/MetaPoolOfficialGroup

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