# Quick Guide

### ✨ Introduction <a href="#introduction" id="introduction"></a>

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 <a href="#requirements" id="requirements"></a>

* Web3 wallet compatible with Ethereum (e.g., MetaMask) or Google Account
* Wallet compatible with NEAR (e.g., Meteor Wallet)
* Verified account with VPS provider (Hivelocity, Hetzner or Cherry Servers)

***

### 🏗️ Step 1: Choose Your Infrastructure Provider

Node Studio currently supports **two VPS providers**.\
Please choose one to continue with the setup process:

* **Hivelocity \[Option A] —** [**Click here for instructions**](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/node-studio-software/quick-guide/hetzner)\
  Machine: **pro.md.amd**\
  Specs: 4-Core CPU, 8 GB RAM, 80 GB Storage (1x 80 GB NVMe), 1 Gbps Networking, 10000 GB Bandwidth\
  Approx. cost: **USD 15/month**
* **Cherry Servers \[Option B] —** [**Click here for instructions**](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/node-studio-software/quick-guide/cherry-servers)

  Machine: Cloud VPS 6 (Gen 2)\
  Specs: 6-Core CPU, 6 GB RAM, 100 GB Storage (1x 100 GB SSD), 1 Gbps Networking, 1,024 GB Bandwidth\
  Approx. cost: **USD 11.8/month** (VAT not included for EU residents)
* **Hetzner \[Option C] —** [**Click here for instructions**](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/node-studio-software/quick-guide/hetzner)\
  Machine: **cx33**\
  Specs: 4-Core CPU, 8 GB RAM, 80 GB Storage (1x 80 GB SSD), 20480 GB Bandwidth\
  Approx. cost: **USD 8.37/month**

{% hint style="info" %}
💡 **Note:** Prices may vary over time depending on provider adjustments.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
⚠️ **Important:**

* Hivelocity is considered **more crypto-friendly**, but includes an **extra step** in the setup process.
* **Cherry Servers** allows crypto payments and requires mandatory identity verification (KYC) before usage.
* Hetzner is **not a crypto-friendly** provider. Users are responsible for evaluating whether it suits their needs. In some cases, hosting validator nodes may require migration to another provider in the future.
  {% endhint %}

***

### 🛠️ Step 2: Connect to Node Studio <a href="#deploy-an-xnode-on-openmesh" id="deploy-an-xnode-on-openmesh"></a>

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](https://near.xnode.openmesh.network/), click Deploy.

3.2 Choose a CherryServers, Hivelocity or Hetzner VPS\
Select any plan that includes at least:

* 4-Core CPU
* 6 GB RAM
* 80 GB Storage (1x 80 GB) or (1x 80 GB NVMe)
* 1 Gbps Networking
* 10,000 GB Bandwidth

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

3.4 Link your Hivelocity, Cherry or Hetzner account\
You must link your account with the API Key/Token you previously saved. If you don’t have it, you can generate a new one.

3.5 Rent the server
\
Click the Rent Server button (⚠️ only once! to avoid renting multiple VPS).&#x20;

3.6 Node Studio will automatically:

* Rent the VPS using your API key.
* Install the operating system.
* Set up all packages needed for the NEAR validator.

{% hint style="info" %}
⚠️ This process usually takes \~10 minutes.

During this time:

* Your VPS will appear listed on the Node Studio Home page (Cherry and Hetzner Users).
* Once visible, click on it to enter the Dashboard, where you continue the validator installation.
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Hivelocity Users (extra step) If for any reason your VPS doesn’t appear automatically on Node Studio Home a few minutes after the rental is executed, you need to import it manually.**
{% endhint %}

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Go to your Hivelocity account and find your **numeric IP address** here: <https://my.hivelocity.net/devices>
2. Copy the IP address.
3. Go to **Node Studio**, click **Import**, paste the numeric IP address, and confirm.

***

### 🛠️ Step 4: Set Your Subdomain <a href="#highly-recommended-point-a-domain-to-the-node" id="highly-recommended-point-a-domain-to-the-node"></a>

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.

{% hint style="info" %}
⚠️ Important:

* The process may take a few minutes to complete.
* Do not close or refresh the page until the subdomain is fully set.
  {% endhint %}

***

### 🛠️ Step 5: Configure Your Pool <a href="#near-node-configuration" id="near-node-configuration"></a>

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.&#x20;
* **Recommended: do not enable.**

5.4 Set Reward Fee (validator commission).

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

***

### 🛠️ Step 6: Manage Your Node <a href="#pool-configuration" id="pool-configuration"></a>

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 <a href="#wait-for-synchronization" id="wait-for-synchronization"></a>

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.

{% hint style="info" %}
⚠️ 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.<br>
    {% endhint %}

> ✅ **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) <a href="#delegate-funds-to-the-validator" id="delegate-funds-to-the-validator"></a>

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 <a href="#troubleshooting" id="troubleshooting"></a>

* **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 <a href="#support-and-contact" id="support-and-contact"></a>

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