Rocket Pool has released Smart Node v1.18.0, featuring key client updates and several Smart Node improvements, including Saturn branch integration and enhanced Docker functionality. This is a low-priority update for Mainnet users but mandatory for Hoodi testnet ahead of its October 28th fork. Node Operators who updated received a POAP.

Smart Node v1.17.0 is now live, bringing major client updates—most of which raise the default block gas limit to 45M—and a new pruning feature that allows node operators to reduce storage needs by enabling partial history expiry. This is a recommended update for all Node Operators. Full details and upgrade instructions: https://github.com/rocket-pool/smartnode/releases/tag/v1.17.0.

Rocket Pool Smart Node v1.16.0 is out now, featuring key client updates, new features, and a critical change to rewards submissions. oDAO members must upgrade before the next submission to prevent consensus issues, and it's a recommended update for all Node Operators. Full release notes and upgrade instructions here: https://github.com/rocket-pool/smartnode/releases/tag/v1.16.0. Node operators that upgrade within 48 hours received a POAP.

Dear EthPillar enjoyoor, Thank you for making ETH decentralized and choosing EthPillar for the ultimate solo staking experience! You've taken a significant step forward, leaving behind the uncertainty of CLI commands and embracing a new level of calm, collected expertise. Pause for a moment to celebrate this achievement. You've pushed past your comfort zone, and that's something to be proud of. This POAP is more than just a badge; it's a symbol of your resilience, curiosity, and unwavering spirit. It's a reminder of the boundless opportunities that await you in the vast landscape of Ethereum. The path ahead is filled with endless potential and exciting challenges. Here's to your continued success and the incredible innovations you'll bring to the Ethereum community. Keep pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers of censorship resistance, scalability and privacy -- L1+L2s, Danksharding, AA, PBS and zk-all-the-things. With gratitude, coincashew, 2025

Ken hosted a special guest from Primex to chat about a new DeFi opportunity for rETH liquid stakers. Join the Rocket Pool community calls on Discord at discord.gg/rocketpool

The Rocket Pool Smartnode v1.14.0 release includes mandatory client updates for Nethermind, Prysm, Besu, and Reth, alongside Smart Node changes such as removing the 16 ETH minipool option, enhancing deposit prompts, and optimizing RPC calls for oDAO nodes. Minor adjustments were also made to accommodate Saturn-0 and update messages. Shortly after, version 1.14.1 was released to address a breaking change in Prysm and update Lodestar, which is only necessary for Prysm users. Node operators that updated within 72 hours received a POAP.

NodeSet's successful launch led to the creation of over 500 additional Rocket Pool minipools. With the increase in maximum validators per node, node operators eagerly competed for these new minipools, resulting in hundreds of failed transactions on Ethereum. NodeSet operators who experienced a failed transaction were awarded a POAP.