The Near blockchain team has released version 2.13.0‑rc.1 of the core node software. This release candidate includes a protocol upgrade, a database schema change, and a new optional transaction feature that gives developers finer control over nonce handling.
A key addition is the opt‑in strict nonce mode. When enabled for a transaction, the node requires the nonce to be exactly one greater than the previous nonce for that access key. Transactions that repeat or skip a nonce are rejected, while transactions that do not opt in continue to use the existing monotonic nonce behavior. This feature is designed to improve security for applications that need strict ordering.
The database upgrade updates the on‑chain storage format to support the new nonce logic and other protocol changes. Nodes must run the upgrade script during the next restart, after which the new schema will be used for all subsequent blocks.
The release notes indicate that no security upgrade is included in this candidate. Developers should review the change log and test the new nonce behavior in a testnet environment before deploying to mainnet.
Overall, 2.13.0‑rc.1 provides a pathway for projects that require stricter transaction ordering while maintaining backward compatibility. The community is encouraged to experiment with the opt‑in nonce mode and report any issues to the Nearcore repository.