The Neo X TestNet has recently been upgraded to the new Neo X Gamma version, which is set to become the long-term supported TestNet network. Developers are encouraged to migrate their work to the Gamma version as the previous Beta TestNet will be decommissioned within two weeks. This new version is based on the v1.13.11 Geth implementation and supports the latest Ethereum-compatible Shanghai fork.
The Gamma version of the Neo X TestNet introduces several updates and enhancements. One of the key changes is the implementation of a policy-based transaction fee-burning mechanism, replacing the previous EIP-1559 dynamic base fee model. Additionally, the update includes protocol extensions, enhanced system contract features, native bridge improvements, and documentation updates. Security audit results have also led to system contract and dBFT protocol enhancements and stability fixes.
The Neo X Gamma version brings significant changes to network transaction fee calculation and burning. Validators now configure the block’s base fee and minimum required transaction tip, which are stored in the Policy contract. Both the base fee and minimum tip are currently set at 20 Gwei, and this update has rendered the EIP-1559 dynamic block fee model obsolete. Node RPC APIs have been adjusted to accommodate these changes, ensuring that ecosystem tools like MetaMask continue to function correctly.
The Neo X Governance contract has been updated to include a new ‘transferVote’ method, allowing voters to shift their votes from one candidate to another with a single contract call. To prevent potential DoS attacks, the consensus candidate registration fee has been increased from 1,000 GAS to 20,000 GAS. Candidates leaving the list will incur a 5% commission on the deposited registration fee, and the number of candidates that can be registered simultaneously is limited to 2,000.
A protocol-level update has introduced a transaction reannouncement mechanism for mempooled transactions, ensuring better network connectivity and reducing transaction acceptance delays. The native bridge between Neo N3 and Neo X has been updated to support NEP-17 and ERC-20 tokens, with the token registration process overseen by bridge governance members to ensure security.
Following a security audit, the dBFT network protocol has been improved to verify dBFT payloads against the current set of consensus members, even at ordinary seed nodes. System contracts now include stability and safety improvements, resulting in reduced invocation costs and safe invocation guarantees for Neo X users. The native bridge has also received enhancements based on the audit, on both the N3 and X contract side.
