The Hexgrid sprawls before you. Vast. Untapped. Pulsing with computational power waiting to be claimed. Season 1 proved you could build the network. Now it's time to prospect it.
Today, Node Runners Season 2: Node Rush begins.
Season 2 transforms passive computer contribution, or proving, into active prospecting. You're not just running a node – you're staking your claim in the verifiable finance Node Rush.
Every proof you run is a swing at the digital bedrock. Every session, a chance to strike something bigger. Hidden beneath the Grid's everyday operations are Cache Strikes --- jackpots of points embedded in the network fabric, waiting for Node Runners with the dedication to dig deep and the luck to hit them.
If you’re a Node Runner veteran, Season 2 will be structured the same way as Season 1, with a few new changes. If you’re a newcomer, welcome to the Hexgrid, Runner.
Reminder: Node Runners is designed as an interactive way to explore Nexus - the tech, the roadmap, and the community building it. The quests are meant to be genuinely fun and insightful, not just checkboxes. Yes, there are rewards, but the real value is in what you'll learn and who you'll connect with along the way.
The Runner's rush protocol
Node Rush operates on three core principles:
Quest Execution -- Your proving runs are prospecting swings. From running your first session of the week to sharing your biggest Cache Strike, each quest deepens your claim on the Grid and builds your digital reputation. NexusOS web provers get boosted rewards -- consider it favored claim territory in the rush.
NEW FEATURE: Cache Strike Hunting -- Random jackpots appear throughout the Grid called Cache strikes. Every hour, active Node Runners have a chance to hit a Cache Strike --- instant point bonanzas that can accelerate your Glyph collection and amplify your reputation. Strike once, strike often. The Grid rewards those who show up daily. If you hit a Cache Strike, you will be notified.
NOTE: If you hit a Cache Strike, you will have to manually claim your reward via the “Claim Cache Strike” quest at: quest.nexus.xyz
Glyph Collection – Your Strike Glyphs are proof of your proving prowess. Weekly drops bring new NFT collections – trophies documenting your journey through the Node Rush. Miss a week's drop, lose it forever. In the rush era, timing separates legends from latecomers.
Week 1 Strike Glyphs
Rush protocols activated
The Grid generates new Quest Drops weekly -- direct assignments for Node Runners ready to dig deeper and earn recognition. From hitting your first Cache Strike to sharing Nexus news with the community, quests unlock points for you to buy Strike Glyphs and build network-wide momentum.
Each quest operates within strict temporal windows. Execute during the active period to claim your rewards and etch your name into Node Rush history.
Points flow directly into the Node Runner economy -- keep your Testnet III points to collect or spend them in the Glyph Marketplace, where Strike collections appear and vanish on weekly cycles. The Grid rewards those who dig consistently.
Note: there is no need to save your points, we keep track of all points you've earned, not what you have remaining.
Stakes and strikes
Every quest completion strengthens your claim. Points translate directly to NEX Testnet points and exclusive Strike Glyph access. Active Node Runners leverage Cache Strike jackpots for exponential point acceleration.
Lucky Node Runners hit multiple Cache Strikes per season, build legendary Glyph collections, and earn recognition as the rush era's founding Node Runners.
Your Node Rush schedule syncs with Hexgrid time:
Monday - Quest Drop Protocol: New questing assignments deploy, Strike Glyph Marketplace refreshes inventory, Cache Strike reminders go live.
Thursday - Node Runner Intelligence Brief: Deep Grid knowledge, community jackpot stories, and other Nexus updates.
Continuous - GridPulse: Real-time strike notifications, Node Runner spotlights, and transmissions celebrating successful Cache Strikes and milestone Glyph collections.
Stake your claim
First assignment: Your nodes make up your mining rig. So, bring your rig online and start prospecting. Whether you're returning from an inactive spell or just staking your first claim, the Grid welcomes all Node Runners ready to dig.
In the first week, all Node Runners can claim Welcome Glyphs – time-limited trophies that honor our return to active questing. New arrivals start their journey with access to the same Cache Strike opportunities as veterans. The rush rewards those who show up.
The Grid needs Node Runners
Node Rush isn't just participation --- it's your stake in the verifiable finance era. From regular prover to Grid prospecting Node Runner. The most valuable claims emerge from consistent diggers building toward the next phase of Nexus.
Whether you're a Node Runners Season 1 veteran ready to start questing again, or a newcomer prepared to start your journey, Node Rush provides multiple pathways to meaningful contribution and recognition.
The rush protocols are live. Your rig is waiting. There are caches out there ready to be struck.
The Hexgrid is calling, Runner. Dig in.
Node Runners — Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Nexus working on Node Runners instead of _______?
Node Runners is more than a game — it’s a way for our community (and future community members) to engage with Nexus beyond contributing compute.
Through quests, challenges, and collectibles, Node Runners helps players:
Learn about the Nexus mission and roadmap
Understand the technology behind the Verifiable Internet
Get to know the community, values, and long-term goals of the project
It’s an on-ramp into the Nexus ecosystem — designed to make participation accessible, educational, and fun.
Do I get any special privileges or standing for minting NFT glyph collections?
No. Glyph collections are purely for fun and entertainment.
They’re designed as collectibles for community members who engage in questing and participate in the Node Runners experience. Minting glyphs does not increase your standing, unlock special access, or provide additional utility beyond collecting them as NFTs.
Think of them as mementos of participation — not power-ups.
If I spend points on NFTs, do I lose my Nexus Testnet Points?
No. Spending points on NFTs does not reduce your Nexus Testnet Points.
We track your total points earned over time. Using TNIII points on the Snag platform does not affect your cumulative total or your progress within the Nexus Testnet.
You can collect NFTs without worrying about losing credit for the points you’ve earned.
How long can I mint weekly glyphs?
Glyphs from Node Runners weekly collections are available to mint for one week after they are listed.
After that window closes, the collection may be retired — though we may choose to re-release glyphs again in the future.
I’m having issues with quests or claiming rewards. What should I do?
Nexus Quests and NFT collections are powered by our third-party platform partner, Snag Solutions. We work closely with Snag to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.
