Starknet v0.14.4 upgrade scales proofs and adjusts gas pricing

Starknet launched version 0.14.4 on its mainnet on October 5, 2026, with a strong focus on scaling and efficiency improvements. The update builds on SNIP-36, a Starknet improvement proposal that allows developers to run compute-heavy logic off-chain and submit the results as a single proven transaction. This approach reduces costs by charging proof fees instead of full execution fees for each computational step. The latest upgrade raises the ceiling for these proofs, enabling transactions to reach up to 1.1 billion Layer 2 gas, roughly equivalent to a full Starknet block.

The release also includes minor gas-weight adjustments to better align transaction pricing with the economic costs borne by the sequencer and the broader network. Based on recent traffic data, these changes are expected to shift costs by less than 1% for most transactions. Additionally, Starknet removed legacy feeder gateway endpoints, requiring applications and tools to migrate away from deprecated infrastructure.

Node operators face critical updates, as the new verifier rejects proofs generated under version 0.14.3. Full nodes must now run either Pathfinder v0.24.0 or Juno v0.16.6 to continue operating on the upgraded network. The upgrade also marks progress in Starknet’s multi-year roadmap, which aims to enhance performance, refine fee structures, and move toward decentralization.

For developers, the expanded SNIP-36 capacity offers a significant advantage, allowing them to settle heavy computations on Starknet in a single transaction. Node operators and infrastructure providers must update their software to comply with the new requirements. For STRK holders, the upgrade could draw market attention due to its impact on fee structures and the network’s overall efficiency.