> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://metalayerlabs.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Node Snapshot

This guide explains how to download and use our pre-built node snapshot to stand up a mainnet Blast node as quickly as possible. The snapshot, available at `https://pub-0509dd39c2df4aeda4e82ff320667d97.r2.dev/<version.tgz>` is updated weekly to minimize required sync times.

<Note>
  Testnet snapshots are not available at this time.
</Note>

## Usage Instructions

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Geth Data Directory">
    First, navigate to your `geth` data directory where the blockchain data is stored:

    ```bash theme={null}
    cd <geth data directory>
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download the Snapshot">
    You can download the latest snapshot using `wget`:

    ```
    wget -O geth.tgz https://pub-0509dd39c2df4aeda4e82ff320667d97.r2.dev/$(curl https://pub-0509dd39c2df4aeda4e82ff320667d97.r2.dev/LATEST) 
    ```

    Alternatively, for faster download speeds, especially for large files like this snapshot (1.5 TB+), consider using `aria2c`:

    ```
    aria2c --file-allocation=none -c -x 10 -s 10 -o geth.tgz https://pub-0509dd39c2df4aeda4e82ff320667d97.r2.dev/$(curl https://pub-0509dd39c2df4aeda4e82ff320667d97.r2.dev/LATEST) 
    ```

    ### About `aria2c`

    `aria2c` is a lightweight command-line download utility that can significantly speed up large file downloads by splitting the file into multiple segments and downloading them concurrently.

    Here's what the options example above do:

    * `--file-allocation=none`: Disables file pre-allocation, allowing the download to start immediately.
    * `-c`: Resumes an incomplete download.
    * `-x 10`: Sets the maximum number of connections per server to 10.
    * `-s 10`: Splits the file into 10 segments, downloading them simultaneously.
    * `-o geth.tgz`: Renames the output file which may otherwise vary based on the latest version.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Extract the Snapshot">
    Once the download is complete, unarchive the snapshot to your geth data directory:

    ```bash theme={null}
    tar -xvzf geth.tgz
    ```

    This command extracts the files to the appropriate directory for your node to use.
  </Step>

  <Step title="">
    Finally, (assuming you're using the [Docker Compose setup](./basic)), start your node containers:

    ```bash theme={null}
    cd ..
    docker compose up -d
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

Your node should now be up and running using the latest blockchain snapshot.

## Getting Help

If you run into any issues following the instructions above, please don't hesitate to reach out on our [Developer Discord](https://discord.com/invite/blastdevelopers) for help.