What is SORA Network?

Quick answer: SORA in one paragraph

SORA is a blockchain network designed to create a decentralized monetary system. It uses the XOR token as its native asset and an on-chain governance model where token holders vote on proposals to fund productive projects. The network is currently transitioning to SORA Nexus (SORA v3), built on Hyperledger Iroha 3, which aims to deliver one-second finality, parallel execution, and interoperability for sovereign digital money, CBDCs, and DeFi applications.

If you are a developer evaluating SORA, the practical takeaway is that the network is moving from a Substrate-based chain to a new Iroha-based architecture. That shift affects the RPC interface, tooling, and how you connect your dApp. This article explains what SORA is, what changed with SORA Nexus, and how to get started with RPC endpoints.

Decision guide: Is SORA the right network for your project?

Before diving into endpoints and code, decide whether SORA fits your use case. Use this quick checklist:

• You want to build DeFi or monetary applications – SORA's core focus is on creating a stable, adaptive monetary system. If your project involves token issuance, bonding curves, or on-chain funding, SORA's governance model may be relevant.
• You need fast finality and scalability – SORA Nexus claims one-second finality and infinite scalability via parallel lanes. If your application requires high throughput and low latency, this is a point in SORA's favor.
• You care about interoperability with CBDCs and institutional systems – SORA Nexus is explicitly designed for sovereign data spaces and ISO 20022 payment messaging. If your project targets central bank digital currencies or regulated assets, SORA's roadmap is aligned.
• You need a stable, well-documented RPC provider – As with any network, you need reliable infrastructure. OnFinality offers public and dedicated RPC endpoints for SORA, which you can evaluate on the SORA network page.

If your project is a typical DeFi dApp that just needs a reliable EVM or Substrate RPC, SORA's unique architecture may require extra learning. But if you are building for the future of interoperable digital money, SORA is worth watching.

What is SORA? The original vision

SORA was launched as a Substrate-based blockchain with a clear mission: create a decentralized economic system that could achieve stability without debt. The network uses the XOR token as its native currency. XOR's supply is managed by a token bonding curve, which adjusts supply based on demand to maintain purchasing power.

Key features of the original SORA network:

• On-chain governance: XOR holders can propose and vote on funding for projects that benefit the network. This creates a self-sustaining economy where the community decides how to allocate resources.
• Polkaswap: A decentralized exchange built on SORA that aggregates liquidity across multiple chains.
• Substrate framework: Initially built with Parity Substrate, allowing for custom runtime logic and interoperability with the Polkadot ecosystem.

For developers, the original SORA network exposed a Substrate RPC interface, similar to other Polkadot parachains. You could use standard Substrate methods like chain_getBlock and state_getStorage.

The shift to SORA Nexus (SORA v3)

In late 2025, the SORA team announced a major upgrade: SORA Nexus, built on Hyperledger Iroha 3. This is not a simple runtime upgrade; it is a complete architectural change. Iroha 3 is a new blockchain framework that introduces:

• Iroha Virtual Machine (IVM): A deterministic, custom VM for smart contracts.
• Data Spaces: Sovereign zones on a single ledger, allowing institutions to maintain their own rules and privacy.
• Parallel Lanes: Multiple execution paths that converge to one finality, enabling infinite scalability.
• FASTPQ Proofs: zk-STARK-based proofs for privacy and auditability.

This shift means that the SORA network you connect to today may have a different RPC interface than the one you used a year ago. The team is migrating from Substrate to Iroha, and the tooling is evolving accordingly.

SORA Network RPC endpoints

If you are building on SORA, you need a reliable RPC endpoint. OnFinality provides public and dedicated endpoints for SORA. You can find the latest endpoint URLs on the SORA network page.

Here is an example of how to make a JSON-RPC call to a SORA endpoint using curl:

curl -sS -X POST https://sora.api.onfinality.io/public \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  -d '{"id":1,"jsonrpc":"2.0","method":"chain_getBlockHash","params":[0]}'

This call retrieves the hash of the first block. The response will look like:

{
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "result": "0x...",
  "id": 1
}

For WebSocket connections, you can use:

const WebSocket = require('ws');
const ws = new WebSocket('wss://sora.api.onfinality.io/public');

ws.on('open', () => {
  ws.send(JSON.stringify({
    id: 1,
    jsonrpc: '2.0',
    method: 'chain_subscribeNewHeads',
    params: []
  }));
});

ws.on('message', (data) => {
  console.log(data.toString());
});

Note: The exact endpoint URL may vary. Always check the SORA network page for the current public endpoint.

How to choose an RPC provider for SORA

When selecting an RPC provider for SORA, consider the following criteria:

OnFinality offers both public and dedicated RPC nodes for SORA. You can start with the free public endpoint and upgrade to a dedicated node if you need higher throughput or predictable performance. See RPC pricing for details.

Building on SORA: Developer workflow

Here is a typical workflow for a developer building on SORA:

1. Get an endpoint: Obtain an RPC URL from a provider like OnFinality.
2. Connect your wallet: Use a wallet that supports SORA, such as the SORA Wallet or Polkaswap.
3. Read data: Use JSON-RPC methods to query balances, blocks, and transactions.
4. Submit transactions: Sign and send transactions using your private key.
5. Monitor events: Subscribe to new blocks or specific events via WebSocket.

Here is an example of querying the balance of an account using eth_getBalance (if SORA supports Ethereum-compatible methods) or Substrate methods. Since SORA is transitioning, check the documentation for the current interface.

// Example using ethers.js with a Substrate-compatible RPC (if applicable)
const { ethers } = require('ethers');
const provider = new ethers.providers.JsonRpcProvider('https://sora.api.onfinality.io/public');

async function getBalance(address) {
  const balance = await provider.getBalance(address);
  console.log(balance.toString());
}

Common pitfalls and troubleshooting

When working with SORA RPC, you may encounter these issues:

• Endpoint changes: The network is migrating, so endpoints may change. Always use the latest from the network page.
• Method not found: If you call an Ethereum method on a Substrate node, you'll get an error. Use the correct JSON-RPC namespace.
• Rate limiting: Public endpoints may have rate limits. For production, consider a dedicated node.
• WebSocket disconnects: Ensure your client handles reconnection logic.

Key Takeaways

• SORA is a blockchain network focused on decentralized monetary systems, using the XOR token and on-chain governance.
• The network is upgrading to SORA Nexus, built on Hyperledger Iroha 3, with faster finality and interoperability features.
• Developers need reliable RPC endpoints; OnFinality provides public and dedicated options for SORA.
• When choosing an RPC provider, evaluate network coverage, transport support, reliability, and pricing.
• Always check the official network page for the latest endpoint URLs and documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the XOR token?

XOR is the native token of the SORA network. It is used for governance, transaction fees, and as a medium of exchange within the SORA economy. Its supply is managed by a bonding curve to maintain stability.

Is SORA a Substrate-based chain?

Originally, yes. SORA was built on Substrate. However, the network is transitioning to SORA Nexus, which is based on Hyperledger Iroha 3. This is a significant architectural change.

How do I get a SORA RPC endpoint?

You can use the public endpoint provided by OnFinality, or sign up for a dedicated node. Visit the SORA network page for the latest URLs and instructions.

Can I use Ethereum tools with SORA?

It depends on the current implementation. The original SORA used Substrate, which is not Ethereum-compatible. SORA Nexus may introduce different interfaces. Check the official documentation for the current state.

What is SORA Nexus?

SORA Nexus is the next-generation SORA network, built on Hyperledger Iroha 3. It aims to provide one-second finality, parallel execution, and interoperability for CBDCs and DeFi.

Is SORA a good investment?

We cannot provide financial advice. Always do your own research and consider the risks.

Next steps

If you're ready to start building on SORA, the first step is to get a reliable RPC endpoint. Explore the SORA network page to see available options, and review RPC pricing to choose a plan that fits your needs. For a broader view of supported networks, check the full list of networks.