NFT, blockchain game development must-know! Chainlink VRF v2 has been launched, with a more optimized random number algorithm

The verifiable random function (VRF) of the Chainlink oracle project has become an industry-standard random number generator (RNG) in the industry. Many smart contracts and off-chain systems require such cryptographic secure, transparent, and provably fair sources of randomness.

On the 16th, Chainlink announced a new version of VRF, which further optimizes the minting and distribution of NFTs, fairness in blockchain gaming, and various applications in DeFi and DAO. It is claimed that transaction costs can be reduced by 60%. Source

Five Key Features of Chainlink VRF v2

More Economical Random Number Requests

Chainlink VRF v2 will have a subscription-based management application that allows smart contracts to pre-pay for data requests, enabling multiple random number requests with a single LINK token, reportedly reducing transaction costs by 60%.

Adjustable Gas Limit for Callback Functions

Chainlink VRF v2 allows users to adjust the gas limit for callback functions when verifiable random numbers are returned to smart contracts. This enables smart contracts to execute more complex logic under the same verifiable random number transaction, providing developers of dApps with more flexibility and stability in extreme blockchain network conditions. This parameter can be set to a maximum of 2M Gas, which is 10 times higher than the VRF v1 limit.

Customizability: Users Can Customize More Security Parameters

Chainlink VRF v2 allows users to customize how many blocks must be confirmed on-chain before generating verifiable random numbers. The range is from a minimum of three blocks to a maximum of 200 blocks, compared to the fixed 10 blocks in the past v1 version. This setting enables teams to determine their own balance between performance and security.

Multiple Random Number Outputs from a Single Request

The optimized VRF Coordinator contract can obtain multiple random numbers with a single on-chain request, saving costs.

Shared Billing: Single Subscription Can Be Allocated to Multiple Addresses

Chainlink VRF v2 allows up to 100 smart contract addresses to collectively subscribe to random number request services. This helps developers managing multiple random number contracts to simplify fund management and reduce gas costs.

Use Cases of Chainlink VRF v2

Fair NFT Minting

Through VRF, attributes and features can be fairly distributed randomly in NFT minting content.

Randomness in NFTs and Loot Acquisition

Effectively prevents manipulation or tampering of random treasure NFTs and loot in games.

Lotteries

Community lotteries or applications like PoolTogether, a no-loss lottery protocol, fall within the scope of using random numbers.

Player vs. Player Battles (PvP)

Developers are expanding the application of Chainlink VRF in player battles, such as critical hit rates. VRF helps ensure fairness and prevents manipulation, which is crucial for profitable Play-to-Earn (P2E) models.

Queue Sequences

Games, sales events, and various processes that require queuing can use VRF to verify that no player gains special privileges due to unique identities or wallet balances.