The flagship feature of the v28 series is assumeutxo . This allows a new node to download a serialized UTXO (Unspent Transaction Output) set snapshot from a trusted peer, rather than syncing the entire blockchain from 2009.
Running a full node is the most private way to interact with Bitcoin, as it allows you to validate your own transactions without relying on a third party. As of early 2026, developers have noted that many nodes still run outdated versions, leaving them vulnerable to various network-stalling bugs and security risks like . What Is Bitcoin Core? | River bitcoin core 28.1