diff --git a/arc/reth/arc-mainnet-reth-archive-trace.yml b/arc/reth/arc-mainnet-reth-archive-trace.yml
index 289d6841..02f08a37 100644
--- a/arc/reth/arc-mainnet-reth-archive-trace.yml
+++ b/arc/reth/arc-mainnet-reth-archive-trace.yml
@@ -160,6 +160,9 @@ volumes:
   arc-mainnet-reth-archive-trace-execution:
   arc-mainnet-reth-archive-trace-sockets:
 
+x-ephemeral-volumes:
+  - arc-mainnet-reth-archive-trace-sockets
+
 x-upstreams:
   - id: $${ID}
     labels:
diff --git a/arc/reth/arc-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace.yml b/arc/reth/arc-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace.yml
index 3961f0d4..2f35834b 100644
--- a/arc/reth/arc-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace.yml
+++ b/arc/reth/arc-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace.yml
@@ -161,6 +161,9 @@ volumes:
   arc-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace-execution:
   arc-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace-sockets:
 
+x-ephemeral-volumes:
+  - arc-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace-sockets
+
 x-upstreams:
   - id: $${ID}
     labels:
diff --git a/arc/reth/arc-testnet-reth-archive-trace.yml b/arc/reth/arc-testnet-reth-archive-trace.yml
index f1a461d0..8927bc27 100644
--- a/arc/reth/arc-testnet-reth-archive-trace.yml
+++ b/arc/reth/arc-testnet-reth-archive-trace.yml
@@ -160,6 +160,9 @@ volumes:
   arc-testnet-reth-archive-trace-execution:
   arc-testnet-reth-archive-trace-sockets:
 
+x-ephemeral-volumes:
+  - arc-testnet-reth-archive-trace-sockets
+
 x-upstreams:
   - id: $${ID}
     labels:
diff --git a/arc/reth/arc-testnet-reth-pruned-trace.yml b/arc/reth/arc-testnet-reth-pruned-trace.yml
index eb68b5c4..34f3066a 100644
--- a/arc/reth/arc-testnet-reth-pruned-trace.yml
+++ b/arc/reth/arc-testnet-reth-pruned-trace.yml
@@ -161,6 +161,9 @@ volumes:
   arc-testnet-reth-pruned-trace-execution:
   arc-testnet-reth-pruned-trace-sockets:
 
+x-ephemeral-volumes:
+  - arc-testnet-reth-pruned-trace-sockets
+
 x-upstreams:
   - id: $${ID}
     labels:
diff --git a/arc/reth/arc-testnet-reth-pruned.yml b/arc/reth/arc-testnet-reth-pruned.yml
index d05bff5f..9e24d938 100644
--- a/arc/reth/arc-testnet-reth-pruned.yml
+++ b/arc/reth/arc-testnet-reth-pruned.yml
@@ -161,6 +161,9 @@ volumes:
   arc-testnet-reth-pruned-execution:
   arc-testnet-reth-pruned-sockets:
 
+x-ephemeral-volumes:
+  - arc-testnet-reth-pruned-sockets
+
 x-upstreams:
   - id: $${ID}
     labels:
diff --git a/clone-backup.sh b/clone-backup.sh
index f2f189e7..0680de1e 100755
--- a/clone-backup.sh
+++ b/clone-backup.sh
@@ -298,6 +298,7 @@ cleanup_all_ports() {
 # Transfer backup file using screen method with better error handling
 transfer_backup() {
     local key=$1
+    local compose_file=$2
     local volume_name="rpc_$key"
     
     # Find the newest restorable backup file (skip near-empty artifacts)
@@ -309,6 +310,13 @@ transfer_backup() {
             echo "Note: no backup for secrets/jwt volume $volume_name (regenerated at create-node), skipping"
             return 2
         fi
+        # Check if this volume is optional or ephemeral - if so, skip gracefully
+        if [[ -n "$compose_file" && -f "$compose_file" ]]; then
+            if is_ephemeral_volume_key "$key" "$compose_file" || is_optional_volume_key "$key" "$compose_file"; then
+                echo "Note: no backup for optional/ephemeral volume $volume_name (will be created empty at destination), skipping"
+                return 2
+            fi
+        fi
         echo "Warning: No restorable backup file found for $volume_name, skipping"
         return 1
     fi
@@ -502,6 +510,7 @@ LISTENER
 # Fallback: Direct SSH pipe
 transfer_backup_ssh() {
     local key=$1
+    local compose_file=$2
     local volume_name="rpc_$key"
     
     # Find the newest restorable backup file (skip near-empty artifacts)
@@ -513,6 +522,13 @@ transfer_backup_ssh() {
             echo "Note: no backup for secrets/jwt volume $volume_name (regenerated at create-node), skipping"
             return 2
         fi
+        # Check if this volume is optional or ephemeral - if so, skip gracefully
+        if [[ -n "$compose_file" && -f "$compose_file" ]]; then
+            if is_ephemeral_volume_key "$key" "$compose_file" || is_optional_volume_key "$key" "$compose_file"; then
+                echo "Note: no backup for optional/ephemeral volume $volume_name (will be created empty at destination), skipping"
+                return 2
+            fi
+        fi
         echo "Warning: No restorable backup file found for $volume_name, skipping"
         return 1
     fi
@@ -642,7 +658,7 @@ main() {
 
     for key in $keys; do
         # Try nc method first
-        transfer_backup "$key"
+        transfer_backup "$key" "$dir/$1.yml"
         rc=$?
 
         if [[ $rc -eq 2 ]]; then
@@ -650,7 +666,7 @@ main() {
             skipped_volumes="$skipped_volumes $key"
         elif [[ $rc -ne 0 ]]; then
             echo "NC transfer failed, trying direct SSH..."
-            transfer_backup_ssh "$key"
+            transfer_backup_ssh "$key" "$dir/$1.yml"
             rc=$?
 
             if [[ $rc -eq 0 ]]; then
diff --git a/compose_registry.json b/compose_registry.json
index 726d911f..542def5f 100644
--- a/compose_registry.json
+++ b/compose_registry.json
@@ -958,8 +958,7 @@
     "type": "archive",
     "volumes": [
       "arc-mainnet-reth-archive-trace-consensus",
-      "arc-mainnet-reth-archive-trace-execution",
-      "arc-mainnet-reth-archive-trace-sockets"
+      "arc-mainnet-reth-archive-trace-execution"
     ]
   },
   {
@@ -976,8 +975,7 @@
     "type": "pruned",
     "volumes": [
       "arc-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace-consensus",
-      "arc-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace-execution",
-      "arc-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace-sockets"
+      "arc-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace-execution"
     ]
   },
   {
@@ -994,8 +992,7 @@
     "type": "archive",
     "volumes": [
       "arc-testnet-reth-archive-trace-consensus",
-      "arc-testnet-reth-archive-trace-execution",
-      "arc-testnet-reth-archive-trace-sockets"
+      "arc-testnet-reth-archive-trace-execution"
     ]
   },
   {
@@ -1012,8 +1009,7 @@
     "type": "pruned",
     "volumes": [
       "arc-testnet-reth-pruned-trace-consensus",
-      "arc-testnet-reth-pruned-trace-execution",
-      "arc-testnet-reth-pruned-trace-sockets"
+      "arc-testnet-reth-pruned-trace-execution"
     ]
   },
   {
@@ -1028,8 +1024,7 @@
     "type": "pruned",
     "volumes": [
       "arc-testnet-reth-pruned-consensus",
-      "arc-testnet-reth-pruned-execution",
-      "arc-testnet-reth-pruned-sockets"
+      "arc-testnet-reth-pruned-execution"
     ]
   },
   {
diff --git a/ethereum/besu/ethereum-mainnet-besu-pruned-bonsai--nimbus.yml b/ethereum/besu/ethereum-mainnet-besu-pruned-bonsai--nimbus.yml
index 86b7fd18..44d5dc14 100644
--- a/ethereum/besu/ethereum-mainnet-besu-pruned-bonsai--nimbus.yml
+++ b/ethereum/besu/ethereum-mainnet-besu-pruned-bonsai--nimbus.yml
@@ -199,4 +199,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-mainnet-besu-pruned-bonsai_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/geth/ethereum-hoodi-geth-pruned-pebble-path--nimbus.yml b/ethereum/geth/ethereum-hoodi-geth-pruned-pebble-path--nimbus.yml
index 455c88f6..b858ddea 100644
--- a/ethereum/geth/ethereum-hoodi-geth-pruned-pebble-path--nimbus.yml
+++ b/ethereum/geth/ethereum-hoodi-geth-pruned-pebble-path--nimbus.yml
@@ -205,4 +205,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-hoodi-geth-pruned-pebble-path_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/geth/ethereum-hoodi-geth-pruned-pebble-path.yml b/ethereum/geth/ethereum-hoodi-geth-pruned-pebble-path.yml
index 587286c0..7efe6994 100644
--- a/ethereum/geth/ethereum-hoodi-geth-pruned-pebble-path.yml
+++ b/ethereum/geth/ethereum-hoodi-geth-pruned-pebble-path.yml
@@ -206,4 +206,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-hoodi-geth-pruned-pebble-path_prysm]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-minimal-pebble-path.yml b/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-minimal-pebble-path.yml
index ff96c11b..fba8b921 100644
--- a/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-minimal-pebble-path.yml
+++ b/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-minimal-pebble-path.yml
@@ -210,4 +210,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-mainnet-geth-minimal-pebble-path_prysm]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-leveldb-hash--nimbus--fireeth.yml b/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-leveldb-hash--nimbus--fireeth.yml
index 0ab11fcf..3535930a 100644
--- a/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-leveldb-hash--nimbus--fireeth.yml
+++ b/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-leveldb-hash--nimbus--fireeth.yml
@@ -269,4 +269,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-leveldb-hash_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-pebble-path--nimbus--fireeth.yml b/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-pebble-path--nimbus--fireeth.yml
index 60747453..a02343bc 100644
--- a/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-pebble-path--nimbus--fireeth.yml
+++ b/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-pebble-path--nimbus--fireeth.yml
@@ -271,4 +271,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-pebble-path_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-pebble-path--nimbus.yml b/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-pebble-path--nimbus.yml
index 1e86e648..caee52c6 100644
--- a/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-pebble-path--nimbus.yml
+++ b/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-pebble-path--nimbus.yml
@@ -205,4 +205,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-pebble-path_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-pebble-path.yml b/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-pebble-path.yml
index 1c7dda21..15c9bcf0 100644
--- a/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-pebble-path.yml
+++ b/ethereum/geth/ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-pebble-path.yml
@@ -206,4 +206,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-mainnet-geth-pruned-pebble-path_prysm]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/geth/ethereum-sepolia-geth-pruned-pebble-path--nimbus.yml b/ethereum/geth/ethereum-sepolia-geth-pruned-pebble-path--nimbus.yml
index 6a89b63c..ca0d36d9 100644
--- a/ethereum/geth/ethereum-sepolia-geth-pruned-pebble-path--nimbus.yml
+++ b/ethereum/geth/ethereum-sepolia-geth-pruned-pebble-path--nimbus.yml
@@ -205,4 +205,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-sepolia-geth-pruned-pebble-path_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/geth/ethereum-sepolia-geth-pruned-pebble-path.yml b/ethereum/geth/ethereum-sepolia-geth-pruned-pebble-path.yml
index 5cc22335..244c4d77 100644
--- a/ethereum/geth/ethereum-sepolia-geth-pruned-pebble-path.yml
+++ b/ethereum/geth/ethereum-sepolia-geth-pruned-pebble-path.yml
@@ -206,4 +206,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-sepolia-geth-pruned-pebble-path_prysm]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/nethermind/ethereum-hoodi-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace--nimbus.yml b/ethereum/nethermind/ethereum-hoodi-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace--nimbus.yml
index b10def66..30b478d1 100644
--- a/ethereum/nethermind/ethereum-hoodi-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace--nimbus.yml
+++ b/ethereum/nethermind/ethereum-hoodi-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace--nimbus.yml
@@ -179,4 +179,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-hoodi-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/nethermind/ethereum-mainnet-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace--nimbus.yml b/ethereum/nethermind/ethereum-mainnet-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace--nimbus.yml
index f14eb808..8785b10d 100644
--- a/ethereum/nethermind/ethereum-mainnet-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace--nimbus.yml
+++ b/ethereum/nethermind/ethereum-mainnet-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace--nimbus.yml
@@ -179,4 +179,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-mainnet-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/nethermind/ethereum-sepolia-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace--nimbus.yml b/ethereum/nethermind/ethereum-sepolia-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace--nimbus.yml
index b6b54797..33cfcb2d 100644
--- a/ethereum/nethermind/ethereum-sepolia-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace--nimbus.yml
+++ b/ethereum/nethermind/ethereum-sepolia-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace--nimbus.yml
@@ -179,4 +179,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-sepolia-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-hoodi-reth-archive-trace.yml b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-hoodi-reth-archive-trace.yml
index 5339ade6..ee3c8f5f 100644
--- a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-hoodi-reth-archive-trace.yml
+++ b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-hoodi-reth-archive-trace.yml
@@ -194,4 +194,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-hoodi-reth-archive-trace_prysm]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-hoodi-reth-pruned-trace.yml b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-hoodi-reth-pruned-trace.yml
index 18462eb9..ee247063 100644
--- a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-hoodi-reth-pruned-trace.yml
+++ b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-hoodi-reth-pruned-trace.yml
@@ -195,4 +195,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-hoodi-reth-pruned-trace_prysm]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-archive-trace--lighthouse-pruned-blobs.yml b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-archive-trace--lighthouse-pruned-blobs.yml
index e3449c15..1ef3a562 100644
--- a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-archive-trace--lighthouse-pruned-blobs.yml
+++ b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-archive-trace--lighthouse-pruned-blobs.yml
@@ -201,4 +201,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-mainnet-reth-archive-trace_lighthouse-pruned-blobs]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-archive-trace--nimbus.yml b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-archive-trace--nimbus.yml
index 7b2fcf27..538d0fd5 100644
--- a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-archive-trace--nimbus.yml
+++ b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-archive-trace--nimbus.yml
@@ -193,4 +193,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-mainnet-reth-archive-trace_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-archive-trace.yml b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-archive-trace.yml
index 20649425..2c9274f2 100644
--- a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-archive-trace.yml
+++ b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-archive-trace.yml
@@ -194,4 +194,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-mainnet-reth-archive-trace_prysm]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-minimal-trace--nimbus.yml b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-minimal-trace--nimbus.yml
index dbea22b1..2366d790 100644
--- a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-minimal-trace--nimbus.yml
+++ b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-minimal-trace--nimbus.yml
@@ -252,4 +252,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-mainnet-reth-minimal-trace_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace--lighthouse.yml b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace--lighthouse.yml
index a1be9adf..9b9be2b8 100644
--- a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace--lighthouse.yml
+++ b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace--lighthouse.yml
@@ -200,4 +200,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace_lighthouse]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace--nimbus.yml b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace--nimbus.yml
index 4ceb6225..f66ce710 100644
--- a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace--nimbus.yml
+++ b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace--nimbus.yml
@@ -194,4 +194,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace.yml b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace.yml
index 451f175c..09fd0549 100644
--- a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace.yml
+++ b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace.yml
@@ -195,4 +195,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace_prysm]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-sepolia-reth-archive-trace--nimbus.yml b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-sepolia-reth-archive-trace--nimbus.yml
index 75ba78ce..3a2424b5 100644
--- a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-sepolia-reth-archive-trace--nimbus.yml
+++ b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-sepolia-reth-archive-trace--nimbus.yml
@@ -193,4 +193,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-sepolia-reth-archive-trace_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-sepolia-reth-archive-trace.yml b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-sepolia-reth-archive-trace.yml
index 1538c896..d9dd9d5a 100644
--- a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-sepolia-reth-archive-trace.yml
+++ b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-sepolia-reth-archive-trace.yml
@@ -194,4 +194,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-sepolia-reth-archive-trace_prysm]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-sepolia-reth-pruned-trace--nimbus.yml b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-sepolia-reth-pruned-trace--nimbus.yml
index e662a813..eb106bf7 100644
--- a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-sepolia-reth-pruned-trace--nimbus.yml
+++ b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-sepolia-reth-pruned-trace--nimbus.yml
@@ -194,4 +194,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-sepolia-reth-pruned-trace_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-sepolia-reth-pruned-trace.yml b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-sepolia-reth-pruned-trace.yml
index 982de7b9..ecd7d48c 100644
--- a/ethereum/reth/ethereum-sepolia-reth-pruned-trace.yml
+++ b/ethereum/reth/ethereum-sepolia-reth-pruned-trace.yml
@@ -195,4 +195,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [ethereum-sepolia-reth-pruned-trace_prysm]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-chiado-nethermind-archive-rocksdb-trace.yml b/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-chiado-nethermind-archive-rocksdb-trace.yml
index 40cee643..f512005c 100644
--- a/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-chiado-nethermind-archive-rocksdb-trace.yml
+++ b/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-chiado-nethermind-archive-rocksdb-trace.yml
@@ -181,4 +181,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [gnosis-chiado-nethermind-archive-rocksdb-trace_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-chiado-nethermind-minimal-rocksdb-trace.yml b/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-chiado-nethermind-minimal-rocksdb-trace.yml
index 3e05a597..f8b2a7dd 100644
--- a/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-chiado-nethermind-minimal-rocksdb-trace.yml
+++ b/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-chiado-nethermind-minimal-rocksdb-trace.yml
@@ -184,4 +184,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [gnosis-chiado-nethermind-minimal-rocksdb-trace_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-chiado-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace.yml b/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-chiado-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace.yml
index dac483d6..6e7400ff 100644
--- a/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-chiado-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace.yml
+++ b/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-chiado-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace.yml
@@ -179,4 +179,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [gnosis-chiado-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-mainnet-nethermind-archive-rocksdb-trace.yml b/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-mainnet-nethermind-archive-rocksdb-trace.yml
index 8c2a3a00..ef3bd619 100644
--- a/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-mainnet-nethermind-archive-rocksdb-trace.yml
+++ b/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-mainnet-nethermind-archive-rocksdb-trace.yml
@@ -181,4 +181,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [gnosis-mainnet-nethermind-archive-rocksdb-trace_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-mainnet-nethermind-minimal-rocksdb-trace.yml b/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-mainnet-nethermind-minimal-rocksdb-trace.yml
index 4cfa1f0e..fb1278d1 100644
--- a/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-mainnet-nethermind-minimal-rocksdb-trace.yml
+++ b/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-mainnet-nethermind-minimal-rocksdb-trace.yml
@@ -184,4 +184,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [gnosis-mainnet-nethermind-minimal-rocksdb-trace_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-mainnet-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace.yml b/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-mainnet-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace.yml
index 5468e272..d00b1e3c 100644
--- a/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-mainnet-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace.yml
+++ b/gnosis/nethermind/gnosis-mainnet-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace.yml
@@ -179,4 +179,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [gnosis-mainnet-nethermind-pruned-rocksdb-trace_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/gnosis/reth/gnosis-chiado-reth-archive-trace.yml b/gnosis/reth/gnosis-chiado-reth-archive-trace.yml
index 841b2c7f..3f559733 100644
--- a/gnosis/reth/gnosis-chiado-reth-archive-trace.yml
+++ b/gnosis/reth/gnosis-chiado-reth-archive-trace.yml
@@ -193,4 +193,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [gnosis-chiado-reth-archive-trace_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/gnosis/reth/gnosis-chiado-reth-pruned-trace.yml b/gnosis/reth/gnosis-chiado-reth-pruned-trace.yml
index 0d4a9ecb..5e1cc7c1 100644
--- a/gnosis/reth/gnosis-chiado-reth-pruned-trace.yml
+++ b/gnosis/reth/gnosis-chiado-reth-pruned-trace.yml
@@ -194,4 +194,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [gnosis-chiado-reth-pruned-trace_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/gnosis/reth/gnosis-mainnet-reth-archive-trace.yml b/gnosis/reth/gnosis-mainnet-reth-archive-trace.yml
index cacbd5f5..cb96fee7 100644
--- a/gnosis/reth/gnosis-mainnet-reth-archive-trace.yml
+++ b/gnosis/reth/gnosis-mainnet-reth-archive-trace.yml
@@ -193,4 +193,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [gnosis-mainnet-reth-archive-trace_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/gnosis/reth/gnosis-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace.yml b/gnosis/reth/gnosis-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace.yml
index 6ef71aaf..54355e28 100644
--- a/gnosis/reth/gnosis-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace.yml
+++ b/gnosis/reth/gnosis-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace.yml
@@ -194,4 +194,5 @@ x-upstreams:
       generic:
         rpc:
           url: $${RPC_URL}
+x-optional-volumes: [gnosis-mainnet-reth-pruned-trace_nimbus]
 ...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/list-restorable.sh b/list-restorable.sh
index aff058da..60d8e763 100755
--- a/list-restorable.sh
+++ b/list-restorable.sh
@@ -13,6 +13,20 @@
 
 dir="$(dirname "$0")"
 source "$dir/volume-utils.sh"
+
+# Get required persistent volume keys (all volumes minus ephemeral minus optional)
+get_required_volume_keys() {
+  local compose_file=$1
+  local key
+  
+  while IFS= read -r key; do
+    [[ -z "$key" ]] && continue
+    # Skip if ephemeral or optional
+    if ! is_ephemeral_volume_key "$key" "$compose_file" && ! is_optional_volume_key "$key" "$compose_file"; then
+      echo "$key"
+    fi
+  done < <(get_volume_keys "$compose_file")
+}
 registry_file="${dir}/compose_registry.json"
 backup_dir="/backup"
 
@@ -115,12 +129,14 @@ while IFS= read -r entry; do
         continue
     fi
     
-    # Check each volume for backup file
+    # Check each required volume for backup file
     all_backups_exist=true
     missing_volumes=()
     backup_info=()
     
-    while IFS= read -r volume; do
+    # Get required persistent volumes (excluding ephemeral and optional)
+    # Use process substitution to avoid subshell issues
+    while IFS= read -r volume < <(get_required_volume_keys "$compose_path"); do
         volume_name="rpc_${volume}"
         # jwt/secrets volumes are regenerated at create-node — never backed up by
         # design, so they must not gate restorability (kept plasma marked
diff --git a/restore-volumes.sh b/restore-volumes.sh
index 739d862c..6a92b49f 100755
--- a/restore-volumes.sh
+++ b/restore-volumes.sh
@@ -168,6 +168,13 @@ while IFS= read -r key; do
     fi
 
     if [ -z "$newest_file" ]; then
+	# Check if this volume is optional or ephemeral - if so, warn and continue
+	if is_ephemeral_volume_key "$key" "$dir/$1.yml" || is_optional_volume_key "$key" "$dir/$1.yml"; then
+		echo "WARN: No backup found for volume 'rpc_$key' (volume is optional/ephemeral) - creating empty volume"
+		# Create empty volume and continue
+		mkdir -p "$data_dir"
+		continue
+	fi
 	echo "Error: No backup found for volume 'rpc_$key'"
 	exit 1
     fi
diff --git a/volume-utils.sh b/volume-utils.sh
index 6a99fc9b..fa6e1fd8 100755
--- a/volume-utils.sh
+++ b/volume-utils.sh
@@ -218,6 +218,22 @@ is_ephemeral_volume_key() {
   return 1
 }
 
+is_optional_volume_key() {
+  local key=$1
+  local compose_file=$2
+
+  if [[ -n "$compose_file" && -f "$compose_file" ]]; then
+    local optional
+    optional=$(yaml2json < "$compose_file" 2>/dev/null | jq -r '.["x-optional-volumes"] // [] | .[]' 2>/dev/null)
+    while IFS= read -r vol; do
+      [[ -z "$vol" ]] && continue
+      [[ "$key" == "$vol" ]] && return 0
+    done <<< "$optional"
+  fi
+
+  return 1
+}
+
 get_volume_keys() {
   local compose_file=$1
   yaml2json < "$compose_file" 2>/dev/null | jq -r '.volumes | keys[]' 2>/dev/null