diff --git a/pkg/compiler/native_test.go b/pkg/compiler/native_test.go
index e9d45a347b..47a2a74336 100644
--- a/pkg/compiler/native_test.go
+++ b/pkg/compiler/native_test.go
@@ -288,7 +288,7 @@ func runNativeTestCases(t *testing.T, ctr interop.ContractMD, name string, nativ
 	})
 }
 
-func getMethod(t *testing.T, ctr interop.ContractMD, name string, params []string) interop.MethodAndPrice {
+func getMethod(t *testing.T, ctr interop.ContractMD, name string, params []string) interop.HFSpecificMethodAndPrice {
 	paramLen := len(params)
 
 	switch {
@@ -308,8 +308,10 @@ func getMethod(t *testing.T, ctr interop.ContractMD, name string, params []strin
 		name = strings.TrimSuffix(name, "WithData")
 	}
 
-	md, ok := ctr.GetMethod(name, paramLen)
-	require.True(t, ok, ctr.Manifest.Name, name, paramLen)
+	latestHF := config.LatestHardfork()
+	cMD := ctr.HFSpecificContractMD(&latestHF)
+	md, ok := cMD.GetMethod(name, paramLen)
+	require.True(t, ok, cMD.Manifest.Name, name, paramLen)
 	return md
 }
 
diff --git a/pkg/config/hardfork.go b/pkg/config/hardfork.go
index dd4904f9e5..ab9dbadac3 100644
--- a/pkg/config/hardfork.go
+++ b/pkg/config/hardfork.go
@@ -36,9 +36,30 @@ func init() {
 	}
 }
 
+// Cmp returns the result of hardforks comparison. It returns:
+//
+//	-1 if hf <  other
+//	 0 if hf == other
+//	+1 if hf >  other
+func (hf Hardfork) Cmp(other Hardfork) int {
+	switch {
+	case hf == other:
+		return 0
+	case hf < other:
+		return -1
+	default:
+		return 1
+	}
+}
+
 // IsHardforkValid denotes whether the provided string represents a valid
 // Hardfork name.
 func IsHardforkValid(s string) bool {
 	_, ok := hardforks[s]
 	return ok
 }
+
+// LatestHardfork returns latest known hardfork.
+func LatestHardfork() Hardfork {
+	return hfLast >> 1
+}
diff --git a/pkg/core/blockchain.go b/pkg/core/blockchain.go
index 05a18a88a3..76715bfeae 100644
--- a/pkg/core/blockchain.go
+++ b/pkg/core/blockchain.go
@@ -341,16 +341,37 @@ func (bc *Blockchain) GetDesignatedByRole(r noderoles.Role) (keys.PublicKeys, ui
 	return res, h, err
 }
 
+// getCurrentHF returns latest currently enabled hardfork. In case if no hardforks is enabled, the
+// default config.Hardfork(0) value is returned.
+func (bc *Blockchain) getCurrentHF() config.Hardfork {
+	var (
+		height  = bc.BlockHeight()
+		current config.Hardfork
+	)
+	// Rely on the fact that hardforks list is continuous.
+	for _, hf := range config.Hardforks {
+		enableHeight, ok := bc.config.Hardforks[hf.String()]
+		if !ok || height < enableHeight {
+			break
+		}
+		current = hf
+	}
+	return current
+}
+
 // SetOracle sets oracle module. It can safely be called on the running blockchain.
 // To unregister Oracle service use SetOracle(nil).
 func (bc *Blockchain) SetOracle(mod native.OracleService) {
+	// TODO: ensure Oracle script is updated when needed.
 	orc := bc.contracts.Oracle
+	currentHF := bc.getCurrentHF()
 	if mod != nil {
-		md, ok := orc.GetMethod(manifest.MethodVerify, -1)
+		orcMd := orc.HFSpecificContractMD(&currentHF)
+		md, ok := orcMd.GetMethod(manifest.MethodVerify, -1)
 		if !ok {
 			panic(fmt.Errorf("%s method not found", manifest.MethodVerify))
 		}
-		mod.UpdateNativeContract(orc.NEF.Script, orc.GetOracleResponseScript(),
+		mod.UpdateNativeContract(orcMd.NEF.Script, orc.GetOracleResponseScript(),
 			orc.Hash, md.MD.Offset)
 		keys, _, err := bc.GetDesignatedByRole(noderoles.Oracle)
 		if err != nil {
@@ -487,8 +508,10 @@ func (bc *Blockchain) init() error {
 	// Check autogenerated native contracts' manifests and NEFs against the stored ones.
 	// Need to be done after native Management cache initialization to be able to get
 	// contract state from DAO via high-level bc API.
+	var current = bc.getCurrentHF()
 	for _, c := range bc.contracts.Contracts {
 		md := c.Metadata()
+		hfMD := md.HFSpecificContractMD(&current)
 		storedCS := bc.GetContractState(md.Hash)
 		// Check that contract was deployed.
 		if !bc.isHardforkEnabled(c.ActiveIn(), bHeight) {
@@ -505,7 +528,7 @@ func (bc *Blockchain) init() error {
 			return fmt.Errorf("failed to check native %s state against autogenerated one: %w", md.Name, err)
 		}
 		autogenCS := &state.Contract{
-			ContractBase:  md.ContractBase,
+			ContractBase:  hfMD.ContractBase,
 			UpdateCounter: storedCS.UpdateCounter, // it can be restored only from the DB, so use the stored value.
 		}
 		autogenCSBytes, err := stackitem.SerializeConvertible(autogenCS)
@@ -2269,8 +2292,12 @@ func (bc *Blockchain) GetNativeContractScriptHash(name string) (util.Uint160, er
 // GetNatives returns list of native contracts.
 func (bc *Blockchain) GetNatives() []state.NativeContract {
 	res := make([]state.NativeContract, 0, len(bc.contracts.Contracts))
+	current := bc.getCurrentHF()
 	for _, c := range bc.contracts.Contracts {
-		res = append(res, c.Metadata().NativeContract)
+		md := c.Metadata().HFSpecificContractMD(&current)
+		res = append(res, state.NativeContract{
+			ContractBase: md.ContractBase,
+		})
 	}
 	return res
 }
diff --git a/pkg/core/interop/context.go b/pkg/core/interop/context.go
index cb3d94fc3b..47ce9c02c5 100644
--- a/pkg/core/interop/context.go
+++ b/pkg/core/interop/context.go
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import (
 	"fmt"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
+	"sync"
 
 	"github.com/nspcc-dev/neo-go/pkg/config"
 	"github.com/nspcc-dev/neo-go/pkg/core/block"
@@ -140,8 +141,14 @@ type Function struct {
 // Method is a signature for a native method.
 type Method = func(ic *Context, args []stackitem.Item) stackitem.Item
 
-// MethodAndPrice is a native-contract method descriptor.
+// MethodAndPrice is a generic hardfork-independent native contract method descriptor.
 type MethodAndPrice struct {
+	HFSpecificMethodAndPrice
+	ActiveFrom *config.Hardfork
+}
+
+// HFSpecificMethodAndPrice is a hardfork-specific native contract method descriptor.
+type HFSpecificMethodAndPrice struct {
 	Func          Method
 	MD            *manifest.Method
 	CPUFee        int64
@@ -150,10 +157,23 @@ type MethodAndPrice struct {
 	RequiredFlags callflag.CallFlag
 }
 
+// Event is a generic hardfork-independent native contract event descriptor.
+type Event struct {
+	HFSpecificEvent
+	ActiveFrom *config.Hardfork
+}
+
+// HFSpecificEvent is a hardfork-specific native contract event descriptor.
+type HFSpecificEvent struct {
+	MD *manifest.Event
+}
+
 // Contract is an interface for all native contracts.
 type Contract interface {
-	Initialize(*Context) error
-	// ActiveIn returns the hardfork native contract is active from or nil in case
+	// Initialize performs native contract initialization on contract deploy or update.
+	// Active hardfork is passed as the second argument.
+	Initialize(*Context, *config.Hardfork) error
+	// ActiveIn returns the hardfork native contract is active starting from or nil in case
 	// it's always active.
 	ActiveIn() *config.Hardfork
 	// InitializeCache aimed to initialize contract's cache when the contract has
@@ -161,53 +181,163 @@ type Contract interface {
 	// It should be called each time after node restart iff the contract was
 	// deployed and no Initialize method was called.
 	InitializeCache(blockHeight uint32, d *dao.Simple) error
+	// Metadata returns generic native contract metadata.
 	Metadata() *ContractMD
 	OnPersist(*Context) error
 	PostPersist(*Context) error
 }
 
-// ContractMD represents a native contract instance.
+// ContractMD represents a generic hardfork-independent native contract instance.
 type ContractMD struct {
-	state.NativeContract
-	Name    string
+	ID   int32
+	Hash util.Uint160
+	Name string
+	// TODO: remove Methods and Events at all, build HF-specific MD in-place for every hardfork and cache them.
+	// Methods is a generic set of contract methods with activation hardforks. Any HF-dependent part of included methods
+	// (offsets, in particular) must not be used, there's a mdCache field for that.
 	Methods []MethodAndPrice
-}
-
-// NewContractMD returns Contract with the specified list of methods.
-func NewContractMD(name string, id int32) *ContractMD {
+	// Events is a generic set of contract events with activation hardforks. Any HF-dependent part of events must not be
+	// used, there's a mdCache field for that.
+	Events []Event
+	// ActiveHFs is a map of hardforks that contract should react to. Contract update or deploy should be called for
+	// active hardforks. This map is being initialized on contract creation and used as a read-only, hens, not protected
+	// by mutex.
+	ActiveHFs map[config.Hardfork]struct{}
+
+	// mdCache contains hardfork-specific ready-to-use contract descriptors. This cache is lazy and thus, protected by
+	// mdCacheLock.
+	// TODO: @roman-khimov, we may replace lazy mdCache by instant mdCache initialization performed once during contract's
+	// creation or initialization. Both ways are OK to me, which one would we prefer?
+	mdCacheLock sync.RWMutex
+	mdCache     map[config.Hardfork]*HFSpecificContractMD
+
+	// onManifestConstruction is a callback for manifest finalization.
+	onManifestConstruction func(*manifest.Manifest)
+}
+
+// HFSpecificContractMD is a hardfork-specific native contract descriptor.
+type HFSpecificContractMD struct {
+	state.ContractBase
+	Methods []HFSpecificMethodAndPrice
+	Events  []HFSpecificEvent
+}
+
+// NewContractMD returns Contract with the specified fields set. onManifestConstruction callback every time
+// after hardfork-specific manifest creation and aimed to finalize the manifest.
+func NewContractMD(name string, id int32, onManifestConstruction ...func(*manifest.Manifest)) *ContractMD {
 	c := &ContractMD{Name: name}
+	if len(onManifestConstruction) != 0 {
+		c.onManifestConstruction = onManifestConstruction[0]
+	}
 
 	c.ID = id
-
-	// NEF is now stored in the contract state and affects state dump.
-	// Therefore, values are taken from C# node.
-	c.NEF.Header.Compiler = "neo-core-v3.0"
-	c.NEF.Header.Magic = nef.Magic
-	c.NEF.Tokens = []nef.MethodToken{} // avoid `nil` result during JSON marshalling
 	c.Hash = state.CreateNativeContractHash(c.Name)
-	c.Manifest = *manifest.DefaultManifest(name)
+	c.ActiveHFs = make(map[config.Hardfork]struct{})
+	c.mdCache = make(map[config.Hardfork]*HFSpecificContractMD)
 
 	return c
 }
 
-// UpdateHash creates a native contract script and updates hash.
-func (c *ContractMD) UpdateHash() {
+// HFSpecificContractMD returns hardfork-specific native contract metadata, i.e. with methods, events and script
+// corresponding to the specified hardfork. If hardfork is not specified, then default metadata will be returned
+// (methods, events and script that are always active).
+func (c *ContractMD) HFSpecificContractMD(hf *config.Hardfork) *HFSpecificContractMD {
+	var key config.Hardfork
+	if hf != nil {
+		key = *hf
+	}
+	c.mdCacheLock.RLock()
+	if md, ok := c.mdCache[key]; ok {
+		c.mdCacheLock.RUnlock()
+		return md
+	}
+	c.mdCacheLock.RUnlock()
+
+	md := c.buildHFSpecificMD(hf)
+	return md
+}
+
+// buildHFSpecificMD builds hardfork-specific contract descriptor that includes methods and events active starting from
+// the specified hardfork or older.
+func (c *ContractMD) buildHFSpecificMD(hf *config.Hardfork) *HFSpecificContractMD {
+	// TODO: firstly check if the specified hardfork is included into the list of active hardforks for this particular contract.
+	// If not, then value from the previous hardfork may safely be reused.
+
+	var (
+		abiMethods = make([]manifest.Method, 0, len(c.Methods))
+		methods    = make([]HFSpecificMethodAndPrice, 0, len(c.Methods))
+		abiEvents  = make([]manifest.Event, 0, len(c.Events))
+		events     = make([]HFSpecificEvent, 0, len(c.Events))
+	)
 	w := io.NewBufBinWriter()
 	for i := range c.Methods {
-		offset := w.Len()
-		c.Methods[i].MD.Offset = offset
-		c.Manifest.ABI.Methods[i].Offset = offset
+		m := c.Methods[i]
+		if !(m.ActiveFrom == nil || (hf != nil && (*m.ActiveFrom).Cmp(*hf) <= 0)) {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		// Perform method descriptor copy to support independent HF-based offset update.
+		md := *m.MD
+		m.MD = &md
+		m.MD.Offset = w.Len()
+
 		emit.Int(w.BinWriter, 0)
-		c.Methods[i].SyscallOffset = w.Len()
+		m.SyscallOffset = w.Len()
 		emit.Syscall(w.BinWriter, interopnames.SystemContractCallNative)
 		emit.Opcodes(w.BinWriter, opcode.RET)
+
+		abiMethods = append(abiMethods, *m.MD)
+		methods = append(methods, m.HFSpecificMethodAndPrice)
 	}
 	if w.Err != nil {
 		panic(fmt.Errorf("can't create native contract script: %w", w.Err))
 	}
+	for i := range c.Events {
+		e := c.Events[i]
+		if !(e.ActiveFrom == nil || (hf != nil && (*e.ActiveFrom).Cmp(*hf) <= 0)) {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		abiEvents = append(abiEvents, *e.MD)
+		events = append(events, e.HFSpecificEvent)
+	}
+
+	// NEF is now stored in the contract state and affects state dump.
+	// Therefore, values are taken from C# node.
+	nf := nef.File{
+		Header: nef.Header{
+			Magic:    nef.Magic,
+			Compiler: "neo-core-v3.0",
+		},
+		Tokens: []nef.MethodToken{}, // avoid `nil` result during JSON marshalling,
+		Script: w.Bytes(),
+	}
+	nf.Checksum = nf.CalculateChecksum()
+	m := manifest.DefaultManifest(c.Name)
+	m.ABI.Methods = abiMethods
+	m.ABI.Events = abiEvents
+	if c.onManifestConstruction != nil {
+		c.onManifestConstruction(m)
+	}
+	var key config.Hardfork
+	if hf != nil {
+		key = *hf
+	}
+	md := &HFSpecificContractMD{
+		ContractBase: state.ContractBase{
+			ID:       c.ID,
+			Hash:     c.Hash,
+			NEF:      nf,
+			Manifest: *m,
+		},
+		Methods: methods,
+		Events:  events,
+	}
 
-	c.NEF.Script = w.Bytes()
-	c.NEF.Checksum = c.NEF.CalculateChecksum()
+	c.mdCacheLock.Lock()
+	c.mdCache[key] = md
+	c.mdCacheLock.Unlock()
+	return md
 }
 
 // AddMethod adds a new method to a native contract.
@@ -215,36 +345,35 @@ func (c *ContractMD) AddMethod(md *MethodAndPrice, desc *manifest.Method) {
 	md.MD = desc
 	desc.Safe = md.RequiredFlags&(callflag.All^callflag.ReadOnly) == 0
 
-	index := sort.Search(len(c.Manifest.ABI.Methods), func(i int) bool {
-		md := c.Manifest.ABI.Methods[i]
+	index := sort.Search(len(c.Methods), func(i int) bool {
+		md := c.Methods[i].MD
 		if md.Name != desc.Name {
 			return md.Name >= desc.Name
 		}
 		return len(md.Parameters) > len(desc.Parameters)
 	})
-	c.Manifest.ABI.Methods = append(c.Manifest.ABI.Methods, manifest.Method{})
-	copy(c.Manifest.ABI.Methods[index+1:], c.Manifest.ABI.Methods[index:])
-	c.Manifest.ABI.Methods[index] = *desc
-
-	// Cache follows the same order.
 	c.Methods = append(c.Methods, MethodAndPrice{})
 	copy(c.Methods[index+1:], c.Methods[index:])
 	c.Methods[index] = *md
+
+	if md.ActiveFrom != nil {
+		c.ActiveHFs[*md.ActiveFrom] = struct{}{}
+	}
 }
 
 // GetMethodByOffset returns method with the provided offset.
 // Offset is offset of `System.Contract.CallNative` syscall.
-func (c *ContractMD) GetMethodByOffset(offset int) (MethodAndPrice, bool) {
+func (c *HFSpecificContractMD) GetMethodByOffset(offset int) (HFSpecificMethodAndPrice, bool) {
 	for k := range c.Methods {
 		if c.Methods[k].SyscallOffset == offset {
 			return c.Methods[k], true
 		}
 	}
-	return MethodAndPrice{}, false
+	return HFSpecificMethodAndPrice{}, false
 }
 
 // GetMethod returns method `name` with the specified number of parameters.
-func (c *ContractMD) GetMethod(name string, paramCount int) (MethodAndPrice, bool) {
+func (c *HFSpecificContractMD) GetMethod(name string, paramCount int) (HFSpecificMethodAndPrice, bool) {
 	index := sort.Search(len(c.Methods), func(i int) bool {
 		md := c.Methods[i]
 		res := strings.Compare(name, md.MD.Name)
@@ -261,15 +390,16 @@ func (c *ContractMD) GetMethod(name string, paramCount int) (MethodAndPrice, boo
 			return md, true
 		}
 	}
-	return MethodAndPrice{}, false
+	return HFSpecificMethodAndPrice{}, false
 }
 
 // AddEvent adds a new event to the native contract.
-func (c *ContractMD) AddEvent(name string, ps ...manifest.Parameter) {
-	c.Manifest.ABI.Events = append(c.Manifest.ABI.Events, manifest.Event{
-		Name:       name,
-		Parameters: ps,
-	})
+func (c *ContractMD) AddEvent(md Event) {
+	c.Events = append(c.Events, md)
+
+	if md.ActiveFrom != nil {
+		c.ActiveHFs[*md.ActiveFrom] = struct{}{}
+	}
 }
 
 // Sort sorts interop functions by id.
diff --git a/pkg/core/native/compatibility_test.go b/pkg/core/native/compatibility_test.go
index 77c0878d08..cf75fad7c3 100644
--- a/pkg/core/native/compatibility_test.go
+++ b/pkg/core/native/compatibility_test.go
@@ -12,12 +12,14 @@ import (
 func TestNamesASCII(t *testing.T) {
 	cfg := config.ProtocolConfiguration{P2PSigExtensions: true}
 	cs := NewContracts(cfg)
+	latestHF := config.HFBasilisk
 	for _, c := range cs.Contracts {
 		require.True(t, isASCII(c.Metadata().Name))
-		for _, m := range c.Metadata().Methods {
+		hfMD := c.Metadata().HFSpecificContractMD(&latestHF)
+		for _, m := range hfMD.Methods {
 			require.True(t, isASCII(m.MD.Name))
 		}
-		for _, e := range c.Metadata().Manifest.ABI.Events {
+		for _, e := range hfMD.Manifest.ABI.Events {
 			require.True(t, isASCII(e.Name))
 		}
 	}
diff --git a/pkg/core/native/contract_test.go b/pkg/core/native/contract_test.go
index 3e61320f19..ba9a3029a5 100644
--- a/pkg/core/native/contract_test.go
+++ b/pkg/core/native/contract_test.go
@@ -12,10 +12,12 @@ import (
 func TestNativeGetMethod(t *testing.T) {
 	cfg := config.ProtocolConfiguration{P2PSigExtensions: true}
 	cs := NewContracts(cfg)
+	latestHF := config.HFBasilisk
 	for _, c := range cs.Contracts {
+		hfMD := c.Metadata().HFSpecificContractMD(&latestHF)
 		t.Run(c.Metadata().Name, func(t *testing.T) {
-			for _, m := range c.Metadata().Methods {
-				_, ok := c.Metadata().GetMethod(m.MD.Name, len(m.MD.Parameters))
+			for _, m := range hfMD.Methods {
+				_, ok := hfMD.GetMethod(m.MD.Name, len(m.MD.Parameters))
 				require.True(t, ok)
 			}
 		})
diff --git a/pkg/core/native/crypto.go b/pkg/core/native/crypto.go
index fb9d91bd8e..78eb3697ca 100644
--- a/pkg/core/native/crypto.go
+++ b/pkg/core/native/crypto.go
@@ -41,7 +41,6 @@ const cryptoContractID = -3
 
 func newCrypto() *Crypto {
 	c := &Crypto{ContractMD: *interop.NewContractMD(nativenames.CryptoLib, cryptoContractID)}
-	defer c.UpdateHash()
 
 	desc := newDescriptor("sha256", smartcontract.ByteArrayType,
 		manifest.NewParameter("data", smartcontract.ByteArrayType))
@@ -310,7 +309,7 @@ func (c *Crypto) Metadata() *interop.ContractMD {
 }
 
 // Initialize implements the Contract interface.
-func (c *Crypto) Initialize(ic *interop.Context) error {
+func (c *Crypto) Initialize(ic *interop.Context, hf *config.Hardfork) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
diff --git a/pkg/core/native/designate.go b/pkg/core/native/designate.go
index b8d5cd016d..a6c0809114 100644
--- a/pkg/core/native/designate.go
+++ b/pkg/core/native/designate.go
@@ -106,7 +106,6 @@ func newDesignate(p2pSigExtensionsEnabled bool, initialNodeRoles map[noderoles.R
 	s := &Designate{ContractMD: *interop.NewContractMD(nativenames.Designation, designateContractID)}
 	s.p2pSigExtensionsEnabled = p2pSigExtensionsEnabled
 	s.initialNodeRoles = initialNodeRoles
-	defer s.UpdateHash()
 
 	desc := newDescriptor("getDesignatedByRole", smartcontract.ArrayType,
 		manifest.NewParameter("role", smartcontract.IntegerType),
@@ -120,9 +119,11 @@ func newDesignate(p2pSigExtensionsEnabled bool, initialNodeRoles map[noderoles.R
 	md = newMethodAndPrice(s.designateAsRole, 1<<15, callflag.States|callflag.AllowNotify)
 	s.AddMethod(md, desc)
 
-	s.AddEvent(DesignationEventName,
+	eDesc := newEventDescriptor(DesignationEventName,
 		manifest.NewParameter("Role", smartcontract.IntegerType),
 		manifest.NewParameter("BlockIndex", smartcontract.IntegerType))
+	eMD := newEvent(eDesc)
+	s.AddEvent(eMD)
 
 	return s
 }
@@ -130,7 +131,11 @@ func newDesignate(p2pSigExtensionsEnabled bool, initialNodeRoles map[noderoles.R
 // Initialize initializes Designation contract. It is called once at native Management's OnPersist
 // at the genesis block, and we can't properly fill the cache at this point, as there are no roles
 // data in the storage.
-func (s *Designate) Initialize(ic *interop.Context) error {
+func (s *Designate) Initialize(ic *interop.Context, hf *config.Hardfork) error {
+	if hf != s.ActiveIn() {
+		return nil
+	}
+
 	cache := &DesignationCache{}
 	ic.DAO.SetCache(s.ID, cache)
 
diff --git a/pkg/core/native/interop.go b/pkg/core/native/interop.go
index 5d2d1c230e..badf4d91e2 100644
--- a/pkg/core/native/interop.go
+++ b/pkg/core/native/interop.go
@@ -32,17 +32,26 @@ func Call(ic *interop.Context) error {
 		return fmt.Errorf("native contract %s (version %d) not found", curr.StringLE(), version)
 	}
 	var (
-		meta     = c.Metadata()
-		activeIn = c.ActiveIn()
+		genericMeta = c.Metadata()
+		activeIn    = c.ActiveIn()
+		persistedH  = ic.BlockHeight()
 	)
 	if activeIn != nil {
 		height, ok := ic.Hardforks[activeIn.String()]
 		// Persisting block must not be taken into account, native contract can be called
 		// only AFTER its initialization block persist, thus, can't use ic.IsHardforkEnabled.
-		if !ok || ic.BlockHeight() < height {
-			return fmt.Errorf("native contract %s is active after hardfork %s", meta.Name, activeIn.String())
+		if !ok || persistedH < height {
+			return fmt.Errorf("native contract %s is active after hardfork %s", genericMeta.Name, activeIn.String())
 		}
 	}
+	var current config.Hardfork
+	for _, hf := range config.Hardforks {
+		if !ic.IsHardforkEnabled(hf) {
+			break
+		}
+		current = hf
+	}
+	meta := genericMeta.HFSpecificContractMD(&current)
 	m, ok := meta.GetMethodByOffset(ic.VM.Context().IP())
 	if !ok {
 		return fmt.Errorf("method not found")
diff --git a/pkg/core/native/ledger.go b/pkg/core/native/ledger.go
index 7fb0266793..0e8892d96f 100644
--- a/pkg/core/native/ledger.go
+++ b/pkg/core/native/ledger.go
@@ -31,7 +31,6 @@ func newLedger() *Ledger {
 	var l = &Ledger{
 		ContractMD: *interop.NewContractMD(nativenames.Ledger, ledgerContractID),
 	}
-	defer l.UpdateHash()
 
 	desc := newDescriptor("currentHash", smartcontract.Hash256Type)
 	md := newMethodAndPrice(l.currentHash, 1<<15, callflag.ReadStates)
@@ -81,7 +80,7 @@ func (l *Ledger) Metadata() *interop.ContractMD {
 }
 
 // Initialize implements the Contract interface.
-func (l *Ledger) Initialize(ic *interop.Context) error {
+func (l *Ledger) Initialize(ic *interop.Context, hf *config.Hardfork) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
diff --git a/pkg/core/native/management.go b/pkg/core/native/management.go
index 2335131640..14c6b3dedd 100644
--- a/pkg/core/native/management.go
+++ b/pkg/core/native/management.go
@@ -101,7 +101,6 @@ func newManagement() *Management {
 	var m = &Management{
 		ContractMD: *interop.NewContractMD(nativenames.Management, ManagementContractID),
 	}
-	defer m.UpdateHash()
 
 	desc := newDescriptor("getContract", smartcontract.ArrayType,
 		manifest.NewParameter("hash", smartcontract.Hash160Type))
@@ -164,9 +163,17 @@ func newManagement() *Management {
 	m.AddMethod(md, desc)
 
 	hashParam := manifest.NewParameter("Hash", smartcontract.Hash160Type)
-	m.AddEvent(contractDeployNotificationName, hashParam)
-	m.AddEvent(contractUpdateNotificationName, hashParam)
-	m.AddEvent(contractDestroyNotificationName, hashParam)
+	eDesc := newEventDescriptor(contractDeployNotificationName, hashParam)
+	eMD := newEvent(eDesc)
+	m.AddEvent(eMD)
+
+	eDesc = newEventDescriptor(contractUpdateNotificationName, hashParam)
+	eMD = newEvent(eDesc)
+	m.AddEvent(eMD)
+
+	eDesc = newEventDescriptor(contractDestroyNotificationName, hashParam)
+	eMD = newEvent(eDesc)
+	m.AddEvent(eMD)
 	return m
 }
 
@@ -220,6 +227,11 @@ func (m *Management) getContractByID(ic *interop.Context, args []stackitem.Item)
 // GetContract returns a contract with the given hash from the given DAO.
 func GetContract(d *dao.Simple, hash util.Uint160) (*state.Contract, error) {
 	cache := d.GetROCache(ManagementContractID).(*ManagementCache)
+	return getContract(cache, hash)
+}
+
+// getContract returns a contract with the given hash from provided RO or RW cache.
+func getContract(cache *ManagementCache, hash util.Uint160) (*state.Contract, error) {
 	cs, ok := cache.contracts[hash]
 	if !ok {
 		return nil, storage.ErrKeyNotFound
@@ -583,22 +595,54 @@ func updateContractCache(cache *ManagementCache, cs *state.Contract) {
 func (m *Management) OnPersist(ic *interop.Context) error {
 	var cache *ManagementCache
 	for _, native := range ic.Natives {
-		activeIn := native.ActiveIn()
-		if !(activeIn == nil && ic.Block.Index == 0 ||
-			activeIn != nil && ic.IsHardforkActivation(*activeIn)) {
+		var (
+			activeIn = native.ActiveIn()
+			isDeploy bool
+			isUpdate bool
+		)
+		isDeploy = activeIn == nil && ic.Block.Index == 0 ||
+			activeIn != nil && ic.IsHardforkActivation(*activeIn)
+		if !isDeploy {
+			for hf := range native.Metadata().ActiveHFs {
+				if ic.IsHardforkActivation(hf) {
+					isUpdate = true
+					activeIn = &hf // reuse ActiveIn variable for the current hardfork.
+					break
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		if !(isDeploy || isUpdate) {
 			continue
 		}
-
 		md := native.Metadata()
-		cs := &state.Contract{
-			ContractBase: md.ContractBase,
-		}
-		if err := native.Initialize(ic); err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("initializing %s native contract: %w", md.Name, err)
+		base := md.HFSpecificContractMD(activeIn).ContractBase
+		var cs *state.Contract
+		switch {
+		case isDeploy:
+			cs = &state.Contract{
+				ContractBase: base,
+			}
+		case isUpdate:
+			if cache == nil {
+				cache = ic.DAO.GetRWCache(m.ID).(*ManagementCache)
+			}
+			oldcontract, err := getContract(cache, md.Hash)
+			if err != nil {
+				return fmt.Errorf("failed to retrieve native %s from cache: %w", md.Name, err)
+			}
+
+			contract := *oldcontract // Make a copy, don't ruin cached contract and cache.
+			contract.NEF = base.NEF
+			contract.Manifest = base.Manifest
+			contract.UpdateCounter++
+			cs = &contract
 		}
 		err := putContractState(ic.DAO, cs, false) // Perform cache update manually.
 		if err != nil {
-			return err
+			return fmt.Errorf("failed to put contract state: %w", err)
+		}
+		if err := native.Initialize(ic, activeIn); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("initializing %s native contract at HF %d: %w", md.Name, activeIn, err)
 		}
 		if cache == nil {
 			cache = ic.DAO.GetRWCache(m.ID).(*ManagementCache)
@@ -666,7 +710,11 @@ func (m *Management) GetNEP17Contracts(d *dao.Simple) []util.Uint160 {
 }
 
 // Initialize implements the Contract interface.
-func (m *Management) Initialize(ic *interop.Context) error {
+func (m *Management) Initialize(ic *interop.Context, hf *config.Hardfork) error {
+	if hf != m.ActiveIn() {
+		return nil
+	}
+
 	setIntWithKey(m.ID, ic.DAO, keyMinimumDeploymentFee, defaultMinimumDeploymentFee)
 	setIntWithKey(m.ID, ic.DAO, keyNextAvailableID, 1)
 
@@ -681,6 +729,7 @@ func (m *Management) Initialize(ic *interop.Context) error {
 
 // ActiveIn implements the Contract interface.
 func (m *Management) ActiveIn() *config.Hardfork {
+	// TODO: consider replacing nil with config.Hardfork(0) for callers code unification.
 	return nil
 }
 
diff --git a/pkg/core/native/management_test.go b/pkg/core/native/management_test.go
index c8a13b4a5b..d3fb8872d3 100644
--- a/pkg/core/native/management_test.go
+++ b/pkg/core/native/management_test.go
@@ -20,9 +20,9 @@ func TestDeployGetUpdateDestroyContract(t *testing.T) {
 	mgmt.Policy = newPolicy(false)
 	d := dao.NewSimple(storage.NewMemoryStore(), false)
 	ic := &interop.Context{DAO: d}
-	err := mgmt.Initialize(ic)
+	err := mgmt.Initialize(ic, nil)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
-	require.NoError(t, mgmt.Policy.Initialize(&interop.Context{DAO: d}))
+	require.NoError(t, mgmt.Policy.Initialize(&interop.Context{DAO: d}, nil))
 	script := []byte{byte(opcode.RET)}
 	sender := util.Uint160{1, 2, 3}
 	ne, err := nef.NewFile(script)
@@ -97,9 +97,9 @@ func TestManagement_GetNEP17Contracts(t *testing.T) {
 	mgmt := newManagement()
 	mgmt.Policy = newPolicy(false)
 	d := dao.NewSimple(storage.NewMemoryStore(), false)
-	err := mgmt.Initialize(&interop.Context{DAO: d})
+	err := mgmt.Initialize(&interop.Context{DAO: d}, nil)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
-	require.NoError(t, mgmt.Policy.Initialize(&interop.Context{DAO: d}))
+	require.NoError(t, mgmt.Policy.Initialize(&interop.Context{DAO: d}, nil))
 	err = mgmt.InitializeCache(0, d)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 
diff --git a/pkg/core/native/native_gas.go b/pkg/core/native/native_gas.go
index 9dfc08af63..e5bde0addd 100644
--- a/pkg/core/native/native_gas.go
+++ b/pkg/core/native/native_gas.go
@@ -37,7 +37,6 @@ func newGAS(init int64, p2pSigExtensionsEnabled bool) *GAS {
 		initialSupply:           init,
 		p2pSigExtensionsEnabled: p2pSigExtensionsEnabled,
 	}
-	defer g.UpdateHash()
 
 	nep17 := newNEP17Native(nativenames.Gas, gasContractID)
 	nep17.symbol = "GAS"
@@ -83,7 +82,11 @@ func (g *GAS) balanceFromBytes(si *state.StorageItem) (*big.Int, error) {
 }
 
 // Initialize initializes a GAS contract.
-func (g *GAS) Initialize(ic *interop.Context) error {
+func (g *GAS) Initialize(ic *interop.Context, hf *config.Hardfork) error {
+	if hf != g.ActiveIn() {
+		return nil
+	}
+
 	if err := g.nep17TokenNative.Initialize(ic); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
diff --git a/pkg/core/native/native_neo.go b/pkg/core/native/native_neo.go
index 2822716d9f..a90755c2d0 100644
--- a/pkg/core/native/native_neo.go
+++ b/pkg/core/native/native_neo.go
@@ -172,7 +172,6 @@ func makeValidatorKey(key *keys.PublicKey) []byte {
 // newNEO returns NEO native contract.
 func newNEO(cfg config.ProtocolConfiguration) *NEO {
 	n := &NEO{}
-	defer n.UpdateHash()
 
 	nep17 := newNEP17Native(nativenames.Neo, neoContractID)
 	nep17.symbol = "NEO"
@@ -258,27 +257,39 @@ func newNEO(cfg config.ProtocolConfiguration) *NEO {
 	md = newMethodAndPrice(n.setRegisterPrice, 1<<15, callflag.States)
 	n.AddMethod(md, desc)
 
-	n.AddEvent("CandidateStateChanged",
+	eDesc := newEventDescriptor("CandidateStateChanged",
 		manifest.NewParameter("pubkey", smartcontract.PublicKeyType),
 		manifest.NewParameter("registered", smartcontract.BoolType),
 		manifest.NewParameter("votes", smartcontract.IntegerType),
 	)
-	n.AddEvent("Vote",
+	eMD := newEvent(eDesc)
+	n.AddEvent(eMD)
+
+	eDesc = newEventDescriptor("Vote",
 		manifest.NewParameter("account", smartcontract.Hash160Type),
 		manifest.NewParameter("from", smartcontract.PublicKeyType),
 		manifest.NewParameter("to", smartcontract.PublicKeyType),
 		manifest.NewParameter("amount", smartcontract.IntegerType),
 	)
-	n.AddEvent("CommitteeChanged",
+	eMD = newEvent(eDesc)
+	n.AddEvent(eMD)
+
+	eDesc = newEventDescriptor("CommitteeChanged",
 		manifest.NewParameter("old", smartcontract.ArrayType),
 		manifest.NewParameter("new", smartcontract.ArrayType),
 	)
+	eMD = newEvent(eDesc)
+	n.AddEvent(eMD)
 
 	return n
 }
 
 // Initialize initializes a NEO contract.
-func (n *NEO) Initialize(ic *interop.Context) error {
+func (n *NEO) Initialize(ic *interop.Context, hf *config.Hardfork) error {
+	if hf != n.ActiveIn() {
+		return nil
+	}
+
 	if err := n.nep17TokenNative.Initialize(ic); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
diff --git a/pkg/core/native/native_nep17.go b/pkg/core/native/native_nep17.go
index 0d6d67b14b..ebc6cad29c 100644
--- a/pkg/core/native/native_nep17.go
+++ b/pkg/core/native/native_nep17.go
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import (
 	"math"
 	"math/big"
 
+	"github.com/nspcc-dev/neo-go/pkg/config"
 	"github.com/nspcc-dev/neo-go/pkg/core/dao"
 	"github.com/nspcc-dev/neo-go/pkg/core/interop"
 	"github.com/nspcc-dev/neo-go/pkg/core/interop/contract"
@@ -45,8 +46,9 @@ func (c *nep17TokenNative) Metadata() *interop.ContractMD {
 }
 
 func newNEP17Native(name string, id int32) *nep17TokenNative {
-	n := &nep17TokenNative{ContractMD: *interop.NewContractMD(name, id)}
-	n.Manifest.SupportedStandards = []string{manifest.NEP17StandardName}
+	n := &nep17TokenNative{ContractMD: *interop.NewContractMD(name, id, func(m *manifest.Manifest) {
+		m.SupportedStandards = []string{manifest.NEP17StandardName}
+	})}
 
 	desc := newDescriptor("symbol", smartcontract.StringType)
 	md := newMethodAndPrice(n.Symbol, 0, callflag.NoneFlag)
@@ -77,7 +79,9 @@ func newNEP17Native(name string, id int32) *nep17TokenNative {
 	md.StorageFee = 50
 	n.AddMethod(md, desc)
 
-	n.AddEvent("Transfer", transferParams...)
+	eDesc := newEventDescriptor("Transfer", transferParams...)
+	eMD := newEvent(eDesc)
+	n.AddEvent(eMD)
 
 	return n
 }
@@ -319,12 +323,40 @@ func newDescriptor(name string, ret smartcontract.ParamType, ps ...manifest.Para
 	}
 }
 
-func newMethodAndPrice(f interop.Method, cpuFee int64, flags callflag.CallFlag) *interop.MethodAndPrice {
-	return &interop.MethodAndPrice{
-		Func:          f,
-		CPUFee:        cpuFee,
-		RequiredFlags: flags,
+func newMethodAndPrice(f interop.Method, cpuFee int64, flags callflag.CallFlag, activeFrom ...*config.Hardfork) *interop.MethodAndPrice {
+	md := &interop.MethodAndPrice{
+		HFSpecificMethodAndPrice: interop.HFSpecificMethodAndPrice{
+			Func:          f,
+			CPUFee:        cpuFee,
+			RequiredFlags: flags,
+		},
 	}
+	if len(activeFrom) != 0 {
+		md.ActiveFrom = activeFrom[0]
+	}
+	return md
+}
+
+func newEventDescriptor(name string, ps ...manifest.Parameter) *manifest.Event {
+	if len(ps) == 0 {
+		ps = []manifest.Parameter{}
+	}
+	return &manifest.Event{
+		Name:       name,
+		Parameters: ps,
+	}
+}
+
+func newEvent(desc *manifest.Event, activeFrom ...*config.Hardfork) interop.Event {
+	md := interop.Event{
+		HFSpecificEvent: interop.HFSpecificEvent{
+			MD: desc,
+		},
+	}
+	if len(activeFrom) != 0 {
+		md.ActiveFrom = activeFrom[0]
+	}
+	return md
 }
 
 func toBigInt(s stackitem.Item) *big.Int {
diff --git a/pkg/core/native/notary.go b/pkg/core/native/notary.go
index ed60d3ff8d..c6343499e9 100644
--- a/pkg/core/native/notary.go
+++ b/pkg/core/native/notary.go
@@ -73,7 +73,6 @@ func copyNotaryCache(src, dst *NotaryCache) {
 // newNotary returns Notary native contract.
 func newNotary() *Notary {
 	n := &Notary{ContractMD: *interop.NewContractMD(nativenames.Notary, notaryContractID)}
-	defer n.UpdateHash()
 
 	desc := newDescriptor("onNEP17Payment", smartcontract.VoidType,
 		manifest.NewParameter("from", smartcontract.Hash160Type),
@@ -127,7 +126,11 @@ func (n *Notary) Metadata() *interop.ContractMD {
 }
 
 // Initialize initializes Notary native contract and implements the Contract interface.
-func (n *Notary) Initialize(ic *interop.Context) error {
+func (n *Notary) Initialize(ic *interop.Context, hf *config.Hardfork) error {
+	if hf != n.ActiveIn() {
+		return nil
+	}
+
 	setIntWithKey(n.ID, ic.DAO, maxNotValidBeforeDeltaKey, defaultMaxNotValidBeforeDelta)
 
 	cache := &NotaryCache{
diff --git a/pkg/core/native/oracle.go b/pkg/core/native/oracle.go
index 012fc3064f..ea46b84198 100644
--- a/pkg/core/native/oracle.go
+++ b/pkg/core/native/oracle.go
@@ -118,7 +118,6 @@ func newOracle() *Oracle {
 		ContractMD:  *interop.NewContractMD(nativenames.Oracle, oracleContractID),
 		newRequests: make(map[uint64]*state.OracleRequest),
 	}
-	defer o.UpdateHash()
 
 	o.oracleScript = CreateOracleResponseScript(o.Hash)
 
@@ -139,12 +138,17 @@ func newOracle() *Oracle {
 	md = newMethodAndPrice(o.verify, 1<<15, callflag.NoneFlag)
 	o.AddMethod(md, desc)
 
-	o.AddEvent("OracleRequest", manifest.NewParameter("Id", smartcontract.IntegerType),
+	eDesc := newEventDescriptor("OracleRequest", manifest.NewParameter("Id", smartcontract.IntegerType),
 		manifest.NewParameter("RequestContract", smartcontract.Hash160Type),
 		manifest.NewParameter("Url", smartcontract.StringType),
 		manifest.NewParameter("Filter", smartcontract.StringType))
-	o.AddEvent("OracleResponse", manifest.NewParameter("Id", smartcontract.IntegerType),
+	eMD := newEvent(eDesc)
+	o.AddEvent(eMD)
+
+	eDesc = newEventDescriptor("OracleResponse", manifest.NewParameter("Id", smartcontract.IntegerType),
 		manifest.NewParameter("OriginalTx", smartcontract.Hash256Type))
+	eMD = newEvent(eDesc)
+	o.AddEvent(eMD)
 
 	desc = newDescriptor("getPrice", smartcontract.IntegerType)
 	md = newMethodAndPrice(o.getPrice, 1<<15, callflag.ReadStates)
@@ -241,7 +245,11 @@ func (o *Oracle) Metadata() *interop.ContractMD {
 }
 
 // Initialize initializes an Oracle contract.
-func (o *Oracle) Initialize(ic *interop.Context) error {
+func (o *Oracle) Initialize(ic *interop.Context, hf *config.Hardfork) error {
+	if hf != o.ActiveIn() {
+		return nil
+	}
+
 	setIntWithKey(o.ID, ic.DAO, prefixRequestID, 0)
 	setIntWithKey(o.ID, ic.DAO, prefixRequestPrice, DefaultOracleRequestPrice)
 
diff --git a/pkg/core/native/policy.go b/pkg/core/native/policy.go
index b5ebb8a56f..71fd397af7 100644
--- a/pkg/core/native/policy.go
+++ b/pkg/core/native/policy.go
@@ -105,7 +105,6 @@ func newPolicy(p2pSigExtensionsEnabled bool) *Policy {
 		ContractMD:              *interop.NewContractMD(nativenames.Policy, policyContractID),
 		p2pSigExtensionsEnabled: p2pSigExtensionsEnabled,
 	}
-	defer p.UpdateHash()
 
 	desc := newDescriptor("getFeePerByte", smartcontract.IntegerType)
 	md := newMethodAndPrice(p.getFeePerByte, 1<<15, callflag.ReadStates)
@@ -169,7 +168,11 @@ func (p *Policy) Metadata() *interop.ContractMD {
 }
 
 // Initialize initializes Policy native contract and implements the Contract interface.
-func (p *Policy) Initialize(ic *interop.Context) error {
+func (p *Policy) Initialize(ic *interop.Context, hf *config.Hardfork) error {
+	if hf != p.ActiveIn() {
+		return nil
+	}
+
 	setIntWithKey(p.ID, ic.DAO, feePerByteKey, defaultFeePerByte)
 	setIntWithKey(p.ID, ic.DAO, execFeeFactorKey, defaultExecFeeFactor)
 	setIntWithKey(p.ID, ic.DAO, storagePriceKey, DefaultStoragePrice)
diff --git a/pkg/core/native/std.go b/pkg/core/native/std.go
index 90d2c579c5..81e74b638d 100644
--- a/pkg/core/native/std.go
+++ b/pkg/core/native/std.go
@@ -46,7 +46,6 @@ var (
 
 func newStd() *Std {
 	s := &Std{ContractMD: *interop.NewContractMD(nativenames.StdLib, stdContractID)}
-	defer s.UpdateHash()
 
 	desc := newDescriptor("serialize", smartcontract.ByteArrayType,
 		manifest.NewParameter("item", smartcontract.AnyType))
@@ -439,7 +438,7 @@ func (s *Std) Metadata() *interop.ContractMD {
 }
 
 // Initialize implements the Contract interface.
-func (s *Std) Initialize(ic *interop.Context) error {
+func (s *Std) Initialize(ic *interop.Context, hf *config.Hardfork) error {
 	return nil
 }