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Guide to Crypto Airdrops: How to Farm Retrodrops

Table of Contents

Updated October 2023

Profits have been thin-picking during this crypto bear market.

Neither HODLing nor yield farming has generated good returns for the average DeFi investor in recent months. Thus, as we wait for the return of the bull market, much attention has shifted to the new narrative surrounding airdrops, as a way to profit even in a downwards and sideways market.

The launch of much-hyped Layer 1 blockchains, along with new optimistic and ZK-rollup scaling solutions for Ethereum has raised much speculation regarding projects that are likely to launch new tokens — and with these tokens, comes the potential for new airdrops.

Some of these airdrops have become a profitable reality.

If you’d spent 5 minutes on minting Aptos’ “Early Adopter” NFT — you would have received the $15,000 Airdrop if you had sold at the peak.

That was 5 minutes of work for $15,000.

Have you caught the FOMO after missing it?

Good. Maintain it.

You will be needing it to receive the potential cumulative $15,000+ in upcoming airdrops/retrodrops.

We present to you The Most Comprehensive Guide on How to NEVER Miss out on ANY Airdrop + STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS across multiple upcoming blockchains and dapps.

What you’re going to learn in this article:

  1. What airdrops (retrodrops) are, and why it’s the easiest way to make money in a bear market.
  2. The best upcoming airdrops to pay attention to
  3. Top 5 rules of never missing out on crypto airdrop farming opportunities.

Why Retrodrops?

The Aptos case, was, what’s called a “Retrodrop”. Retrodrops are a token airdrop in which the project rewards its early adopters for either testing it (testnets), validating it (nodes running), using it (interacting with dapps), or providing value to the community (moderating/answering questions in chats, making sticker packs, and so on.)

Retrodrop Hunting” is one the best ways to earn money in DeFi during the Bear Market. For several reasons:

  • Simple work
  • Transparent process
  • Big upside potential for a small cost

On our YouTube channel, we share multiple videos per week on the hottest upcoming potential retrodrops. In this blog, we’ll summarize some of the most popular potential opportunities that have shown to be popular on our channel.

Before we move to airdrop tasks, be sure to take note of the official links below for the online properties of the projects we provide. Remember to always be vigilant when completing the airdrop requirements and to only use URLs for the official projects we have listed.

Scammers will often use links that look very similar to an official project’s domain as a way of tricking crypto users into connecting their wallets to malicious smart contracts. Advertising the potential to “claim an airdrop NOW” is one of the most common scam tactics in the industry. Stay safe and always check links twice. When in doubt, find the project’s official social media channels (usually an X profile) and check the link listed there.

Upcoming Crypto Airdrops

1. LayerZero

layerzero airdrop guide hero

Official Site: https://layerzero.network/

X Profile: https://twitter.com/LayerZero_Labs

Dedicated Guide: De.Fi LayerZero Airdrop Guide

LayerZero is one of the most exciting new projects in crypto. It aims to allow for seamless multichain interoperability via a novel cross-chain messaging protocol. If successful, LayerZero could completely revolutionize how capital flows across and between different blockchains, unlocking a new world of scalability.

You can find a complete step-by-step breakdown of tasks and helpful videos via our dedicated guide. Here’s a quick summary of the actions we recommend:

Make Cross-Chain Swaps: First, you will need to visit the Sushi swap page and select the “Cross Chain” toggle. Then you will need to choose an origin chain and destination chain, enter the amount to trade, and execute the swap.

Stargate Bridge: This flagship LayerZero product allows for the seamless movement of tokens across different chains. To qualify for an airdrop, you need to transfer tokens across different chains via the Stargate Bridge. You can also farm in one of the easy-to-use liquidity pools and use our yield Explore tool to find the best Stargate yieldsNote: The higher the volume transferred, the higher the likelihood you will receive a significant airdrop.

Altitude: The Altitude dapp offers similar functionality to Stargate Bridge and could potentially offer a double airdrop. Users can make trades on their testnet, provide liquidity, and join farms.

Interport: This new entry to the list allows for cross-chain swaps, adding an extra function to bridging. It also offers its own native token, making a potential double airdrop from both the Interport dapp and LayerZero a possibility.

Holograph: Holograph enables the bridging of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) across different chains. Users can see their NFTs and send them across to a different chain.

Tapioca: Tapioca introduces cross-chain lending and borrowing, allowing users to participate in DeFi yield farming. Currently in testnet.

Using the Cross Chain Messenger: This feature allows users to send messages between different chains like BNB to Polygon: https://zkbridge.com/zkmessenger

Using the NFT Feature: Users can claim free NFTs on the platform’s Loyalty page. After acquiring an NFT, users can bridge it to another blockchain via the ZK NFT page: https://zkbridge.com/zknft

Borderless Bitcoin: Users first need to obtain some BTC.b. We suggest using Trader Joe, a leading DEX on Avalanche, to swap AVAX tokens for BTC.b. Next, you will want to use Borderless Bitcoin’s Bitcoin Bridge to transfer BTC.b from Avalanche to one of the available chains. After the transaction is approved within your web3 wallet, it should go through on the Bitcoin Bridge seamlessly.

2. zkSync

Official Site: https://zksync.io/

X Profile: https://twitter.com/zksync

We do not currently have a complete guide to the zkSync airdrop opportunity available on our blog, but we do have a video + the helpful tips below.

zkSync is a Layer 2 scaling solution that offers cheaper and faster transactions than the main Ethereum blockchain (Layer 1). As of now, zkSync is the biggest ZK L2 Rollup.

The zkSync documentation has confirmed that there will be a native token for the network, making an airdrop very likely.

The zkSync mainnet is launched and you can increase your chances of capturing an airdrop by interacting with deployed dapps.

To get started, you’ll want to connect your Ethereum wallet to zkSync Mainnet:

• Go to http://wallet.zksync.io > “Wallet Connect”

• Bridge to zkSync: http://wallet.zksync.io/account

• Swap on SyncSwap on zkSync: http://syncswap.xyz

• Make trades on ZigZag (the bigger volume — the better): http://trade.zigzag.exchange

• Interact with bridges to zkSync like https://www.orbiter.finance/:

• Use @argentHQ Wallet:

i. Download Argent wallet for Android/IOS: http://argent.xyz/download-argent/…

ii. Try to make swaps on the app.

iii. Try to buy crypto with a bank transfer or debit card.

• Donate to Gitcoin Grants using zkSync:

i. Visit https://www.gitcoin.co/

Watch our video on how to get zkSync AIRDROP! 👇

3. StarkNet

starknet airdrop guide hero

Official Site: https://www.starknet.io/

X Profile: https://twitter.com/Starknet

Dedicated Guide: De.Fi StarkNet Airdrop Guide

StarkNet is a scalable Layer 2 Validity-Rollup for the Ethereum blockchain that uses STARK proofs to provide high throughput and low gas costs while retaining the security of ETH Layer 1. As the demand for decentralized applications and DeFi platforms continues to surge, the need for innovative and scalable rollups on Ethereum is becoming more apparent than ever.

There are a large number of projects you can interact with on StarkNet to boost your chances of a retrodrop. You can find all the steps and links in our dedicated guide:

  • JediSwap: A decentralized exchange (DEX) on StarkNet for swaps and liquidity provision.
  • Starknet.id: An onchain name service for StarkNet, similar to Ethereum Name Service (ENS).
  • ArgentX: A browser wallet for StarkNet users, potentially involved in airdrops.
  • StarkGate: The official bridge for depositing assets onto StarkNet from various source chains.
  • StarkDefi: A hub for comprehensive DeFi solutions on StarkNet.
  • Carmine Finance: A derivatives platform on StarkNet for trading options based on onchain asset prices.
  • 10kSwap: A mainnet StarkNet app for transferring assets from other chains to StarkNet and participating in liquidity pools and trades.
  • Starkfighter.xyz: The challenge involves a game on starkfighter.xyz, offering a potential $12,000 prize airdrop and collectible NFTs based on user performance.

4. Mantle Network

mantle airdrop hero image

Official Site: https://www.mantle.xyz/

X Profile: https://twitter.com/0xMantle

Dedicated Guide: De.Fi Mantle Network Airdrop Guide

Mantle Network is a technology stack for scaling Ethereum, operating as an optimistic rollup Layer 2 solution. It aims to reduce transaction fees significantly while offering a more streamlined transaction experience. Mantle Network’s key benefits include lower fees, customizable transaction confirmation requirements, and increased transaction throughput compared to Ethereum.

Our dedicated guide covers all steps in detail, but this is a brief summary to get you started if you want to explore on your own:

  1. Add Mantle Network to your DeFi wallet by following specific instructions for your wallet type, such as MetaMask.
  2. Bridge funds to your wallet on Mantle Network.
  3. Set up a Mantle Journey profile and mint a Mantle Journey Soulbound Token (SBT). Users are encouraged to customize their profile and explore additional ways to earn Mantle Journey miles.
mantle journey

Participate via https://journey.mantle.xyz/

You can check out our full blog to view details on promising apps on the Mantle Network that users can explore to increase their chances of qualifying for the airdrop. These include:

  • Lendle for borrowing and lending crypto assets.
  • Orbiter for bridging native ETH from various chains to Mantle Network.
  • Ammos Finance for swapping and pooling liquidity.
  • REAX for minting synthetic assets and trading them on their DEX.
  • AGNI Finance, a decentralized exchange (DEX) on the Mantle Network.

5. Zora

zora airdrop guide hero blog image

Official Site: https://zora.co/

X Profile: https://twitter.com/ourZORA

Dedicated Guide: De.Fi Zora Airdrop Guide

The Zora airdrop is an interesting situation because Zora offers both an NFT marketplace + publishing platform and an Ethereum layer 2 network. Founded in 2020, the Zora NFT app is a “decentralized protocol where anyone can permissionlessly buy, sell, and create.”

With the success of their flagship NFT services, Zora then decided to expand to cover the entire NFT production lifecycle with the launch of Zora Network. Zora Network is a “fast, cost-efficient, and scalable Layer 2 built to help bring media onchain…Zora Network is an ecosystem that puts NFTs first.”

With an active community, thriving marketplace, and integrations throughout the trending Optimism Superchain stack, Zora is the perfect choice if you’re an airdrop hunter looking for an established dapp to experiment with.

Our dedicated guide has the full list of tasks + relevant links you’ll need, but you can check out the summary below for a quick overview:

  1. Add Zora to Your Wallet: To qualify for a potential Zora airdrop, you need to add the Zora chain to your web3 wallet. The required network information includes the network name, RPC URL, chain ID, currency symbol, and block explorer URL.
  2. Bridge to Zora: After adding Zora to your wallet, you should add funds to your wallet on the Zora Network. You can use the official Zora bridge to send funds from the Ethereum mainnet to Zora, but this may incur significant gas fees. An alternative is the Orbiter bridge, which allows you to transfer native ETH from various chains to the Zora Network with lower fees.
  3. Buying an NFT on Zora: Once you have ETH on the Zora Network, you can browse and purchase NFTs on the platform. There are various NFT options available, and many of them are low-cost. To potentially qualify for a retrodrop, it’s recommended to mint or collect at least one NFT on the official Zora Network.
  4. Listing an NFT on Zora: To cover all potential options for qualifying for a Zora retrodrop, consider listing your own NFT on the platform, even if you’re not an artist. Zora makes it easy to mint and publish your own NFT collection.
  5. Airdrop Costs and Considerations: The cost of minting or collecting NFTs on Zora Network is relatively low compared to the Ethereum mainnet. This affordability, combined with the accessibility to quality art, makes Zora a compelling opportunity for potential airdrops.

6. Linea

linea airdrop blog hero

Official Site: https://linea.build/

X Profile: https://twitter.com/LineaBuild

Dedicated Guide: De.Fi Linea Airdrop Guide

Linea presents itself as a “developer-ready zkEVM rollup for scaling Ethereum dapps”. zkEVM stands for “zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine”. This means that it is an EVM-compatible blockchain (existing Ethereum dapps can be deployed seamlessly) that uses zero-knowledge proofs to scale the work of recording transactions on Ethereum’s mainnet.

This robust technology has both users and developers excited about Linea’s potential to help scale Ethereum’s infrastructure. With the recent mainnet launch, ecosystem hype is reaching all-time highs.

Our full guide outlines all the steps to take to qualify for a potential retrodrop. Here is a summary:

  1. Using the Official Linea Bridge:
    • Visit https://bridge.linea.build/
    • Enter the amount of ETH you want to transfer.
    • Choose “automatic claiming” and click on “start bridging.”
    • Keep in mind that using this bridge may involve Ethereum gas fees.
  2. Utilizing the Orbiter Bridge (Low Fee Option):
    • Visit https://www.orbiter.finance/
    • Select your source network (e.g., Arbitrum) and the destination network (Linea zkEVM Mainnet).
    • Confirm the transfer and associated gas fees.
    • Switch to the correct network in your MetaMask wallet and proceed with the transaction.
  3. Interacting with Linea zkEVM Dapps:
    • Explore Linea’s zkEVM mainnet apps by visiting https://linea.build/apps.
    • Toggle between mainnet and testnet apps.
    • Browse the list of available apps on the mainnet, including bridges, DeFi platforms, and dexes.

Some recommended Linea mainnet dapps to interact with include:

  • LineaBank: A lending protocol native to Linea zkEVM where you can supply ETH for lending, earn yield farming rewards, and receive native tokens.
  • Linea Name Service: Offers an omnichain address name service using LayerZero. You can register a domain and potentially qualify for a LayerZero airdrop.
  • Velocore: Utilize the provided domain for Linea and use the standard swap interface, provide liquidity, and participate in yield farming. It also helps you qualify for Linea and Velocore airdrops.
  • SyncSwap: The biggest zkSync Era DEX on the Linea mainnet. You can maximize your airdrop chances by making swaps, trading between ETH and ceBUSD, and adding liquidity to SyncSwap liquidity pools. You can bridge ceBUSD into Linea via the Celer bridge.

7. Taiko

taiko airdrop guide hero

Official Site: https://taiko.xyz/

X Profile: https://twitter.com/taikoxyz

Dedicated Guide: De.Fi Taiko Airdrop Guide

Taiko is a Type 1 Ethereum-equivalent ZK-rollup, which means it’s an Ethereum-equivalent solution to crypto’s ongoing scaling issues. Anything that works on Ethereum should be able to deploy onto Taiko and function correctly.

Check out our full Taiko guide for a complete list of airdrop tips or utilize the summary below:

  1. Participate in Taiko Galxe Campaign:
    • Visit Taiko’s Galxe page: https://galxe.com/taiko
    • Sign in using a DeFi wallet.
    • Complete various social tasks, such as joining the Taiko Discord server, following Taiko on Twitter, retweeting the Taiko Quest tweet, visiting blog posts, and completing quizzes.
    • Keep an eye on future quests that may involve on-chain transactions.
  2. Add Taiko to MetaMask:
  3. Bridge to Taiko Testnet:
    • Visit the Taiko Bridge: https://bridge.test.taiko.xyz/
    • Obtain Sepolia testnet ETH from faucets provided on the Taiko Bridge page.
    • Confirm transactions within the bridge.
    • Claim the bridged tokens and wait for processing (may take a few hours).
    • Consider bridging both ETH and specific test tokens from the Sepolia testnet.
  4. Transacting on Taiko Testnet:
    • Explore apps live on the Taiko testnet, listed on the ecosystem page: https://taiko.xyz/ecosystem.
    • Utilize the official Taiko testnet DEX for swapping and providing liquidity.
    • Engage with various apps to increase your chances of qualifying for a potential retrodrop.

8. Zetachain

zetachain airdrop guide hero

Official Site: https://www.zetachain.com/

X Profile: https://twitter.com/zetablockchain

Dedicated Guide: De.Fi ZetaChain Airdrop Guide

ZetaChain is a layer 1 blockchain that is touted as having built-in connectivity to all blockchains and their applications. The ZetaChain website describes it as such: “Build interoperable dApps that span any chain including Bitcoin; access all chains from one place.”

One of its main benefits is that it enables omnichain decentralized applications (odApps), which are able to access and use information and liquidity from multiple blockchains simultaneously. The chain is relatively new with a whitepaper published in February 2023, but it has a growing ecosystem.

Below are the most important potential qualification items we’ve found for this retrodrop:

  1. Acquire Testnet ZETA Tokens:
  2. ZetaLabs Cross-Chain Swap:
  3. Earn ZETA Points:
    • Connect your Twitter account with your ZetaChain wallet.
    • Refer new users to the chain to earn ZETA points.
    • Earn 5,000 ZETA points for every person invited and 1,750 points when they perform a weekly transaction.
  4. ZetaChain Galxe Quest:
    • Participate in ZetaChain’s Galxe Quests with custom tasks.
    • Tasks include connecting social media accounts, making specific cross-chain swaps, and completing educational quizzes.
    • Campaign link: https://galxe.com/ZetaChain/campaign/GCatUUwYSY
  5. Use TowerSwap:
    • Explore TowerSwap, the first independent DEX on ZetaChain.
    • TowerSwap may launch an NFT marketplace in the future.
    • Swap tokens or try yield farming by providing liquidity with testnet ZetaChain tokens.

9. Fraxchain

fraxchain airdrop hero

Official Site: https://frax.finance/

X Profile: https://twitter.com/fraxfinance

Dedicated Guide: De.Fi Fraxchain Airdrop Guide

The Frax Finance team plans to launch its own L2 blockchain called Fraxchain by the end of 2023. Many crypto investors are excited about the potential for Fraxchain since the Frax team has a history of delivering quality products that offer innovation within the DeFi space.

In a statement to The Block, Frax founder Sam Kazemian said “Fraxchain essentially represents the culmination of the entire Frax ecosystem and all of the traction and usage that we’ve gained”.  Kazemian also discussed the project in-depth on the Flywheel DeFi podcast.

The chain is expected to be a hybrid rollup consisting of both optimistic rollup architecture (used by Optimism and Arbitrum) and zero-knowledge proofs. This will ideally enable faster transaction finality and decentralized sequencer capabilities.

We recommend exploring the entire Frax ecosystem to position yourself for this potential retrodrop and have identified these tasks as the most crucial:

  1. Swap on Fraxswap:
  2. Lend on Fraxlend:
  3. Mint $FPI on FRAX:
  4. Mint $frxETH on FRAX:
    • Frax offers profitable Ethereum liquid staking via $frxETH.
    • Mint $frxETH from $ETH and swap it for $sfrxETH on the Frax app.
    • Visit the minting page at https://app.frax.finance/frxeth/mint.
  5. Lock $FXS on FRAX:
    • Consider the $FXS governance token if you believe in Frax’s developments.
    • Lock $FXS for rewards, with the option to lock for up to 4 years for 4x the amount of $veFXS.
    • Lock tokens at https://app.frax.finance/vefxs.

10. Base

coinbase base airdrop guide hero

Official Site: https://base.org/

X Profile: https://twitter.com/buildonbase

Dedicated Guide: De.Fi Base Airdrop Guide

Base is an EVM-compatible chain backed by Coinbase and built on the Optimism stack. During the development of Base, Coinbase collaborated with popular DeFi yield farming protocols, lending dapps, NFTs, bridges, stablecoins, gaming projects, and more.

While Coinbase has been hesitant to say whether they will launch a native token for the Base network, individual apps on Base can still deliver airdrops. Our complete guide features all the information and links you will need to maximize your chances. Here’s a summary of what is covered:

  1. Hop Exchange:
    • Hop Exchange is a cross-chain bridge specialized in Layer 2 blockchains.
    • You can bridge from Ethereum to Base.
  2. Satellite Bridge:
    • The Satellite Bridge allows you to bridge tokens from Ethereum to Base.
  3. Pheasant Network:
    • Another Layer 2-focused bridge that supports Base.
  4. DackieSwap:
    • DackieSwap is a Uniswap-like decentralized exchange (DEX) on Base.
    • It has a native token ($DAKI).
  5. BeagleSwap:
    • BeagleSwap is another decentralized exchange (DEX) on Base.
    • It also has a native token ($BEG).
  6. Base Guild:
    • Users can participate in a Guild quest on Base by completing tasks to increase their chances of receiving rewards, potentially through airdrops or NFTs.
    • Tasks include following “Build on Base” and “Coinbase” on Twitter, holding Base-introduced NFTs, linking GitHub accounts, and holding both Base and Optimism NFTs.
  7. Base Launchpad (SparkFi):
    • While Coinbase has stated they don’t plan to conduct an airdrop on the Base chain, projects building on the chain may do their own airdrops.
    • SparkFi is the first Base Launchpad, and users can participate in tasks on Zealy.io to increase their chances of receiving an airdrop.
    • Tasks include following on social media, joining Discord and Telegram, connecting wallets, completing transaction tasks, participating in a Meme Contest, and joining a Referral Program.
  8. Mean Finance:
    • To maximize your chances of receiving airdrop rewards on the Coinbase Base blockchain, you’ll need test Goerli ETH on the Base Goerli testnet.
    • You can obtain it by sending Goerli ETH via the official Base bridge.
    • Make a basic swap on one of the first Base DeFi projects, Mean Finance, to complete the tasks.

11. Berachain

Official Site: https://berachain.com/

X Profile: https://twitter.com/berachain

Berachain is a high-performance EVM-compatible blockchain built with a new concept in mind: Proof-of-Liquidity consensus.

Together, these enable Berachain to promise fast transaction speeds and low transaction costs

The Berachain team has hinted at a potential airdrop. Here are some steps that you may consider taking to maximize your chances of success!

Checklist of tasks ✔️:

12. QUAI

Official Site: https://qu.ai/

X Profile: https://twitter.com/QuaiNetwork

Quai is a new EVM-compatible blockchain that combines the security of Proof-of-Work, with the scalability of sharding. It does so through the use of Merged Mining, allowing miners to validate a large number of chains using the same mining hardware and bandwidth.

Let’s have a look at the tasks that you can complete to maximise your chances of getting a potential airdrop!

Checklist of tasks ✔️:

• Access the dashboard: http://dashboard.quai.network

• Run a node: http://docs.quai.network/develop/what-is-a-full-node

Quai dedicated 0.5% of the token supply to “Testnet Incentives”.

Therefore, we strongly suggest you set up a Quai Node.

Watch our video on how to participate in the QUAI AIRDROP! 👇

General Tips for Airdrop Hunting

Here are some helpful tips you can use to always be up-to-date on the potential for new crypto airdrops:

  • Use Crypto Every Day: Nothing gets you more tapped into the ecosystem than striving to make onchain transactions every day. Even if you’re just making a small dollar swap, minting a free NFT, or interacting with a new lending protocol, the experience stacks up in the long run and helps you to understand what products have future potential.
  • Cultivate a List of Helpful Crypto Social Media Accounts: X (formerly known as Twitter) is a hotbed of crypto activity and many of the biggest airdrops are first announced there. By strategically following helpful accounts that are tapped into the culture, you’ll be able to stumble on airdrop opportunities by simply browsing a social feed.
  • Follow De.Fi on YouTube: As we’ve mentioned before, the De.Fi YouTube channel is constantly updated with videos on trending airdrop opportunities. Subscribe to our feed to get the latest news as soon as we drop a new video.
  • Get Involved With Multiple Chains: For many people in crypto, it’s easy to become siloed and focus only on a single blockchain. While this is generally a more convenient experience, usually the users who are rewarded with generous airdrops are those willing to venture outside of their comfort zone to try the latest chains and newest dapps. The De.Fi DeFi dashboard is a key tool in this regard as we’re able to help you keep track of assets across over 35 different networks.

Staying Safe With De.Fi

As we hope you’ve seen, De.Fi is always on the lookout for new airdrop opportunities to help web3 users get ahead. However, it’s also important to stay vigilant. As inventors of crypto’s first antivirus, we’re not just here to educate you. It’s our mission to keep investors safe as well.

With this in mind, we highly recommend taking some time to investigate the security tools built into our industry-leading DeFi dashboard suite: Scanner & Shield.

Scanner is a free smart contract security auditor that allows you to get a report on any possible exploits hidden within a token address in <1 minute.

unibot scanner results page

USE SCANNER NOW

And what about auditing existing wallet connections and purchases? In that scenario, Shield has you covered. Simply connect your wallet to our revoke permissions tool and we’ll complete another automated scan to ensure that

defi shield revoke tool

USE SHIELD NOW

Finally, to stay up-to-date on breaking crypto security news, we highly recommend following our De.Fi Security account on X. Turn on post alerts and be notified when an exploit comes to our attention!

Crypto can be intimidating, but with De.Fi by your side you’ll have everything you need to stay secure while finding the best retrodrop opportunities.

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