The crypto airdrop landscape continues to evolve, drawing in early adopters eager to participate in the next wave of decentralized innovation. As major protocols distribute tokens to early users, attention has increasingly shifted toward projects without native tokens—particularly in the DeFi and Layer 2 ecosystems. These protocols are building robust user engagement through积分 (points) and incentive programs, widely believed to be precursors to future token launches.
With several high-profile airdrops already making headlines in 2025—including Ethena’s $500 million distribution to 90,000 users—investors and enthusiasts are now scanning the horizon for the next opportunities. Projects like Wormhole and Parcl have confirmed airdrops, reinforcing community trust in the model. Even in the face of market volatility, user activity remains strong, driven by the potential for substantial returns.
This article explores six of the most anticipated airdrop candidates, analyzing their ecosystems, user incentives, and growth metrics—all while highlighting key signals that could indicate an upcoming token launch.
Zircuit: Zero-Knowledge Rollup with Massive Testnet Traction
Zircuit is an Ethereum Layer 2 rollup leveraging zero-knowledge (zk) proofs to enable fast, secure, and private transactions. While its mainnet has yet to launch—expected in summer 2025—the project has already attracted significant attention through its testnet phase.
👉 Discover how early participation in emerging zk-based networks can unlock future rewards.
In April alone, nearly $2.5 billion was deposited into Zircuit’s staking pool, a clear indicator of user anticipation for a potential airdrop. Early adopters earn points for staking ETH and interacting with the network, with many expecting these points to convert into a native token upon mainnet release.
What sets Zircuit apart is its ecosystem partnerships. Users can also earn points from integrations with notable protocols like Renzo, EigenLayer, and eOracle—both of which are themselves strong airdrop contenders. This interconnected incentive structure amplifies user engagement across multiple platforms, creating a flywheel effect for growth.
Although the team has not officially confirmed a token, the combination of high TVL (Total Value Locked), active development, and structured rewards makes Zircuit one of the most watched projects in the zk-rollup space.
EigenLayer: Re-Staking Giant with Unconfirmed Token Plans
EigenLayer stands as the second-largest DeFi protocol by TVL, with over $15.4 billion in assets locked. At the heart of the re-staking revolution, EigenLayer allows users to re-stake their already-secured Ethereum (via LSDs like Lido or Rocket Pool) to provide security for additional applications.
The expectation of a future airdrop has been a major driver behind its explosive growth. Despite this, Eigen Labs, the team behind the protocol, has repeatedly stated “no token” in public forums like Discord—a move many interpret as a regulatory precaution rather than a definitive denial.
Still, historical precedent supports optimism. Projects like Ether.fi and Parcl initially downplayed token plans before delivering substantial airdrops. The presence of a well-documented points system further fuels speculation that early contributors will be rewarded.
For those seeking exposure to Ethereum’s expanding trust layer, EigenLayer offers both utility and potential upside—with or without an official token announcement.
Karak: Multi-Chain Re-Staking with XP Incentives
Karak is an emerging player in the re-staking space, differentiating itself through multi-chain support and broader asset compatibility. Unlike EigenLayer, which operates solely on Ethereum, Karak enables re-staking across Arbitrum and its own Karak Network, opening doors to a wider user base.
Since its private launch in early April 2025, Karak has drawn over $400 million in deposits, achieving a $1 billion valuation remarkably fast. The protocol supports not only ETH but also stablecoins and various liquid staking derivatives (LSDs), increasing capital efficiency for users.
Karak’s incentive model revolves around XP (Experience Points), awarded for staking and referrals. These XP function similarly to积分 in other ecosystems and are widely expected to convert into a native token during a future airdrop.
While no formal conversion plan has been announced, the structure mirrors successful precedents. For users already active on Arbitrum or exploring alternative re-staking options, Karak presents a compelling opportunity.
friend.tech: SocialFi Revival with Full Supply Airdrop Hype
friend.tech, the social trading platform that sparked a frenzy in 2023, saw a resurgence in April 2025 with the launch of Version 2 (V2). This relaunch brought renewed user interest—and speculation of a full-supply airdrop.
At its peak, the platform recorded $7.4 million in daily deposits, the highest since October 2023. What makes friend.tech unique is the rumor that 100% of its token supply could be distributed via airdrop—a rare move in crypto, where teams typically reserve large portions for treasury or investors.
Users earn points by buying “keys” (shares) in creators and participating in social markets. A vibrant secondary market for these points has emerged, indicating strong belief in their future value.
As one of the few SocialFi projects with real traction, friend.tech V2 could redefine how communities are monetized—if the rumored token launch materializes.
LayerZero: Interoperability Leader with Confirmed Airdrop
LayerZero is one of the most anticipated airdrops in the crypto space. As a cross-chain interoperability protocol, it enables seamless communication between blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche.
The team has confirmed plans for a native token and expects distribution by the end of Q2 2025. Over the past two years, users have actively engaged with supported dApps (such as Stargate and UXLINK) to accumulate eligibility for the airdrop.
Activity such as bridging assets, swapping tokens, or providing liquidity on LayerZero-integrated platforms is believed to increase claim chances. With major backing and widespread adoption, this airdrop is expected to be one of the year’s largest.
👉 Learn how cross-chain activity can position you for major token distributions.
zkSync: Long-Awaited zkEVM with Growing Ecosystem Incentives
zkSync, developed by Matter Labs, is a leading zk-rollup solution aiming to scale Ethereum using zero-knowledge technology. Despite launching its mainnet years ago, zkSync has yet to release its native token—though expectations remain high.
The project runs an extensive points program tracking user interactions across its ecosystem. Activities like swapping, bridging, and minting NFTs contribute to a user’s score. While no official timeline has been shared for token distribution, community sentiment strongly favors an imminent launch.
With growing adoption onboarding projects from gaming to DeFi, zkSync’s eventual airdrop could reward early contributors handsomely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I qualify for crypto airdrops?
A: Most projects use activity-based eligibility—such as staking, trading, or bridging assets. Participating early in testnets or earning points increases your chances.
Q: Are crypto airdrops taxable?
A: In many jurisdictions, airdropped tokens are considered taxable income at fair market value when received. Consult a tax professional for guidance.
Q: Can I lose money chasing airdrops?
A: Yes. Depositing funds into protocols carries risks like impermanent loss or smart contract vulnerabilities. Never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Q: Is it too late to join these projects?
A: While early participation offers the best rewards, many programs continue accumulating points over time. Consistent engagement improves eligibility.
Q: Will all points programs lead to airdrops?
A: Not guaranteed. Some projects may sunset their programs without issuing tokens—though historical trends suggest most do follow through.
Q: How can I track my progress across multiple airdrop campaigns?
A: Use blockchain explorers or dedicated dashboards like zkDrop or LayerZero’s analytics tools to monitor your activity and eligibility.
👉 Start exploring high-potential blockchain ecosystems and position yourself for future rewards today.
As the crypto ecosystem matures, strategic participation in emerging protocols offers more than just financial upside—it provides access to governance, community influence, and long-term network benefits. Whether it’s Zircuit’s zk-infrastructure or LayerZero’s cross-chain vision, now is the time to engage meaningfully with projects shaping the future of Web3.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making investment decisions.