zkSync is a layer-2 scaling solution designed to speed up transactions and lower gas fees on Ethereum. zkSync also has a huge ecosystem of dapps built on it- but no token yet. So, getting ready for a potential zkSync airdrop could entitle you to both a zkSync ($ZKS) and an ecosystem project airdrop! Here’s how to get a potential zkSync ($ZKS) token and ecosystem airdrop and DOUBLE your rewards.
Check out our Upcoming Crypto Airdrops! And our video guide on how to get the zkSync $ZKS token airdrop!
Step-by-step Guide
Here’s how to receive a potential zkSync token airdrop:
- Add zkSync Era Alpha Testnet on MetaMask.
- Get Testnet Tokens.
- Interact with zkSync Lite.
- Bridge Funds to zkSync.
- Interact with the zkSync ecosystem.
- Complete quests on zkSync’s Crew3.
See below for more details
What is zkSync?
zkSync is a layer-2 scaling solution designed to speed up transactions and lower gas fees on the Ethereum network while maintaining high security and privacy for users. It does this through Zero-Knowledge Rollup (ZK-Rollup) — transactions on Ethereum are bundled up to be processed off-chain and then sent back to the main chain after validation.
zkSync is developed by Matter Labs. The company was co-founded in 2019 by Alex Gluchowski and Alexandr Vlasov. Matter Labs has raised over $58 million. Their latest funding was raised on 8th November 2021 from a Series B round led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). Other major investors include Dragonfly Capital, Placeholder, 1kx, and more.
What is a Zero-Knowledge (ZK) Rollup?
The ZK-rollup is the core element of zkSync. ZK-rollups generate cryptographic proofs (ZK-SNARK or ZK-STARK) to verify transactions without revealing the information itself, hence the name “zero-knowledge proofs.” It maintains privacy by making transaction details such as token amounts anonymous. It is also highly secure because compressed transaction data are stored on-chain.
Unlike other layer-2 solutions, zkSync relies on math instead of third-party validators to scale computation. Validators are known as “operators” or “sequencers” and are in charge of executing, aggregating, and submitting transactions to the main chain, but they do not validate the transactions themselves — the Ethereum smart contract does. By relying on math and cryptographic security, zkSync ensures a truly secure and trustless environment for decentralized finance (DeFi).
Does zkSync have a Token?
There is no zkSync token YET. But the ticker will potentially be $ZKS. On 16th February 2023, zkSync launched its Fair Onboarding Alpha, with Full Launch Alpha of zkSync 2.0 i.e. zkSync Era in Q2 2023. Meanwhile, zkSync 1.0 will be renamed zkSync Lite.
Is there a zkSync ($ZKS) Token Airdrop?
There is no zkSync ($ZKS) token airdrop yet. Currently, the zkSync Era mainnet is closed, but registered projects can deploy and test their dapps there. Users can also test zkSync Lite.
How to Receive Potential zkSync ($ZKS) Token Airdrop?
The best chance to receive $ZKS airdrop is to interact with zkSync Lite. Moreover, many projects in the zkSync ecosystem also do not have a token yet. So interacting with their ecosystem dapps may entitle you to potential airdrops from zkSync and the ecosystem project. Here’s how to receive a potential zkSync token airdrop:
- Add zkSync Era Alpha Testnet on MetaMask.
- Get Testnet Tokens.
- Interact with zkSync Lite.
- Bridge Funds to zkSync.
- Interact with the zkSync ecosystem.
- Complete quests on zkSync’s Crew3.
Add zkSync Era Alpha Testnet on MetaMask
You will need to connect zkSync Era alpha testnet to your MetaMask. To do this, go to your MetaMask and click on the network button, then “Add network”. Then, click “Add a network manually”. Add the following information and click “Save”:
- Network Name: zkSync Era Testnet
- New RPC URL: https://zksync2-testnet.zksync.dev
- Chain ID: 280
- Currency Symbol: ETH
- Block Explorer URL: https://goerli.explorer.zksync.io/
Get Testnet Tokens
Go to https://goerli.portal.zksync.io/faucet. It will require you to have a Twitter account to claim their testnet tokens. Note the Twitter account is (1) not new, (2) has engaged in previous Twitter activities, and (3) has a profile picture. You will then get Goerli ETH, DAI, LINK, USDC, and wBTC. Remember these are testnet tokens with no value.
Interact with zkSync Lite
Currently, only whitelist addresses are allowed to deposit on mainnet. However, any user can use zkSync Lite (formerly known as zkSync 1.0). This can be a potential way for users to get a zkSync airdrop even though they missed the whitelist. To interact with zkSync Lite, connect your L1 ETH wallet on zkSync Lite (note the single-time account activation fee of 1.279 USDT). Then, interact by moving your balances from L1 on zkSync Lite by depositing ETH or USDT. Or, withdraw your funds back from zkSync Lite to L1.
Bridge Funds to zkSync
Bridge funds to zkSync at https://lite.zksync.io/ by connecting your wallet. Then, top up your balance using the zkSync bridge. You can also try using other bridges in the zkSync ecosystem such as Orbiter Finance and ZigZag Exchange.
If you do not have Goerli ETH, you can use several faucets such as goerlifaucet.com, goerli-faucet.mudit.blog or goerli-faucet.pk910.de.
Interact with the zkSync ecosystem
zkSync has an entire ecosystem of protocols. Here are some top zkSync ecosystem projects you could interact with to maximise your chances of a potential zkSync airdrop and even double your rewards:
Orbiter Finance
Orbiter Finance is a decentralized cross-rollup layer-2 bridge that supports zkSync as well as Arbitrum. You can send ETH, MATIC, BNB and other tokens to zkSync and other layer-2 blockchains via the bridge. However, these are mainnet tokens (with value) since the bridge is live, but you can always bridge them back to Ethereum. Check out our Orbiter Finance Token Airdrop Guide.
ZigZag Exchange
ZigZag Exchange is an orderbook decentralized exchange (DEX) powered by ZK-rollups. You can use your testnet tokens to trade and swap on ZigZag Exchange. ZigZag Exchange has just finished its second round of airdrops (out of 7). So check out our ZigZag Exchange ($ZZ) token airdrop guide so you won’t miss out on their future airdrops!
Argent
Argent is the only crypto wallet that offers multi-signature security and social recovery. The wallet is made specifically for zkSync users and they have a mobile version available on the App Store and Google Play. Download Argent and use their wallet! You can send and receive funds, buy, earn, and stake crypto using Argent.
Onchain Trade
Onchain Trade is a money market and perps DEX offering up to 50x leverage. Connect your wallet to their protocol and test out their features! Check out our Onchain Trade ($OT) token airdrop guide (now LIVE)!
SyncSwap
SyncSwap is a DEX built on zkSync and has recently announced its launch on zkSync Era testnet. It is predicted they will be one of the first protocols to launch on zkSync Era Mainnet since they are one of the first protocols built on zkSync. Therefore, interacting with SyncSwap will put you in a good position to get a potential zkSync token airdrop (and possibly a SyncSwap airdrop too). You can interact with SyncSwap by connecting your wallet to their protocol. Then, swap tokens and deposit them into their liquidity pools with testnet tokens.
Check out our SyncSwap token airdrop guide!
SpaceFi
SpaceFi allows users can trade, earn, mint, stake, sell, create, and invest in a variety of projects. With SpaceFi, users can also swap assets, farm rewards, mint, and stake Planet NFTs, join or create a spacebase, and invest in new projects. SpaceFi has already launched 30 million $SPACE on Evmos mainnet, and will be launching 30 million $SPACE on zkSync 2.0 (i.e. zkSync Era) when mainnet goes live. The team have also confirmed they will be doing an airdrop.
Since the protocol is already live on zkSync testnet, it may be a good idea to interact with SpaceFi in anticipation of when zkSync Era mainnet goes live. To interact with SpaceFi, request testnet tokens here. Then connect your wallet to Space.io, swap some $tSPACE tokens. Then, add liquidity to their pool. Finally, join the SpaceFi Discord and their Crew3. You can also complete the tasks on Crew3 which include joining their guilds, adding them to your CoinGecko watchlist or inviting friends to their Discord.
You can check out our SpaceFi token airdrop guide!
Donate on Gitcoin
Gitcoin is a community platform that funds and coordinate new open-source developments. To donate, go to the “grants” page. Pay via the zkSync network for lower transaction fees.
Complete quests on Crew3
Go to zkSync’s Crew3 Questboard and complete the quests. Tasks include following them on social media, reading their articles, and completing quizzes.
How to identify and avoid zkSync airdrop scams
zkSync has not announced its official token yet. However, this has not stopped scammers from enticing unsuspecting victims with airdrops in order to steal their cryptocurrencies. Here are some ways in which you can identify and avoid zkSync airdrop scammers.
Look at social media handles
Many scammers will use social media (e.g. Twitter, Telegram) handles that are confusingly similar to the official ones. For example, spelling the project name incorrectly or using different fonts and hidden characters in the handle. Other fake accounts may have spelled the project name correctly, but has other words behind it e.g. zkSync (@ freetokens). Always check the official zkSync website.
Impersonating admins or mods
Scammers have been known to impersonate admins or mods on zkSync’s official channels. They may send DMs asking for users’ private information in order to “participate” in airdrops, or send you a link asking you to connect your wallet and drain your funds. zkSync admins or mods would not DM users first.
Fake accounts tweeting zkSync airdrop info
There are fake accounts tweeting zkSync token airdrops. However, there is no official announcement yet. Always check the official channels.
ZkSync Airdrop Review
When reviewing an airdrop, there are several factors to consider. First, the likelihood the project will even do an airdrop in the first place. Then, to look at how many tokens the project intends to allocate towards airdrop campaigns, as well as the difficulty in participating in their airdrop. It is also important to look at the utility of the token so that there will be an actual use and purpose in participating in the airdrop in the first place. Finally, a factor to consider when reviewing an airdrop is whether the airdropped tokens are subject to any lockup period.
Likelihood of Airdrop: There is no official announcement for a zkSync $ZKS token airdrop. However, an airdrop is extremely likely given the success of the Arbitrum airdrop.
Airdropped Token Allocation: The tokenomics of their $ZKS token are unknown.
Airdrop Difficulty: The project has not yet released details about any airdrops. However, interacting with their testnet may give you a chance to get airdrops.
Token Utility: The $ZKS token utility is unknown.
Token Lockup: The $ZKS token lockup period is unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some ways to participate in a potential ZkSync airdrop:
1. Add zkSync Alpha Testnet on MetaMask;
2. Get testnet tokens via zkSync faucet;
3. Add zkSync Era Alpha Mainnet on MetaMask;
4. Interact with zkSync Lite (formerly known as zkSync 1.0);
5. Bridge funds to zkSync;
6. Move funds to Orbiter Finance;
7. Trade on ZigZag Exchange;
8. Set up and use Argent Wallet;
9. Test out the Onchain Trade protocol;
10. Donate on Gitcoin; and
11. Complete quests on Crew3.
zkSync has not announced details of any potential airdrop yet.
This will depend on the rules of the zkSync airdrop campaign, which has not been announced.
No, the actions we have listed do not require you to pay any fees.
zkSync has not announced an airdrop yet, but it is worthwhile to start doing some of the actions now in case zkSync rewards participants retroactively.
There is no official announcement for a zkSync $ZKS token airdrop.
Projects often reward early users. Follow our guide to prepare for a potential airdrop.
There is no confirmed date for the zkSync token yet, but it is speculated that it would be called $ZKS.
Currently, only whitelist addresses can deposit on mainnet. However, anyone can use zkSync Lite, add zkSync Era on MetaMask or use its ecosystem. These can be potential ways to get a zkSync airdrop even though they missed the whitelist.
There is no official announcement for a zkSync $ZKS token presale.
