ZKSwap V3 Airdrop Details: How ZKS Tokens Were Distributed by ZKBase

ZKSwap V3 Airdrop Details: How ZKS Tokens Were Distributed by ZKBase

ZKSwap V3 Airdrop Rewards Calculator

How the Original Airdrop Worked

The ZKSwap V3 testnet airdrop distributed 50,000 ZKS tokens to testers in December 2021. To qualify, users had to:

  • Connect MetaMask to Ethereum Rinkeby test network
  • Use ZKSwap V3 interface (trading, adding liquidity, NFT interactions)
  • Write a 300+ word review on ZKSwap forum
  • Post review link on Twitter with #V3TestnetFeedback# and wallet address

Note This was a real user testing program, not a simple token giveaway.

Participation Level

Your Potential Rewards

Best Contribution Award
60 winners received 500 ZKS each (about $30,000 total)
Honorable Mention Award
200 participants received 100 ZKS each
Result: ZKS
Important: The ZKSwap V3 airdrop ended in December 2021. This calculator shows how the rewards were distributed, but you can no longer claim these tokens.
Caution: Any website claiming you can still claim ZKS tokens from this airdrop is a scam.

Many people confuse ZKSwap and ZKBase as the same project - but they’re not. ZKSwap is a Layer 2 decentralized exchange built on ZK-Rollup tech. ZKBase is the parent ecosystem that includes ZKSwap, ZKSquare, and other infrastructure. And while ZKBase has its own ZKB token, the big airdrop everyone talks about was for ZKSwap’s V3 testnet - and it used ZKS tokens, not ZKB.

What Actually Happened in the ZKSwap V3 Airdrop?

The ZKSwap V3 testnet airdrop didn’t happen in 2025. It ended in December 2021. If you’re looking to claim tokens now, you’re too late. But understanding how it worked helps you spot real airdrops in the future - and avoid scams.

The goal? Get real users to test the new version of ZKSwap before it went live. They needed people to break things, find bugs, and write detailed feedback. Not just click a button and walk away.

Here’s how it worked:

  1. You had to connect your MetaMask wallet to the Ethereum Rinkeby test network.
  2. You had to use the ZKSwap V3 testnet interface - trading, adding liquidity, interacting with NFTs.
  3. You had to write a 300+ word review on the ZKSwap forum about your experience.
  4. You had to post that review link on Twitter with the hashtag #V3TestnetFeedback# and include your wallet address.

That’s it. No KYC. No deposit. No wallet seeding. Just real usage and honest feedback.

How Were Rewards Distributed?

The total reward pool was 50,000 ZKS tokens - worth about $30,000 at the time. But it wasn’t split evenly.

There were two tiers:

  • Best Contribution Award: 60 winners got 500 ZKS each. These were people who found critical bugs, wrote clear, detailed reports, and explained how to reproduce issues. Quality over quantity.
  • Honorable Mention Award: 200 participants got 100 ZKS each. These were users who completed the basic requirements but didn’t go as deep.

And here’s the catch: if you used multiple wallets from the same IP address, only the one with the highest reward qualified got paid. No gaming the system.

Rewards were distributed by December 23, 2021. No delays. No excuses. The team paid out exactly as promised.

ZKBase and ZKB - What’s the Difference?

This is where most people get lost. ZKBase is the company behind ZKSwap. Think of ZKBase as the parent company and ZKSwap as one of its products - like how Google owns YouTube.

ZKBase’s native token is ZKB. It has a max supply of 600 million. As of 2025, around 197 million ZKB are in circulation. But here’s the key: there was no ZKB airdrop tied to ZKSwap V3.

The ZKS token is what powered ZKSwap. It was used for governance, fee discounts, and staking rewards on the DEX. ZKB was meant for broader ecosystem use - payments, infrastructure, future products. They’re two different tokens with two different purposes.

Confusing ZKS with ZKB is like thinking the Ethereum token (ETH) is the same as the Chainlink token (LINK). They’re on the same network, but they’re not the same thing.

Two groups of users receiving ZKS tokens for testnet feedback, one with bug reports, one with basic tasks

Why Did ZKSwap Run This Airdrop?

In 2021, Layer 2 solutions were exploding. Everyone was talking about scaling Ethereum. But no one knew if these new systems actually worked under real use.

ZKSwap needed to prove their V3 upgrade was stable. They needed:

  • Real transaction volume on testnet
  • Proof that NFT trading worked without gas fees
  • Feedback on UI/UX changes

Instead of paying developers to test it, they turned to the community. And it worked. The feedback from those 260 participants helped fix critical bugs before mainnet launch.

This wasn’t a marketing stunt. It was engineering. And it’s one of the cleanest examples of a community-driven testnet incentive program in DeFi.

What You Can Learn From This Airdrop

If you’re looking for future airdrops, here’s what to watch for:

  • Real work required: If an airdrop asks you to just hold a token or connect a wallet - be skeptical. The best ones ask you to use the product.
  • Clear rules: ZKSwap published exact word counts, hashtag formats, and deadlines. No vague promises.
  • Wallet linking: Rewards were tied to specific addresses. No fake claims.
  • No KYC: You didn’t need to hand over your ID. Privacy was built in.

Also, always check the official website. ZKSwap’s blog had step-by-step guides for connecting MetaMask to Rinkeby, getting test ETH, and using the testnet. If you can’t find official documentation - it’s probably a scam.

ZKS and ZKB tokens as characters representing different roles in ZKSwap and ZKBase ecosystem

Is There a ZKSwap V3 Airdrop in 2025?

No. The V3 testnet airdrop ended in 2021. ZKSwap has moved on. The mainnet is live. The protocol has evolved. ZKBase continues developing ZKB, but no new airdrops have been announced as of December 2025.

Don’t fall for fake websites or Discord groups claiming you can still claim ZKS or ZKB from the V3 drop. Those are phishing traps. The original airdrop is long over.

If you want to get involved now, focus on:

  • Buying or trading ZKB on supported exchanges (like Gate.io or MEXC)
  • Using ZKSwap’s mainnet DEX for low-fee trading
  • Staking ZKS if you still hold it (though liquidity rewards have changed)

What Happened to the ZKS Tokens?

The original ZKSwap airdrop in February 2021 distributed 80 million ZKS tokens to existing holders. That was a one-time snapshot-based distribution. The V3 testnet airdrop was separate - 50,000 ZKS for testers.

Today, ZKS is still active on the ZKSwap mainnet. It’s used for:

  • Reducing trading fees
  • Participating in governance votes
  • Staking for yield (though rewards are lower than in 2021)

But if you didn’t participate in 2021, you can’t claim those tokens now. They’re not being redistributed.

Final Thoughts

The ZKSwap V3 airdrop wasn’t about free money. It was about building trust. The team didn’t just hand out tokens - they asked users to help them build something better. And in return, they paid fairly and transparently.

That’s the difference between a real crypto project and a pump-and-dump scheme.

Today, ZKBase continues to expand its ecosystem. ZKSwap remains one of the most efficient ZK-Rollup DEXs. ZKB is still in circulation. But the airdrop? That’s history.

If you’re looking for opportunities now, don’t chase ghosts. Watch for new testnet launches. Follow official channels. And always - always - verify the source before you click anything.

Was there a ZKB airdrop in 2021?

No. ZKBase did not conduct an airdrop for its ZKB token in 2021. The airdrop that year was for ZKSwap’s V3 testnet and used ZKS tokens, not ZKB. ZKB is the native token of the ZKBase ecosystem, but no public airdrop for ZKB has been documented.

Can I still claim ZKS tokens from the ZKSwap V3 airdrop?

No. The ZKSwap V3 testnet airdrop ended in December 2021. Rewards were distributed by December 23, 2021. Any website or social media post claiming you can still claim these tokens is a scam.

What’s the difference between ZKS and ZKB tokens?

ZKS is the token used by ZKSwap for trading fees, governance, and staking on its decentralized exchange. ZKB is the native token of the ZKBase ecosystem, used for broader infrastructure, payments via ZKSquare, and future products. They’re separate tokens with different roles.

Do I need to do KYC to participate in ZKSwap airdrops?

No. The ZKSwap V3 testnet airdrop required no KYC. You only needed a MetaMask wallet, a testnet review, and a Twitter post. Legitimate DeFi airdrops rarely require personal documents - if they do, treat them with extreme caution.

How can I find legitimate future airdrops from ZKBase or ZKSwap?

Always go to the official website - zkswap.finance for ZKSwap and zkbase.org for ZKBase. Follow their verified Twitter and blog. Never trust Discord links, Telegram bots, or Google Ads. Real airdrops are announced through official channels only.

Comments (18)

  • Greer Dauphin

    Greer Dauphin

    2 12 25 / 19:11 PM

    lol i thought i was late to the party but turns out i was never invited 😅 honestly this is one of the few airdrops that actually felt fair. no KYC, no bs, just use it and tell em what broke. wish more projects did this instead of just spamming discord with 'claim now!!!'

  • Bhoomika Agarwal

    Bhoomika Agarwal

    4 12 25 / 12:37 PM

    India still waiting for its share of the pie while Americans get rich off testnets? đŸ€Ą ZKSwap? More like ZKScam if you ask me. Why do they even bother with testnets when they could’ve just airdropped to Indian devs? We build the tech, they take the tokens.

  • Althea Gwen

    Althea Gwen

    5 12 25 / 22:00 PM

    so... we're still talking about a 2021 airdrop? đŸ„± i mean... cool story bro. but can we move on? i got 17 other crypto dramas to scroll through before my coffee gets cold ☕

  • Steve Savage

    Steve Savage

    6 12 25 / 08:59 AM

    this is actually one of the cleanest examples of community-driven development i've seen in DeFi. not just 'give us your wallet and we'll send you free tokens' but 'here's a tool, break it, tell us how, and we'll pay you properly.' that’s respect. that’s how you build trust. most projects today are just fishing for wallets with shiny bait.

  • Joe B.

    Joe B.

    6 12 25 / 10:54 AM

    Let’s be real - the entire ZKSwap V3 airdrop was a brilliantly engineered PR stunt disguised as community engagement. The 50k ZKS pool was a fraction of their burn rate, and the real ROI was the 260 high-quality bug reports, UX feedback loops, and organic Twitter exposure. They didn’t pay testers - they bought validation. And let’s not forget the IP address restriction: that wasn’t anti-gaming, that was anti-Indian bot farms. You think they didn’t know what was coming? Of course they did. This was a controlled experiment.

  • Katherine Alva

    Katherine Alva

    7 12 25 / 14:38 PM

    i love how this post just... states facts without screaming. no hype, no FOMO, just: here's what happened, here's why it mattered, here's what to watch for next time. đŸŒ± so refreshing in this space. thank you for not turning it into a crypto infomercial.

  • Ann Ellsworth

    Ann Ellsworth

    7 12 25 / 17:54 PM

    Let me just say - if you didn’t submit a 300+ word review with properly formatted markdown, a screenshot of your transaction history, and a link to your GitHub profile (which, by the way, should’ve been verified via Gitcoin Passport), then you weren’t eligible. Anyone who thinks this was ‘fair’ clearly didn’t read the fine print. The real winners were those who understood the meta-game: documentation as currency.

  • Ankit Varshney

    Ankit Varshney

    9 12 25 / 13:43 PM

    this is exactly how it should be done. no drama, no promises, just work and get paid. i wish more teams would follow this model. real users, real feedback, real rewards. no need for influencers or paid shills.

  • Sharmishtha Sohoni

    Sharmishtha Sohoni

    10 12 25 / 08:50 AM

    ZKS ≠ ZKB. Got it.

  • Durgesh Mehta

    Durgesh Mehta

    10 12 25 / 11:18 AM

    i remember doing that testnet back then just to help out honestly didn't expect anything back but when i got my 100 ZKS i was like wow this is actually real thanks team

  • Jess Bothun-Berg

    Jess Bothun-Berg

    11 12 25 / 02:08 AM

    Wait. Wait. Wait. You mean to tell me
 you didn’t have to stake 10 ETH, link your Coinbase account, and sign a NDA in triplicate to get 100 ZKS? That’s
 that’s not possible. This isn’t crypto. This is a government program. I’m reporting this to the SEC. Someone’s lying. Or worse - they’re being ethical.

  • Rod Filoteo

    Rod Filoteo

    12 12 25 / 11:12 AM

    this whole thing was a front. ZKBase is just a shell company for the Chinese gov to launder crypto through testnets. they used the airdrop to collect wallet fingerprints and now they’re tracking every single address that touched ZKS. you think your privacy was safe? you were the product. and now your wallet’s on a blacklist. don’t say i didn’t warn you.

  • Layla Hu

    Layla Hu

    14 12 25 / 09:22 AM

    i appreciate the clarity. so many people confuse tokens and ecosystems - this clears it up without the noise. thank you.

  • Nora Colombie

    Nora Colombie

    15 12 25 / 08:19 AM

    You people are so naive. Of course the airdrop was fake. ZKBase doesn’t even exist anymore - it was bought by a shell in the Caymans in 2022. The ‘ZKS’ you got? Worthless. The ‘ZKB’ you’re chasing? A meme. The real value was always in the data they harvested from your MetaMask. You didn’t earn tokens - you sold your privacy. And now you’re proud of it? Pathetic.

  • Mark Stoehr

    Mark Stoehr

    15 12 25 / 19:51 PM

    zks zkb same thing lol who cares just buy the dip

  • Shari Heglin

    Shari Heglin

    17 12 25 / 19:14 PM

    I find it curious that you characterize this as ‘community-driven’ when the participation criteria were deliberately exclusionary - requiring familiarity with Rinkeby, Twitter engagement, and forum writing skills. This was not an open call. It was a meritocratic gatekeeping exercise disguised as decentralization. The token distribution was not egalitarian; it was curated.

  • Reggie Herbert

    Reggie Herbert

    18 12 25 / 04:36 AM

    ZKSwap V3? Yeah, I remember that. The UI was a mess. I traded for 3 hours and my wallet crashed twice. Got my 100 ZKS anyway. Still have them. Still use ZKSwap. Still don’t trust any project that doesn’t let you test before they launch. Simple as that.

  • Tatiana Rodriguez

    Tatiana Rodriguez

    19 12 25 / 03:39 AM

    I just want to say - this post made me cry a little. Not because I got rich, but because I felt seen. In a world where every airdrop feels like a casino and every project is screaming ‘GIVE ME YOUR WALLET AND I’LL MAKE YOU RICH,’ ZKSwap didn’t just ask for your money - they asked for your voice. And they listened. I wrote that 300-word review after staying up till 3am because I genuinely wanted to help them fix the liquidity pool bug. And they paid me. Not in hype. Not in promises. In real tokens. That’s rare. That’s beautiful. That’s what crypto was supposed to be. I miss that version of it. And I hope it comes back.

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