New Airdrop meta : The next stage of Airdrop Farming

In the fast-paced world of crypto, airdrop hunters are navigating a phase of significant transition. As the old strategies close their chapters, a new wave of opportunities is on the horizon, but the game is changing, and those who adapt will thrive.

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The Transition Phase

We’re currently in a transition phase where the once-reliable plays are gradually coming to an end, paving the way for fresh opportunities. The most promising projects on the horizon, such as Risc Zero and MegaETH, are still in the wings, while others like Eclipse, Babylon, and Move are just gearing up. As airdrop hunters, understanding this shift is crucial to staying ahead of the curve.

A Decline in Traditional Airdrops

The days of the classic airdrop are numbered. The rise of the points meta is reshaping how rewards are distributed, making traditional airdrops increasingly rare. However, this shift also signals the dawn of a new meta—one that will be different yet just as impactful as the points system was when it first emerged.

The Rise of Under-the-Radar Airdrops

In this evolving landscape, under-the-radar airdrops are gaining traction. Projects are now embedding hidden information and application forms within their documentation, challenging hunters to dig deeper and stay vigilant. This trend represents a significant departure from the more straightforward airdrops of the past.

NFT Airdrops

The world of NFTs is also becoming a critical arena for airdrop hunters. However, predicting which NFTs will be airdropped remains challenging, unless you’re deeply entrenched in the specific NFT ecosystem. This unpredictability adds a layer of complexity to the hunt, making it both exciting and risky.

Early Activity on Discords

Increasingly, being active on a project’s Discord during its early days is proving to be a rewarding strategy. Many projects are now offering rewards for early engagement, making Discords an essential platform for those looking to maximize their gains. If a new project catches your eye, it’s worth dedicating time to be active on their Discord during the crucial first 2-3 months. This early participation can often translate into significant rewards, setting you apart from the crowd.

Challenges of Subsequent Airdrop Seasons

For those familiar with airdrop seasons, it’s becoming clear that seasons beyond the first are less lucrative. Season 2 and beyond tend to face triple setbacks: declining token prices, reduced allocation percentages, and a noticeable drop in hype. This combination makes these later rounds less attractive and far less profitable, requiring hunters to be more discerning in their efforts.

The Last of the Major Airdrops

As the airdrop landscape evolves, only a few key opportunities remain for those chasing the final big drops. Projects like Stone, Meth, and uniETH are among the last with significant airdrops in their first seasons. For 98% of airdrops, the most strategic move has been to sell them immediately upon launch, converting them into ETH, BTC, or stablecoins.

Ethereum’s Performance and the Airdrop Advantage

While Ethereum has underperformed compared to Bitcoin recently, airdrop hunters who held their tokens in Ethereum have often outperformed Bitcoin, thanks to the strategic gains from airdrops. The first airdrop of a particular kind is typically the most rewarding, underscoring the importance of being early in this game.

Unanticipated Successes and Bitcoin’s Future Potential

Interestingly, some projects that might seem unremarkable can still yield substantial airdrops. A prime example is zkSync, which, despite its apparent lack of appeal, delivered a significant airdrop. Looking forward, there’s a growing expectation that more serious projects will start building on Bitcoin, following the lead of innovators like Babylon. Although platforms like Unisat and runes are just scratching the surface, DeFi is likely to find its way onto Bitcoin eventually.

Infrastructure Projects and the Inevitable Airdrop Trend

Even infrastructure projects are not immune to the airdrop meta, which has become too influential to ignore. Pyth was the first to break this ground, and it’s expected that others, such as Redstone, Conduit, Certik, and Risc Zero, will follow suit. The pressure to launch with an airdrop has become a defining feature of the current crypto landscape.

Sustainability Concerns and Strategic Friction

However, the sustainability of airdrops over the long term is questionable. Many projects rely heavily on airdrops to launch at exorbitant Fully Diluted Valuations (FDV), only to struggle afterward. As a hunter, you should always seek out projects with significant friction—those that require more effort but ultimately offer higher rewards.

The Real Losers of Airdrops

Not everyone wins in the airdrop game. The real losers are often those who buy into these tokens after the airdrop has occurred, as well as those who miss out on eligibility. Understanding the nuances of timing and participation is key to avoiding these pitfalls.

A DeFi Innovation Drought

This cycle has also highlighted a concerning lack of innovation within DeFi and its underlying mechanics. With only a few notable advancements, such as Eigen and Tap, the space feels stagnant, crying out for fresh ideas and new approaches.

The Harsh Reality: Marketing Over Substance

In the end, the harsh reality is that marketing often trumps both user experience and technical innovation. The projects that succeed are not always the most technically advanced or user-friendly but those that know how to market themselves effectively.

As the airdrop landscape continues to shift, staying informed and adaptable is crucial. The strategies that worked yesterday may not work tomorrow, but for those willing to evolve, the rewards can be substantial. The key is to remain vigilant, be strategic in your participation, and always stay one step ahead of the next trend.