Airdrop Verification Checker
Verify if a claimed airdrop matches the legitimate ZKSwap V3 testnet criteria
When the crypto buzz mentions a "ZKSwap V3 airdrop," most readers assume it’s a ZKB giveaway from ZKBase. In reality, the airdrop belonged to ZKSwap, used the ZKS token, and wrapped up in December2021. This article untangles the two projects, walks you through the original V3 testnet rewards, and explains why no ZKB airdrop ever happened.
Key Takeaways
- ZKSwap’s V3 testnet airdrop handed out 50,000ZKS tokens in December2021; there was no ZKB distribution.
- ZKBase is a separate ecosystem that issues the ZKB token, with a current circulating supply of roughly 197million.
- The airdrop required a MetaMask wallet on the Ethereum Rinkeby testnet, a 300‑word review, and the #V3TestnetFeedback hashtag.
- Understanding the token distinction helps you avoid scams that claim a "ZKB airdrop" linked to ZKSwap.
- Future airdrop hunters should follow a simple verification checklist outlined below.
What Is ZKSwap??
ZKSwap is a decentralized exchange (DEX) that combines an automated market maker (AMM) model with ZK‑Rollup Layer2 scaling. The rollup compresses thousands of transactions into a single proof, slashing gas costs and boosting throughput. Since its launch, ZKSwap has aimed to provide “unlimited scalability and privacy” for traders and liquidity providers.
Introducing ZKSwap V3
Version3, released on the testnet in late 2021, added a slick UI, full NFT support, and faster order matching. The upgrade was significant enough that the team offered a limited‑time airdrop to encourage real‑world testing.
How the ZKSwap V3 airdrop Worked
The V3 testnet giveaway ran from 1December to 14December2021. Here’s a step‑by‑step recap of the original process:
- Set up a MetaMask wallet and switch to the Ethereum Rinkeby testnet.
- Visit the official ZKSwap V3 testnet page and connect the wallet.Interact with the new features-swap tokens, provide liquidity, or mint an NFT.
- Write a review of at least 300words on the ZKSwap forum detailing your experience, bugs found, and UI feedback.
- Tweet the forum link with the hashtag
#V3TestnetFeedbackand include your wallet address.
Eligibility was checked on 15December. The team allocated two reward tiers:
- Best Contribution Award: 60 users earned 500ZKS each.
- Honorable Mention: 200 users received 100ZKS each.
All rewards were distributed by 23December2021. The total airdrop size was 50,000ZKS (roughly $30,000 at the time).
What Is ZKBase?
Separate from ZKSwap, ZKBase runs a broader blockchain platform that includes three core components: the ZKSwap DEX, a payment service called ZKSquare, and additional infrastructure tools. ZKBase’s native token is ZKB, not ZKS.
ZKB Token Basics
Key attributes of the ZKB token (as of October2025):
- Maximum supply: 600million ZKB.
- Circulating supply: ~197.44million ZKB.
- Primary uses: governance voting on ZKBase upgrades, fee discounts on ZKSquare, and staking incentives.
No public record shows ZKBase ever issuing an airdrop of ZKB. The confusion stems from the overlapping branding of ZKSwap within the ZKBase ecosystem.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison: ZKS vs. ZKB
| Attribute | ZKS | ZKB |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing project | ZKSwap DEX | ZKBase ecosystem |
| Primary purpose | Liquidity incentives, governance, fee payment on ZKSwap | Governance, fee discounts on ZKSquare, staking rewards |
| Total supply | ~80million (airdrop) + circulating | 600million (max) |
| Known airdrops | 2021 mainnet airdrop (80M) & V3 testnet (50K) | None documented |
| Blockchain layer | Ethereum Layer2 (ZK‑Rollup) | Layer‑1 & Layer‑2 services within ZKBase |
Verifying Historical Airdrop Claims
If someone shows you a screenshot claiming a “ZKB airdrop from ZKSwap V3,” run through this quick test:
- Check the token symbol. ZKSwap’s token is ZKS; ZKB belongs to ZKBase.
- Look for the snapshot date. The V3 testnet airdrop snapshot was 15December2021 on the Rinkeby network.
- Search the official ZKSwap blog or GitHub release notes for the airdrop announcement.
- Confirm the wallet address on a block explorer that supports the Rinkeby testnet. ZKS testnet tokens appear under the “rinkeby” network, not mainnet.
- If the claim mentions a mainnet ZKB transfer, it’s likely a phishing attempt.
Keeping a record of the original announcement links can protect you from future scams.
Checklist for Future Airdrop Hunters
Use this short list before you invest time or personal data into any “airdrop” that mentions ZKSwap or ZKBase:
- Official source: Verify the announcement on the project’s blog, Discord, or verified Twitter account.
- Token symbol: ZKS for ZKSwap, ZKB for ZKBase.
- Network: Testnet airdrops run on Rinkeby or Goerli, not on Ethereum mainnet.
- Eligibility criteria: Look for concrete steps (e.g., wallet connection, review length) rather than vague “join our Telegram.”
- Reward distribution timeline: Legit projects publish a clear date; “soon” without details is a red flag.
Following these steps reduces the chance of falling for bogus “ZKB airdrop” offers that misuse the ZKSwap brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did ZKBase ever run a ZKB airdrop?
No. ZKBase has not announced or executed any airdrop of its ZKB token. The only documented airdrops involve ZKSwap’s ZKS token.
What was the purpose of the ZKSwap V3 testnet airdrop?
The goal was to encourage deep testing of the new V3 UI, NFT features, and Layer2 performance. Rewards were given to users who provided detailed feedback and bug reports.
Can I claim a ZKS airdrop now?
The V3 testnet airdrop closed in December2021, and the distribution was completed. New airdrops would be announced separately on official channels.
How do I differentiate ZKS from ZKB on a blockchain explorer?
ZKS appears on the Rinkeby testnet (for the V3 airdrop) and on the ZKSwap mainnet contract address. ZKB is listed under the ZKBase contract on the Ethereum mainnet. Check the contract address and network label to be sure.
Is participating in airdrops taxable?
Tax treatment varies by jurisdiction. In many countries, airdropped tokens are considered taxable income at the fair market value on the day you receive them. Keep records of the date, token amount, and USD value for reporting.
Jade Hibbert
October 12, 2025 AT 08:36Wow, thanks for the deep dive on ZKSwap, I was *totally* lost before reading this, now I’m a ZK‑expert 😂. Definately don’t need any more info, right?
Hanna Regehr
October 17, 2025 AT 00:00Glad you found it useful! Just to add, the Rinkeby testnet step is critical because the airdrop only recognized wallets on that network. If you switch networks after claiming, you’ll miss the reward.
Lena Vega
October 21, 2025 AT 15:23Good summary, thanks.
Laura Myers
October 26, 2025 AT 05:46Alright, let’s get real-this whole ZKSwap hype train feels like a rollercoaster that never stops, but the facts are clear: no ZKB, just ZKS, and the checklist is your safety harness.
Carol Fisher
October 30, 2025 AT 21:10🇺🇸 Proud that American developers are leading the way in privacy‑first DEX tech! Anyone still chasing phantom ZKB tokens is just chasing smoke. 🌟🚀
Melanie Birt
November 4, 2025 AT 12:33Exactly, Carol! For those still confused, remember the official airdrop required a 300‑word review on the ZKSwap blog. 🙋♀️ Also, double‑check the #V3TestnetFeedback hashtag before posting.
Lady Celeste
November 9, 2025 AT 03:56The community’s still being scammed by copy‑cat sites; they profit off your curiosity.
Ethan Chambers
November 13, 2025 AT 19:20Oh come on, Lady Celeste, not every project is a scam just because you’re bored. Some groups genuinely want feedback, and the testnet was a solid experiment.
Rama Julianto
November 18, 2025 AT 10:43Listen up, friends-if you’re still using the mainnet instead of Rinkeby, you’re just wasting gas. Make sure your MetaMask is switched, or the airdrop won’t see you at all.
Scott Hall
November 23, 2025 AT 02:06Spot on, Rama! And remember, if you hit any hiccups, the community Discord is a great place to get quick help. Keep pushing forward!
Leynda Jeane Erwin
November 27, 2025 AT 17:30While I appreciate the thoroughness of the guide, it would be remiss not to mention the tax implications of receiving airdropped tokens, especially for US citizens. Please consider consulting a tax professional.
Brandon Salemi
December 2, 2025 AT 08:53Thanks for the heads‑up, Leynda. Quick note: the airdrop was purely on testnet, so there were no real‑world tax events at the time.
Siddharth Murugesan
December 7, 2025 AT 00:16People keep falling for these so‑called “airdrop” scams because nobody bothered to read the original post. It’s basic common sense, not rocket science.
Daron Stenvold
December 11, 2025 AT 15:40I understand the frustration, Siddharth, but a little patience goes a long way. By spreading accurate info, we can protect newcomers from needless loss.
hrishchika Kumar
December 16, 2025 AT 07:03Imagine the thrill of discovering a hidden treasure chest in a video game-only this time it’s the ZKS tokens waiting in the testnet vault. 🌈✨ Let’s celebrate the ingenuity of the ZKSwap team!
ചഞ്ചൽ അനസൂയ
December 20, 2025 AT 22:26True, the excitement is like a digital pilgrimage; we wander through code, seeking enlightenment in each block. Keep the spirit alive, fellow seekers.
Orlando Lucas
December 25, 2025 AT 13:50The ZKSwap V3 airdrop serves as a fascinating case study in how testnet incentives can shape user behavior.
By requiring participants to interact with the Rinkeby network, the project not only collected valuable usage data but also educated users about layer‑2 scaling.
The 300‑word review condition forced participants to articulate their experience, providing the team with qualitative feedback beyond mere transaction logs.
Moreover, the mandatory #V3TestnetFeedback hashtag created a public ledger of sentiment that anyone could scan for trends.
From a broader crypto‑economics perspective, distributing 50,000 ZKS tokens on a testnet avoided market dilution while still rewarding early adopters.
This approach mitigated the risk of immediate sell pressure that often plagues mainnet airdrops.
It also set a precedent for future projects to consider more nuanced reward structures that balance community building with tokenomics stability.
Critics might argue that a testnet airdrop lacks real value, but the educational upside for participants is substantial.
Learning to configure MetaMask for a specific testnet, crafting a concise review, and tagging appropriately are skills that translate to better security practices.
Furthermore, the transparent criteria listed in the official guide act as a safeguard against phishing attempts, as users can cross‑verify each requirement.
In practice, many scams simply copy the look of the UI but skip one of the four checks, leading to red flags that vigilant users can spot.
As the ecosystem evolves, we may see hybrid models where testnet and mainnet incentives overlap, creating a continuum of engagement.
Such hybrid incentives could bridge the gap between early testers and later adopters, fostering a more cohesive community.
For anyone eyeing future airdrops, the takeaway is clear: always read the official documentation, verify the network, and meet every listed condition.
In doing so, you protect yourself from scams and contribute meaningfully to the project's growth.
So, keep your wallets ready, your reviews thoughtful, and your hashtags on point-the next opportunity may be just around the corner.
Philip Smart
December 30, 2025 AT 05:13Honestly, I could skim this whole thing in five seconds and still know the airdrop was a testnet thing. No need for the drama.
Jacob Moore
January 3, 2026 AT 20:36Totally get the lazy vibe, Philip, but for newcomers the details matter. A quick checklist can save them from costly mistakes.
Manas Patil
January 8, 2026 AT 12:00From a DeFi protocol architecture standpoint, the V3 rollout leverages zk‑rollup aggregators to achieve sub‑second finality, which dovetails nicely with the incentive schema.
Annie McCullough
January 13, 2026 AT 03:23Sure man but all that jargon doesn’t change the fact that most people just want free tokens 😂 no need for fancy talk