The golden era of Ethereum-based airdrops has quietly faded. Once the undisputed epicenter of crypto’s most lucrative token giveaways, Ethereum now faces stiff competition from emerging blockchains like Base, Sui, and Berachain—platforms rapidly redefining where the next wave of airdrop hunting is headed. In 2025, savvy participants are no longer fixated on Layer 1 giants; instead, they’re migrating to ecosystems offering lower costs, stronger incentives, and fresher opportunities.
This shift isn’t random—it’s strategic. As gas fees on Ethereum fluctuate and network congestion returns during peak activity, users are discovering that high costs often lead to diminishing returns. The myth of effortless wealth through Ethereum airdrops has largely dissolved, replaced by a more calculated approach centered around emerging chains and early ecosystem participation.
👉 Discover how to identify the next major airdrop before it goes mainstream.
The End of the Ethereum Airdrop Boom
In 2022, Ethereum was the promised land for airdrop hunters. Users like Jason—a newcomer at the time—were willing to spend over $120 in gas for basic interactions on platforms like OpenSea, betting that future token rewards would far outweigh their upfront costs. “Opensea had top-tier funding and big-name investors,” Jason recalled. “I thought for sure there’d be a massive airdrop.”
But by 2025, Jason had left the space entirely. Despite investing in fingerprint browsers, dedicated IPs, and dozens of wallet setups, his accounts were flagged as Sybil attacks by projects like zkSync and LayerZero. No rewards came. Only losses.
His story isn’t unique.
Today, mentions of “getting rich from airdrops” have vanished from social platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Even influential airdrop-focused creators have pivoted—some into advocacy or legal challenges against failed projects. In January 2025 alone, only 14 new airdrop initiatives launched globally, and nearly none originated from native Ethereum protocols.
Why the decline?
While Solana has become a playground for new entrants and BNB Chain serves as a gateway to Binance listings, the deeper issue lies within Ethereum’s own ecosystem: stagnating innovation, rising user friction, and growing dissatisfaction with foundation-led governance. What was once a beacon of decentralization now feels overcrowded and increasingly unprofitable for average participants.
The New Airdrop Powerhouses: Base, Sui, and Berachain
Enter the new contenders: Base, Sui, and Berachain—three ecosystems rapidly capturing the attention of crypto’s most active users.
Take Walrus Protocol on Sui Network—an officially recognized airdrop candidate that launched its contract on March 28. With minimal requirements (just 0.1 SUI deposited), even basic “welfare accounts” saw estimated returns of up to 15x. Backed by heavyweight investors including a16z Crypto, Standard Crypto, Electric Capital, and Franklin Templeton Digital Assets, Walrus exemplifies a new trend: top-tier projects choosing non-Ethereum chains for launch.
This marks a pivotal shift. Historically, such elite funding rounds were exclusive to Ethereum-based ventures. Now, Sui and Berachain are attracting similar talent and capital—offering faster transactions, lower fees, and aggressive ecosystem grants.
These emerging chains share key traits:
- High project valuations and substantial funding rounds
- Native tokens listed on major exchanges
- Strong financial backing via ecosystem incentive programs
- A focus on early user engagement through gamified quests and participation thresholds
For those tracking patterns, this signals where the next major airdrops will emerge.
👉 Learn how to qualify for upcoming token drops on rising blockchain platforms.
Why These Chains Are Winning the Airdrop Race
1. Lower Barriers to Entry
High gas fees on Ethereum create a natural barrier—especially for retail users. On Sui or Base, executing dozens of transactions costs pennies, enabling broader participation without financial strain.
2. Ecosystem Incentive Programs
Platforms like Berachain have launched multi-million-dollar initiatives to bootstrap liquidity and user growth. These aren’t just marketing stunts—they’re structured pathways to potential future airdrops.
3. First-Mover Advantage
Early adopters on these networks gain disproportionate benefits. Just as early Uniswap users reaped massive rewards, today’s participants in Sui DeFi protocols or Base NFT markets may be positioned for similar windfalls.
4. Developer Momentum
With developer tools optimized for speed and scalability, Sui and Berachain are attracting builders focused on real-world applications—not just speculative tokens.
Key Projects to Watch in 2025
If you're serious about catching the next big drop, focus on core protocols within these ecosystems:
Berachain Ecosystem:
- Kodiak Finance – A yield-focused liquidity protocol
- Bera Lend – Native lending platform gaining traction
- Honeycomb – Identity layer enabling Sybil-resistant participation
Sui Ecosystem:
- Haedal Protocol – Modular restaking solution
- AftermathFi – Leading DEX with cross-chain ambitions
- Scallop Lend – Integrated lending market with strong user growth
Each of these projects has shown consistent development progress, active community engagement, and—critically—signs of planning future token distributions.
Strategic Airdrop Hunting: Choosing the Right Cycle
As crypto veteran @keyahayek once said:
“Those who understand market cycles in one or two turns are destined for a different fate than those who never see the pattern.”
Airdrop success isn’t about blind activity—it’s about timing and alignment with macro trends. The most profitable participants aren’t the ones doing the most transactions; they’re the ones waiting patiently in the right ecosystems at the right time.
Ethereum may have been the cradle of decentralized innovation, but maturity brings saturation. New frontiers offer room to grow, explore, and earn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Ethereum still worth participating in for future airdrops?
A: While some Layer 2 solutions built on Ethereum (like Arbitrum or Optimism) still offer opportunities, native mainnet airdrops are increasingly rare. Focus is shifting toward newer ecosystems with active incentive programs.
Q: How do I avoid being flagged as a bot or Sybil attacker?
A: Use genuine interaction patterns—hold assets long-term, engage with dApps meaningfully, and avoid repetitive bot-like behavior across multiple wallets.
Q: Are airdrops on Base or Sui safer than older chains?
A: Safety depends on project legitimacy. Always verify team credentials, audit reports, and community sentiment before investing time or gas fees.
Q: Can I participate in these ecosystems without spending money?
A: Yes—many platforms offer testnet participation, which can count toward eligibility. However, mainnet interaction often carries more weight for future drops.
Q: How do I track upcoming airdrops?
A: Follow official project announcements, join Discord communities, and monitor analytics platforms that track wallet activity across chains.
Q: What’s the biggest risk in chasing airdrops?
A: Overextension—spending too much on gas, tools, or scams that promise guaranteed rewards. Always prioritize security and cost-efficiency.
👉 Stay ahead of the curve—get real-time updates on emerging airdrop opportunities.
Final Thoughts: Patience Pays in Crypto
The era of easy Ethereum airdrops is over—but that doesn’t mean opportunity has disappeared. It’s simply moved.
The real winners in 2025 won’t be those chasing past glories; they’ll be the ones building presence on tomorrow’s dominant chains today. Whether it’s Sui’s high-speed architecture or Berachain’s innovative economic model, the next chapter of decentralized rewards is being written now.
Your move? Get involved early, stay informed, and let compound participation do the rest.