Lessons from $OP, $ARB, and $STRK Airdrops: Predicting Future L2 Token Distributions

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The so-called "Big Four" Layer 2 (L2) projects—Optimism, Arbitrum, Starknet, and Zksync—have captured significant attention in the Ethereum ecosystem. Among them, three have already launched their native tokens: $OP**, **$ARB, and $STRK. Only Zksync remains unlaunched, fueling speculation and anticipation across the crypto community.

Many users frequently ask: How can I position myself for upcoming L2 airdrops, especially Zksync? Rather than guessing, a smarter approach is to analyze the patterns from past successful L2 token distributions. By examining the airdrop mechanics of Optimism, Arbitrum, and Starknet, we can extract actionable insights and strategic principles that may apply to future drops.

Let’s dive into each project’s airdrop structure and uncover the underlying logic behind their reward systems.

Optimism ($OP): Rewarding Early and Cross-Chain Engagement

Optimism's first airdrop (Airdrop #1) was designed to reward both early adopters and active participants across multiple dimensions of on-chain behavior. The snapshot occurred on March 25, 2022, and eligibility was determined by six key criteria:

Core Eligibility Criteria:

👉 Discover how consistent blockchain activity could lead to major rewards.

Addresses meeting multiple criteria received tiered rewards. For instance:

At listing, $OP reached a high of $2.20, meaning even the smallest eligible wallets earned over **$500**. Today, with $OP trading above $3.40, early airdrop recipients saw substantial value appreciation.

This design emphasized long-term engagement, decentralized participation, and ecosystem loyalty—not just L2 usage, but involvement in broader Web3 governance and philanthropy.

Arbitrum ($ARB): Activity-Based Scoring System

Arbitrum adopted a point-based model, capping total eligibility at 15 points. Most activities were tracked on Arbitrum One, though limited engagement on Arbitrum Nova also contributed (up to +1 bonus point if other thresholds were met).

Point-Earning Activities:

Nova-specific actions (bridging + transaction counts) added up to 4 points.

To prevent Sybil attacks:

Final airdrop amounts ranged from 625 to 10,200 $ARB**, translating to over **$1,000 per wallet at launch (when $ARB hit $1.60).

Arbitrum clearly prioritized sustained interaction, diversity of use, and capital commitment—favoring users who treated the chain as a primary environment rather than a one-off test.

Starknet ($STRK): Inclusivity Beyond L2 Activity

Starknet framed its distribution as “Provisions” rather than an “airdrop,” signaling a broader philosophical approach: rewarding not only Starknet users but contributors across Ethereum and open-source communities.

Three Main Recipient Groups:

  1. Starknet Supporters & Users

    • Developers and early community members (via ECMP program)
    • Active users of dApps built on StarkEx (e.g., dYdX, ImmutableX, Sorare)

  2. Ethereum Builders & Stakers

    • EIP authors, Protocol Guild members, core devs
    • Beacon Chain validators and liquid staking token holders

  3. Non-Web3 Open Source Contributors

    • Selected GitHub developers outside blockchain—highlighting Starknet’s commitment to wider tech inclusivity

Token allocation breakdown:

To qualify as a Starknet user, wallets needed:

Rewards scaled via a 7-tier scoring system based on:

Allocations ranged from 500 to 10,000 $STRK**. At listing (~$7.70 high), this meant potential gains over $77,000**, though later pricing stabilized around $2–$3.

Starknet rewarded deep technical contribution, longevity, and even off-chain meritocracy, setting a precedent for holistic ecosystem recognition.

Key Takeaways: Common Patterns Across $OP, $ARB, and $STRK

Despite differing methodologies, these three major L2 airdrops reveal consistent themes that likely foreshadow future distributions—including Zksync’s anticipated drop.

✅ 1. Transaction Frequency & Diversity Matter

All projects valued repeated interactions—not just transaction count, but also:

👉 Learn how diverse on-chain actions can boost your eligibility.

✅ 2. Consistent Activity Over Time Is Crucial

One-off interactions weren’t enough. Each project looked for:

✅ 3. Capital Commitment Influences Rewards

Higher transaction volumes and liquidity provision significantly increased scores—especially in Arbitrum’s model.

✅ 4. Engagement with Ethereum’s Core Ecosystem Helps

Even though these are L2s, all three rewarded connections to Ethereum mainnet:

This reflects a “nested ecosystem loyalty” principle: if you support Ethereum’s infrastructure, you’re more likely to be trusted as a genuine builder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will Zksync likely follow similar airdrop rules?

While unconfirmed, historical patterns suggest Zksync will prioritize long-term users with diverse interactions across zkSync Era dApps, cross-chain activity, and possibly Ethereum mainnet engagement.

Q: How many transactions do I need for an L2 airdrop?

There's no fixed number, but aiming for at least one transaction per week over several months—across multiple apps—is a solid baseline. Quality matters more than quantity.

Q: Does using testnets help with future airdrops?

Yes. Projects like Starknet recognized early testers. Participating in testnet campaigns or bug bounties may improve standing for future allocations.

Q: Should I use multiple wallets to increase chances?

No. Sybil-resistant mechanisms are standard. Spreading small activities across many wallets often leads to disqualification. Focus on building one strong, authentic identity.

Q: Can non-crypto open-source work qualify me for tokens?

Possibly. Starknet included non-blockchain developers via GitHub contributions—a signal that future projects may expand eligibility beyond pure on-chain metrics.

Q: When should I start preparing for the next L2 airdrop?

Now. Airdrops reward past behavior. Delaying activity reduces your chances. Start interacting meaningfully today.

Final Thoughts

The era of easy, instant airdrops is fading. Modern L2s seek real users, not bots or mercenaries. To maximize your odds:

Whether it’s Zksync or another emerging scaling solution, the blueprint is clear: be active, be diverse, be long-term.

👉 Start building your on-chain reputation now—the next big drop might be closer than you think.