The world of Web3 is constantly evolving, with new and innovative projects launching regularly. Many of these projects operate without a native token at launch, leading to speculation and anticipation within the community about potential future airdrops as a form of user reward and ecosystem growth.
Engaging with these platforms early can be a way to explore new technology and potentially qualify for future token distributions. This article highlights a selection of such projects across various sectors, including decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and infrastructure.
Comprehensive List of Projects Without a Token
Here is a detailed look at several projects that have not yet issued a token. Some are already operational on networks like Optimism, Arbitrum, and ZkSync.
1. Sudoswap (NFT Marketplace)
Sudoswap AMM is a gas-efficient protocol designed for swapping NFTs (ERC721s) for tokens like ETH or ERC20s. It utilizes customizable bonding curves to facilitate these trades.
Current Status: The SudoAMM protocol completed its public launch.
2. Lit Protocol (Access Control)
Lit Protocol is an open-source, decentralized toolset that uses cryptographic technology to enable secure digital and real-world experiences for blockchain users.
Current Status: The protocol's applications are already operational and in use.
3. Increment Finance (DeFi Platform)
This DeFi platform uniquely combines an exchange, a money market, and price feeds into a single, integrated suite of services.
Current Status: Its dApp is live, and it recently launched a staking product for users.
4. Arrows Markets (Options Trading)
Arrows Markets aims to democratize the entire options trading process, from market making to brokerage, clearing, and settlement.
Current Status: The project is currently in its testnet phase.
5. CandyShop by LIQNFT (NFT Tool Suite)
This is a developer toolkit that allows any project to launch its own customized NFT marketplace with just a few lines of code, simplifying the technical process.
Current Status: It recently upgraded its open-source program, making it easier for users to build and host their own markets and auctions.
6. Decent (Music NFTs)
Decent empowers musicians and artists to fund their work by releasing NFTs, helping them build stronger communities with their fans through direct engagement.
Current Status: The product is live and operational.
7. Loopcrypto (Payment Automation)
Loopcrypto is a protocol designed to automate recurring cryptocurrency transactions, reducing the manual effort required for regular payments.
Current Status: Actively developing its core automation technology.
8. Mystiko Network (Cross-Chain Privacy)
Mystiko is building foundational Web3 privacy infrastructure through its Privacy-as-a-SDK (PaaS) offering, focusing on cross-chain confidentiality.
Current Status: Its V2 testnet is currently live for user testing.
9. TeleportDAO (Cross-Chain Infrastructure)
This is a trust-minimized cross-chain bridge protocol that provides essential infrastructure for developers building interoperable applications.
Current Status: Its testnet is operational on the Ropsten network.
10. Size (OTC Trading & Auctions)
Using Size, sellers can create customized auctions for both vested and unvested tokens by setting their own specific parameters for the sale.
Current Status: This project has not yet launched to the public.
11. STFX (Social Trading)
STFX is a SocialFi and DeFi protocol focused on short-term asset management. Users can create or invest in specialized vaults known as STFs.
Current Status: The project is not yet live, but a token launch is anticipated. 👉 Explore more strategies for social trading
12. Empiric Network (Oracle Data)
Empiric Network is a decentralized, transparent, and composable oracle solution that leverages advanced zero-knowledge cryptography for secure data feeds.
Current Status: Several projects, including CurveZero and Yagi, are already building on its technology.
13. Contango (DeFi Futures)
Contango is a decentralized exchange for trading expiring futures contracts without a traditional order book or liquidity pool. It sources liquidity from fixed-rate markets when a trader opens a position.
Current Status: The protocol has not yet launched.
14. Farcaster (Decentralized Social)
Farcaster is a decentralized social network built on an open protocol designed to support multiple clients, much like the open standard of email.
Current Status: A desktop application has been released in an invite-only mode.
15. Unlock Protocol (Membership NFTs)
Unlock is an open-source, Ethereum-based protocol that simplifies the creation of membership benefits and online communities using NFTs as access keys.
Current Status: It is currently operational on more than five networks, including Ethereum Mainnet, Polygon, Gnosis Chain, Optimism, and BSC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a crypto airdrop?
An airdrop is a distribution of a cryptocurrency's native tokens to a community, often for free. Projects use them to reward early users, decentralize ownership, and incentivize further engagement with their platform. They are not guaranteed and should not be the sole reason for using a protocol.
How can I increase my chances of receiving an airdrop?
The most common way is to interact genuinely with a protocol's mainnet or testnet. This can include making transactions, providing liquidity, or using its core features. Always prioritize security and only interact with projects you believe in. 👉 Get advanced methods for Web3 engagement
Are there risks involved in chasing airdrops?
Yes. Interacting with new smart contracts always carries inherent risks, including potential smart contract bugs or exploits. Furthermore, excessive Sybil activity (creating multiple wallets) may be filtered out by project teams, and gas fees can outweigh any potential airdrop value.
What is the difference between a testnet and a mainnet?
A testnet is a testing environment for developers where tokens have no real value. A mainnet is the live, production blockchain where transactions have real economic value. Meaningful interaction on a mainnet is often weighted more heavily for airdrop eligibility.
Do all new projects eventually do an airdrop?
No, an airdrop is a strategic decision made by a project. Many projects may choose alternative methods for token distribution, such as public sales, or may never issue a token at all. It is important to manage expectations.
Why do some projects use multiple blockchains?
Projects deploy on multiple chains, a practice known as being multi-chain, to increase their accessibility, scalability, and user base. It allows users from different blockchain ecosystems to access the same application, often with lower transaction fees.