Top Upcoming Crypto Airdrops in December 2025 You Need to Watch Now

As 2025 draws to a close, crypto investors are gearing up for what could be one of the most lucrative months for airdrops in recent memory. Whether you're a DeFi degen, NFT collector, on-chain trader, or just getting your feet wet in Web3, now is the time to pay attention. From battle-tested protocols like MetaMask and OpenSea to fast-growing Layer-2s like Base and Abstract, a diverse mix of projects are preparing to reward their communities with free token distributions, some of which could become major assets in your portfolio.

Airdrops have evolved from simple giveaways into strategic, community-driven events. Projects now use point systems, trading incentives, staking rewards, and even social engagement to determine who qualifies. In this guide, we break down the most anticipated upcoming crypto airdrops in December 2025, including confirmed distributions, rumored launches, and ongoing programs you can still qualify for. Let’s dive into the top airdrops you won’t want to miss before the year ends.

MetaMask — A Major Wallet Airdrop on the Horizon

MetaMask, the go-to Ethereum wallet with over 30 million monthly users, is finally preparing to launch its long-rumored token, likely called MASK. Developed by ConsenSys, the token will support governance and possibly reward ecosystem participants.

In 2025, MetaMask introduced features like in-app perpetual trading and a Rewards program that gives users points for swaps, trades, and referrals, strong signals that active users will be eligible for the airdrop.

Airdrop Status & Timeline

● Confirmed: Yes, MetaMask’s token is officially in the works.

● Expected Drop: Late 2025 or early 2026.

● CEO Joseph Lubin has stated the token is coming “sooner than you would expect,” suggesting a launch is close.

Eligibility Criteria

Although the snapshot hasn’t been announced, you can likely boost your eligibility by:

● Actively using MetaMask’s native features like token swaps, bridges, and the new Perpetuals trading tab

● Earning points through MetaMask Rewards, which tracks wallet activity including trades, referrals, and volume

● Avoiding Sybil tactics, MetaMask has hinted it will reward genuine, long-term users with a meaningful on-chain footprint

How to Claim

● The airdrop is expected to be claimable directly in the MetaMask wallet interface, likely through an in-wallet notification once the token is live.

● Stay tuned to MetaMask’s official blog and app updates for real-time announcements.

Base — Coinbase’s Layer-2 Could Be Preparing a Token

Base, the Ethereum Layer-2 network incubated by Coinbase, has grown rapidly since its 2023 launch. Built on the Optimism stack, it’s become a hub for low-cost DeFi, NFT, and social apps. Until recently, Base had no plans for a native token, but that changed in late 2025 when project lead Jesse Pollak confirmed they’re now “exploring” the idea.

While a Base token isn’t officially announced, many expect an airdrop to reward early network users, especially as Coinbase warms to the idea of protocol-level decentralization.

Airdrop Status & Timeline

● Confirmed: Not officially, but publicly under consideration

● Expected Drop: Possibly in 2026 if regulatory and internal conditions align

● Current Signals: Shift in tone from Coinbase team, community speculation increasing

Eligibility Criteria

If a Base airdrop happens, eligibility will likely revolve around:

● On-chain activity: Bridging to Base, using native dApps (like Aerodrome or Clank), trading, or minting Base domains

● Long-term engagement: Projects like Optimism and Arbitrum rewarded consistent, organic usage, not one-off interactions

How to Claim

If launched, the token will likely be claimable through:

● A dedicated claim site or portal, similar to Arbitrum/Optimism

● Possibly integrated with the Coinbase app or a Base-native dashboard

Stay tuned to Base’s official blog and Jesse Pollak’s updates on X (Twitter).

OpenSea — NFT Giant's SEA Token Drops in Q1 2026

After years of dominating the NFT marketplace space, OpenSea is preparing to launch its long-awaited governance and rewards token, SEA. Originally expected in 2025, the team confirmed it has delayed the launch to Q1 2026 to finalize the tokenomics and reward structure. A significant portion of the token supply (50%) will go to the community, with a large chunk distributed during the initial airdrop.

In 2025, OpenSea rolled out XP points, “treasury chests,” and trading incentives, laying the groundwork for a massive retroactive drop.

Airdrop Status & Timeline

● Confirmed: Yes

● Expected Drop: Q1 2026

● CEO Devin Finzer has confirmed that over 25% of the total SEA supply will be available to claim during the initial airdrop phase

Eligibility Criteria

To increase your share of the airdrop, focus on:

● Earning XP points through NFT trading on OpenSea

● Completing reward campaigns like “Voyage” missions

● Holding OG status or having a strong history of activity on the platform

How to Claim

● The SEA token will be claimable via OpenSea’s official website, likely integrated directly into your user dashboard

● You may need to connect your wallet, and users with large allocations could be required to complete KYC or tax forms, based on recent reward programs

LayerZero — Interoperability Protocol Gearing Up for Season 2

LayerZero is a cross-chain messaging protocol powering apps like Stargate, and it’s become a key piece of blockchain interoperability infrastructure. In 2024, it launched its token ZRO, distributing 8.5% of the supply in a major Season 1 airdrop. But with over 30% of the token supply still reserved for the community, a Season 2 airdrop is widely expected.

The team has made clear that any future distributions will focus on rewarding real, sustained usage, not airdrop farming.

Airdrop Status & Timeline

● Confirmed: Season 2 not officially announced, but heavily hinted

● Expected Drop: Likely in 2026, though some speculate it could be announced late 2025

● CEO Bryan Pellegrino has emphasized quality over quantity, expect serious Sybil filtering

Eligibility Criteria

To position for the next airdrop, focus on:

● Using LayerZero-powered apps (e.g., Stargate, Aptos Bridge, PancakeSwap’s cross-chain features)

● Making regular, meaningful transactions rather than one-time activity

● Providing liquidity or participating in staking where available

How to Claim

● Claims will likely be hosted on LayerZero’s official site, as in Season 1

● Expect identity or Sybil filtering measures (e.g., donation verification or wallet behavior analysis)

Aster — Perp DEX Backed by CZ’s Family Office

Aster is a rising star in decentralized perpetuals trading. Launched in late 2025, it quickly made headlines by surpassing Hyperliquid in daily volume and kicking off a generous, multi-phase airdrop campaign. Backed by YZi Labs, the family office of Binance founder CZ, Aster has committed over 53% of its ASTER token supply to community rewards.

The airdrop is being released in stages, with more still to come.

Airdrop Status & Timeline

● Confirmed: Yes, airdrop is already live in phases

● Current Phase: Stage 3 (“Dawn”) began in October 2025

● Future Drops: Over 40% of tokens remain for future stages, likely continuing into 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Aster uses a points-based system tied to trading activity:

● Earn points by trading perpetuals and spot on Aster

● Extra points for using higher leverage, maintaining profitable positions, and holding asBNB or USDF

● Referrals and long-term activity boost your multiplier

● Volume farming is discouraged, quality of trading matters

How to Claim

● Claim via Aster’s portal: airdrop.asterdex.com

● After each stage, connect your wallet to see your allocation

● Some phases offer the option to claim in ASTER or USDT rebates

Meteora — Solana Liquidity Protocol with Seasonal Airdrops

Meteora is a leading liquidity market maker on Solana, known for its dynamic pool architecture (DLMM) that optimizes capital efficiency. Backed by the team behind Jupiter, Meteora launched its governance token MET in October 2025, alongside the start of its Season 1 airdrop. With over 1B in TVL at launch and multiple seasons planned, Meteora is shaping up to be one of Solana’s biggest DeFi airdrops.

Airdrop Status & Timeline

● Confirmed: Yes, Season 1 launched October 23, 2025

● Claim Period: Open until April 23, 2026

● Season 2: Confirmed, but date not yet announced

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify or increase future allocation:

● Provide liquidity on Meteora, especially in high-volume pools

● Earn fees, fee generation is a key metric

● Past participants in LGE (Liquidity Generation Events) and NFT-based registries may receive bonuses

Season 2 is expected to use similar metrics, with an emphasis on ongoing liquidity provision.

How to Claim

● Claim Season 1 via app.meteora.ag by connecting your Solana wallet

● Season 2 claim details will likely follow a similar process on the same site

● Snapshot dates have not been pre-announced, so stay active

Hyperliquid — Perps Powerhouse with More Airdrops Coming

Hyperliquid is the largest decentralized perps trading platform by volume, running on its own high-speed Layer-1 blockchain. After a wildly successful airdrop of its native token HYPE in 2025, the project still has 38.88% of the supply reserved for “future emissions”, a clear signal that more airdrops are on the horizon.

Airdrop Status & Timeline

● Confirmed: Not officially announced, but expected

● Next Phase: Likely in 2026

● Clues: Tokenomics explicitly reserve a large portion for future user distribution

Eligibility Criteria

To stay eligible for upcoming distributions:

● Trade perpetuals on Hyperliquid, using leverage, limit orders, or copy trading features

● Stake HYPE, participate in governance (if available), and interact regularly

● Focus on genuine, ongoing usage, farming behavior may be filtered out

How to Claim

● Season 1 tokens were claimed via Hyperliquid’s website

● Future claims will likely use a similar wallet-based process, possibly with a snapshot taken silently before announcement

Make sure you’re using the same wallet to preserve continuity.

Abstract — User-Friendly L2 from the Pudgy Penguins Team

Abstract is a new Layer-2 blockchain developed by Igloo Inc., the creators of Pudgy Penguins. Launched in early 2025, Abstract is built using zkSync technology and features the Abstract Global Wallet (AGW), which lets users create wallets with just an email and 2FA, no seed phrase required.

While no token has been officially announced, Abstract has launched an XP points and badge system, strongly hinting at a future airdrop.

Airdrop Status & Timeline

● Confirmed: Not yet, but heavily implied

● Expected Drop: Likely in 2026

● Current Status: Users are already earning XP through on-chain activity and app engagement

Eligibility Criteria

To prepare for a future airdrop:

● Use dApps and services built on Abstract

● Earn XP and badges through the AGW smart wallet and ecosystem tools

● Holding Pudgy Penguins NFTs or the memecoin PENGU may improve allocation chances

How to Claim

● If a token launches, expect a claim process via Abstract’s official dashboard or AGW interface

● Likely to be a wallet-based claim system, similar to other L2s

● No snapshot date or mechanics have been announced yet

Axiom — Solana Trading Platform with Growing Airdrop Buzz

Axiom is a fast-growing decentralized trading platform on Solana, offering spot and perpetuals with a smooth, centralized exchange-style interface. It gained early traction through Y Combinator’s accelerator program and now ranks among Solana’s top revenue-generating dApps.

While Axiom hasn’t officially announced a token, it’s running a robust cashback and points system, suggesting a potential airdrop, either of its own token or rewards tied to Hyperliquid, which powers Axiom’s perps trading engine.

Airdrop Status & Timeline

● Confirmed: No, but widely expected

● Expected Drop: Possibly in 2026

● Current Programs: Cashback in SOL, user point accumulation, and weekly quests

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a possible future airdrop:

● Trade on Axiom (spot and perpetuals)

● Complete quests and earn points through volume and engagement

● Use Hyperliquid-powered features, as Hyperliquid’s future airdrops may include Axiom users

How to Claim

● If a token is launched, claims will likely be processed via Axiom’s official site using connected Solana wallets

● Alternatively, Hyperliquid may distribute rewards through its own claim system to users active on Axiom’s perps

No official snapshot or claim date has been shared yet.

Farcaster — Web3 Social Protocol Likely to Reward Early Users

Farcaster is a decentralized social networking protocol built on Optimism, aiming to be the Web3 alternative to platforms like Twitter. Its flagship app, Warpcast, has gained traction as a censorship-resistant space for crypto-native conversation. While Farcaster has no token yet, expectations are high, especially given its prominent backers and rising user activity.

The project has implemented XP badges, account tiers, and Powerbadges, fueling speculation that an airdrop is part of the long-term roadmap.

Airdrop Status & Timeline

● Confirmed: No official token yet

● Expected Drop: Possibly in 2026

● Signals: Reward mechanics already in place; airdrop widely anticipated by the community

Eligibility Criteria

To potentially qualify for a future token:

● Create a Farcaster account (via Warpcast or another app)

● Engage consistently: post, reply, follow, and build your social graph

● Aim to earn a Powerbadge, which denotes high activity and reputation

● Early adopters and active contributors are likely to be prioritized

How to Claim

● If a token is launched, expect a claim portal tied to your Ethereum or Optimism wallet

● Claim mechanics may resemble retroactive airdrops (based on account age and engagement), or points-to-token conversions

No official claim details are available yet.

Conclusion

As crypto continues to evolve, airdrops have become more than just free tokens, they're strategic tools for bootstrapping communities, rewarding loyalty, and decentralizing governance. In December 2025, we're seeing a new wave of projects combining point systems, trading incentives, and engagement metrics to identify and reward their most valuable users. Whether it's MetaMask finally launching a token, OpenSea pushing into fungible rewards, or LayerZero preparing for a second distribution, the opportunities are growing, and so is the competition.

For crypto investors, the takeaway is simple: start early, stay active, and engage meaningfully. Projects are placing increasing weight on authentic behavior, long-term usage, and cross-platform involvement. If you’re using these tools anyway, swapping, trading, providing liquidity, or participating in communities, there’s real upside in aligning that activity with airdrop-eligible ecosystems. And with several of the biggest names in Web3 gearing up for major token events, the final weeks of 2025 are a prime window to position yourself.