zkSync operates as a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum, delivering rapid transactions and economical gas fees while ensuring robust security. Users enjoy the freedom to withdraw their assets to Layer 1 at their discretion.
To fully capitalize on the swift and cost-effective transactions facilitated by zkSync, it is essential to possess a wallet like Argent. Utilizing exchanges such as Coinbase or Binance for onboarding is impractical, as wallets are a prerequisite. With a wallet, users can seamlessly engage in activities such as purchasing, selling, and holding cryptocurrencies, as well as participating in exciting realms like DeFi and NFTs.
zkSync significantly diminishes gas costs without compromising on security or user control.
Key features of zkSync include:
- Low gas: up to 1/100 of L1 gas & more cost-effective than optimistic rollups
- High speeds: 2000+ transactions per second (tps) compared to 14tps on L1
- Security: backed by the primary Ethereum blockchain
- Frictionless transfers: easily move your crypto between L1 and Layer 2 without delays
- Censorship resistance: the ability to transfer your assets back to L1 at any time
For those who missed the Arbitrum airdrop, zkSync presents a promising opportunity.
zkSync stands out as one of the most well-supported projects in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, having secured over $450 million in funding from notable investors like Lightspeed, a16z, Dragonfly, and others.
Given these circumstances, the introduction of a token and a subsequent airdrop appears likely.
While it may not be imminent in the short term, preparing for a potential launch in the coming year provides ample opportunity to participate and potentially qualify for an upcoming airdrop.
PREFACE: There is no assurance of an airdrop. Following the steps below does not guarantee qualification, as the specific requirements are unknown. However, being prepared using the available information is advisable.
To eliminate any ambiguity, it’s important to note that zkSync currently consists of two networks:
- zkSync 1.0, now recognized as zkSync Lite
- zkSync 2.0, referred to as zkSync Era
Both networks operate independently as distinct entities.
For now, let’s focus on the Era Mainnet, as it likely holds the most significance.
NOTE: Only use funds that you can afford to lose. For this guide, we’ll use a maximum of $100 in ETH. This will cover gas fees, so you don’t need a large amount to start!
STEP 1: Install the ZkSync wallet from chainlist.org/?search=zksync
You’ll see the screen above, simply add it to your MetaMask!
After approval, you’ll find zkSync Era Mainnet as a chain in your MetaMask:
STEP 2: Bridge ETH from ETH to ZkSync ERA using the official bridge: bridge.zksync.io
You’ll encounter the following prompt:
Enter the amount of ETH you want to bridge (e.g., 0.05 for approximately $100 USD, leaving enough for gas fees).
Upon successful deposit, you’ll receive a confirmation!
Your ETH is now in your zkSync Era Mainnet wallet.
STEP 3: Steps 3 to 5 involve using swaps on zkSync to recognize transactions and volume. Start by going to syncswap.xyz and swapping 50% of your ETH for USDC.
Connect your wallet in the top right, select Ethereum wallet, and approve MetaMask when prompted.
You’ll then see the following screen:
Swap some of your ETH for USDC as shown:
After the successful swap, make sure to add USDC as a token in your zkSync MetaMask wallet.
Use this address: 0x3355df6D4c9C3035724Fd0e3914dE96A5a83aaf4
Find other useful addresses here.
Once done, go to the top left of syncswap, click on pool, and enter pools:
Click into the ETH/USDC pool:
Hit deposit on the left:
Unlock USDC, follow the prompts in MetaMask to allow syncswap access to your USDC:
Hit deposit (and press ‘add tokens in balanced proportion’):
Approve on MetaMask, and this will add both ETH & USDC into the liquidity pool!
View this position under ‘my position’ on the left-hand side:
Leave this position in the liquidity pool for future withdrawal or, if you have limited funds, withdraw now for the next step!
To withdraw, click the withdraw button on the left, hit max for the amount, and withdraw. Select ETH, as we’ll be swapping ETH to USDC in the next steps. Permit the LP token, sign the signature request in MetaMask, and then withdraw liquidity:
STEP 4: A step similar to Step 3, but this time, head to https://swap-zksync.spacefi.io/#/swap and follow a similar process.
Start by connecting your wallet in the top right corner, click on MetaMask, and then connect your zkSync wallet.
You’ll automatically be on the swap screen. Here, perform the same action by swapping some ETH for USDC:
Click swap, confirm the swap in MetaMask, and you’re done!
Next, just like the previous step, go to the top left and click ‘Pool’ to add liquidity to this protocol as well:
Similarly, approve the use of USDC in your MetaMask wallet and follow the prompts.
Wait a moment; it may take a bit longer for your USDC to be approved. Once approved, the USDC approval button will disappear, leaving only the ‘Supply’ button. Here, you’ll supply liquidity:
Click confirm supply and accept all MetaMask prompts as usual!
Your position will then be visible at the bottom:
Once again, you can leave this liquidity in the pool for future withdrawal or, if you prefer, withdraw it now. Click ‘Pool’ at the top left again, and it will display your liquidity. Here, click ‘remove’:
Similar to the previous step, click ‘Max’ and approve the removal of this position:
Accept all the prompts after approving this in MetaMask, then click remove on the right side to approve and confirm. Accept all prompts in MetaMask:
Your ETH & USDC will be back!
STEP 5: Just like the last two steps! Head to another protocol, app.mute.io, and once again, perform some swapping and provide liquidity.
Begin by connecting your wallet in the top right corner, click MetaMask, and then connect your zkSync wallet.
You’ll automatically be on the swap screen. Here, perform the same action by swapping some ETH for USDC:
As in the previous steps, click swap, confirm the gas in MetaMask, and the swap will complete!
Proceed by clicking on ‘Pool’ in the middle at the top, and then select ‘Add liquidity’ on the right-hand side:
A prompt will appear, asking you to add liquidity. Select ETH from the first drop-down menu and USDC from the second, then click ‘Manage’:
You will be directed to the vMLP (USDC/WETH) Normal Liquidity Pool page. Add an equal amount of ETH/USDC, then click ‘Approve.’ Follow the prompts in MetaMask, approving them:
If you wish to remove your liquidity from the pool (you can leave it for future use or withdraw it next week for additional transactions), go to the ‘Withdraw’ tab in the middle, click ‘MAX,’ approve the transactions, and you’re done!:
STEP 6: Now that we have completed some swaps and entered liquidity pools, let’s head to https://mintsquare.io/mint to mint an NFT!
Connect your wallet, then upload a photo or media for minting as an NFT. Enter a name, description, funny attributes, and mint:
After clicking the mint button, MetaMask prompts will appear; approve all, including gas fees.
Check your profile to confirm successful minting:
It should appear under ‘collected’:
Congratulations on minting an NFT on zkSync!
STEP 7: Here we will be minting again, this time a zkSync name service domain! Go to: https://app.zkns.domains/
Connect your zkSync era mainnet wallet in the top right as usual.
In the search bar, type a domain name, then hit search:
It will notify you if the name is available; if it is, click the ‘Available’ button:
You’ll be directed to a screen displaying the domain name, registration period, and cost. Leave the registration period as ‘1’, then click ‘Request to register with ETH’ at the bottom:
This will successfully register your domain name.
Double-check by clicking ‘My Profile’ at the top; it should be listed there:
Great success!
STEP 8: Now we’ll bridge our ETH back to the mainnet. Since I still have some USDC in my zkSync Era wallet, I’ll swap this back to ETH before bridging at https://syncswap.xyz/swap (from Step 3). All I want in my zkSync Era wallet now is ETH.
We’ll use another protocol, https://www.orbiter.finance/?source=Ethereum&dest=zkSync%20Era, to bridge this ETH back to our ETH mainnet wallet:
Ensure you have the sender selected, token as ETH, from zkSync Era to Ethereum. You won’t be able to do the max as it requires some gas, but click ‘Send,’ and you should see the following screen:
Click ‘Confirm and Send’!
Wait for the processing to complete; be patient as it may take a minute or so for the ETH to return to your ETH wallet, and then you’re done!
STEP 9: This last step is optional, but if you have the time, completing it would be beneficial. It involves visiting the zkSync questboard here: https://zealy.io/c/zksync/questboard
Here, simply complete the quests that are presented! They aren’t too hard, and the answers are provided in the material given.
Connect your wallet in the top right, as usual, sign in, and begin the quests from there.
After following these 8 steps and optionally completing Step 9, you would have:
- Installed the zkSync Era wallet
- Used the native bridge to transfer from ETH to zkSync Era
- Utilized three different swap protocols and their liquidity pools
- Minted an NFT
- Minted a domain
- Bridged back to ETH using a different bridge
- Completed the quest board to show interaction with their socials and understanding of their project
- Overall, used the main current decentralized applications on the zkSync Era Mainnet
This means you’re interacting with the network in various ways, consistently using swaps, bridges, and engaging with the dApps themselves, positioning yourself well for potential airdrops.
These actions come at the cost of $15-$30 in gas, at most!
For the best chance, repeat these steps weekly! Revisit, use the swaps again, adjust liquidity in pools, mint new NFTs, and register more domains! Give yourself the best possible opportunity.
A reminder, these steps are just a guide. No one knows the requirements for a qualifying airdrop. We can only base it on prior airdrops and their requirements. The guide should help you consistently interact with the zkSync network to best position yourself for potential rewards.
Create a checklist or bookmark this guide, revisit next week, and continue to consistently use the network to increase your volume, transactions, and interactions!
It should be noted that the zkSync Lite network is optional but could enhance your qualification for the airdrop. Focus primarily on interacting with the zkSync Era.
If you decide to give it a go, good luck, and I hope you qualify for a tasty airdrop!
Conclusion:
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