The Arbitrum network is set to decentralize its governance through the launch of its native token, ARB. A significant portion of the token supply—12.75%—is allocated for an airdrop to the community, scheduled for March 23, 2023. This initiative aims to transfer decision-making power to token holders and active ecosystem participants.
This airdrop is designed to reward early and genuine users of the Arbitrum One and Arbitrum Nova networks. It also allocates tokens to decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) building within the ecosystem to further broaden governance participation.
Understanding the ARB Airdrop
Arbitrum is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution that enhances transaction speed and reduces fees while maintaining the security of the Ethereum mainnet. The ARB token will serve as a governance token, allowing holders to vote on proposals that shape the future of the protocol.
The airdrop is a strategic move to distribute tokens to those who have contributed to the network’s growth and usage. It emphasizes fair distribution, aiming to include a wide range of users while mitigating exploitation by airdrop farmers.
Eligibility Criteria for Users
The eligibility process for the airdrop was designed to be comprehensive and fair. Given that Arbitrum has been operational for nearly 18 months with hundreds of thousands of weekly users, balancing inclusion with meaningful distribution was crucial.
The foundation collaborated with blockchain analytics firm Nansen to develop a points-based system. This system evaluated users based on several on-chain metrics, including:
- Duration and consistency of network usage.
- Transaction volume and value.
- Usage on both Arbitrum One and Arbitrum Nova chains.
- Early adoption (pre-Nitro upgrade users received additional points).
Users who accumulated three or more points qualified for the airdrop. To ensure transparency, the full eligibility criteria and the dataset used for the snapshot (taken on February 6, 2023) have been made public. This allows anyone to verify the fairness of the selection process.
👉 Check official transparency reports here
DAOs and Ecosystem Allocation
Recognizing that some active community members might not qualify under the individual user criteria, a separate allocation was reserved for DAOs within the Arbitrum ecosystem. This approach empowers projects to distribute governance tokens to their own communities, further decentralizing decision-making.
Eligibility for DAOs was based on qualitative and quantitative链上 (on-chain) metrics, such as:
- Time since protocol launch.
- Total Value Locked (TVL).
- Transaction activity and volume.
- Whether the project was native to Arbitrum or multi-chain.
Each qualifying DAO will receive a grant of ARB tokens and will be responsible for distributing them to its community. This method ensures that a diverse set of sub-communities within Arbitrum have a voice in governance.
An exception was made for the Protocol Guild, a collective of Ethereum core developers. Their inclusion acknowledges the fundamental relationship between Ethereum and Arbitrum and the value they bring to the entire ecosystem.
How to Claim Your Airdrop
If you believe you are eligible, follow these steps to claim your tokens safely:
- Verify Eligibility: Use the official Arbitrum Foundation eligibility checker once it goes live.
- Use Official Channels: Only interact with the official Arbitrum website and portals. Beware of phishing sites and fake social media accounts.
- Connect Your Wallet: You will need to connect the wallet you used on Arbitrum to the claim portal.
- Confirm and Sign: Review the amount and confirm the transaction. Note that you may need ETH in your wallet to pay for the gas fee for the claim transaction.
Remember: The airdrop is free. You should never send funds to anyone to receive an airdrop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total supply of ARB tokens?
The total initial supply of ARB is 10 billion tokens. 56% of these are allocated to the community, with 12.75% of that portion being distributed in this initial airdrop.
I used Arbitrum but didn’t get the airdrop. Why?
The eligibility was based on a snapshot taken on February 6, 2023. If your activity occurred mostly after this date or was deemed inorganic (e.g., sybil activity), you may not have qualified. The points system required a minimum threshold of genuine, sustained usage.
What can I do with ARB tokens?
The primary utility of the ARB token is governance. Holders can delegate their tokens or use them to vote on proposals that guide the development and parameters of the Arbitrum DAO.
Are there any risks in claiming the airdrop?
The main risks are security-related. Always use the official links provided by the Arbitrum Foundation to avoid phishing scams. Never share your private keys or seed phrase with anyone.
What if my favorite new project didn’t get a DAO grant?
The Arbitrum Foundation has announced that it will soon detail grant programs for which newer projects can apply, ensuring ongoing support for the ecosystem's growth.
How can I stay updated on future Arbitrum initiatives?
The best way to stay informed is to follow the official Arbitrum social media channels and blog for announcements. 👉 Explore more strategies for staying informed
Conclusion
The Arbitrum airdrop is a landmark event designed to kickstart a new era of community-led governance for the protocol. By rewarding early users and empowering DAOs, the foundation is taking a significant step toward a more decentralized and resilient ecosystem.
Always prioritize security, double-check all information, and participate in governance to help shape the future of Arbitrum.