The NEAR Protocol is getting ready to grow. This means new projects are coming to its network. Often, when new blockchains or big upgrades happen, tokens are given away for free. These are called airdrops. If you want to try and get some free crypto from NEAR, now is the time to start using its ecosystem.

Why Airdrops Happen
Projects give away tokens for a few reasons. It helps spread their tokens to many people. It also rewards early users who helped test and build the community. Think of it as a thank you gift.
What to Do on NEAR Now
To be ready for airdrops, you need to use the NEAR network. This means interacting with different applications and services built on NEAR. Here are some ideas:
- Use the NEAR Wallet: Set up a wallet and get some NEAR tokens.
- Try DeFi Apps: Use decentralized finance (DeFi) applications on NEAR. This could be a decentralized exchange (DEX) where you swap tokens, or a lending platform.
- Mint NFTs: Explore projects that let you create or buy non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on NEAR.
- Engage with New Projects: Keep an eye out for new projects launching on NEAR. The earlier you use them, the better.
Many new blockchains are doing this. You can learn more about how new chains drop crypto here.
Look for Clues
How do you know which projects might give out airdrops? Look for signs:
- Is it new? Newer projects are more likely to do airdrops to gain users.
- Is it popular? Projects with a lot of activity might be candidates.
- Does it mention rewards or community? Sometimes projects hint at future rewards.
It’s like being an early bird. You get the best chance at rewards. Getting involved early in blockchain ecosystems can lead to benefits. For example, some Layer 2 solutions have offered rewards to early users. You can read about how upgrades might affect airdrops here.
Be Patient
Airdrops don’t always happen quickly. It can take time for projects to launch and decide to give away tokens. Keep using the NEAR ecosystem, and stay updated on news from the projects you interact with. You might just be rewarded for your early support.