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ZERC DeRace Airdrop Details: How the zkRace Token Swap Worked and What It Means for Holders
The ZERC airdrop wasn’t a typical free token giveaway. It was a full system upgrade - a clean, automated swap that turned your old DeRace tokens into something better. If you held DERC before May 13, 2024, you didn’t need to do anything. Your tokens were automatically converted to ZERC at a 1:1 ratio. No forms. No wallets to connect. No waiting in line. The system did it for you.
What Was DeRace, and Why Did It Change?
DeRace started as a horse racing metaverse built on blockchain. Players bought NFT racehorses, bred them, built virtual hippodromes, and raced them to earn rewards. It was a fun mix of gaming, NFTs, and play-to-earn. But the original DeRace token (DERC) ran on a less efficient blockchain. As the project grew, users faced slow transactions, high fees, and limited scalability. The team behind DeRace decided to rebuild from the ground up. They didn’t just tweak the system - they replaced it. The new version became zkRace a next-generation NFT horse racing metaverse built on the Base blockchain with enhanced privacy and performance. The old DERC token was retired. In its place came ZERC - the new utility token powering everything in the ecosystem.The Token Swap: How It Actually Worked
The swap wasn’t random. It was a carefully timed, technically precise migration.- Snapshots taken: On May 13, 2024, at exactly 16:00:00 UTC, the system recorded every wallet that held DERC. That snapshot locked in who got what.
- 1:1 conversion: Every single DERC token you owned became one ZERC token. No loss. No gain. Just a direct upgrade.
- Automatic delivery: If you held DERC on a supported exchange like KuCoin or Gate.io, your ZERC tokens appeared in your account without you lifting a finger.
- Contract migration: The old DERC contract was frozen. The new ZERC contract, with the address
0xa3a2...f049815, went live on the Base network.
What Is ZERC Used For Today?
ZERC isn’t just a renamed token. It’s the engine of the entire zkRace ecosystem.- In-game purchases: Buy NFT racehorses, breeding slots, and hippodrome upgrades using ZERC.
- Race entry fees: Enter races, compete for prize pools, and earn more ZERC.
- Breeding: Combine two NFT horses to create new ones - each with unique stats. Breeding costs ZERC.
- Referrals: Invite others to join, and earn ZERC rewards.
- Community rewards: Report bugs, submit strategy guides, or participate in challenges - all rewarded in ZERC.
Market Performance and Trust Signals
ZERC isn’t a giant, but it’s stable. Daily trading volume hovers around $122,795, which for a niche GameFi project is healthy. The price has stayed within a narrow range - $0.0257 to $0.0262 - over the last 24 hours, showing low volatility. One key trust signal: the project was audited by Hacken a well-known blockchain security firm. That means the smart contracts behind ZERC and the NFT mechanics were checked for vulnerabilities. No red flags were found. Platforms like Bitget rate zkRace at 3.6/5, which reflects decent community satisfaction but also acknowledges room for growth. It’s not a top-tier DeFi project, but it’s functioning as intended.What You Missed - And What’s Still Possible
If you didn’t hold DERC before May 13, 2024, you missed the original airdrop. There’s no way to get ZERC tokens from that event anymore. But that doesn’t mean ZERC is dead. The zkRace team still runs ongoing airdrops - not for old holders, but for active users. Participate in weekly racing challenges, complete breeding quests, or join community tournaments. These aren’t big payouts, but they’re real ZERC rewards. The ecosystem is designed to keep people engaged, not just cash out.Where to Get ZERC Now
You can’t buy DERC anymore. But ZERC is live on major exchanges:- KuCoin - ZERC/USDT trading pair
- Gate.io - ZERC/USDT and ZERC/BTC
- Bitget - ZERC/USDT
Is zkRace Worth It?
If you’re into NFT horse racing games, zkRace is one of the few that actually works. It’s not hype. It’s a functioning metaverse with real users racing, breeding, and trading. The token swap was clean, transparent, and fair. The technology is solid. The community is small but active. The price won’t explode tomorrow. But if you believe in the long-term vision of blockchain-based racing games - where ownership, breeding, and competition are truly decentralized - then ZERC has staying power.Frequently Asked Questions
Did everyone who held DERC get ZERC automatically?
Yes. If you held DERC in any wallet or on a supported exchange before the snapshot on May 13, 2024, at 16:00 UTC, your ZERC tokens were sent to your address automatically. No action was needed.
Can I still claim my ZERC tokens if I missed the swap?
No. The token swap was a one-time event. The DERC contract is now inactive, and the airdrop window closed permanently. You can only get ZERC today by buying it on an exchange or earning it through zkRace gameplay.
Is ZERC the same as DERC?
No. ZERC is the upgraded version. It runs on the Base blockchain, has better performance, and powers the new zkRace ecosystem. DERC is obsolete and no longer tradable. Think of it like an operating system update - same function, better foundation.
What’s the total supply of ZERC?
The total supply is 120,000,000 ZERC, and all of it is already in circulation. There are no more tokens to be minted. This makes the market cap stable and predictable.
Where can I check my ZERC balance?
Use a Base blockchain explorer like BaseScan. Enter your wallet address, and look for the ZERC token contract (0xa3a2...f049815). If you held DERC before the snapshot, your ZERC balance should show up automatically.
Are there future airdrops for zkRace?
Yes. The zkRace team regularly runs in-game airdrops for active players - not for past holders. Participate in races, complete breeding tasks, or report bugs to earn ZERC tokens. These are ongoing, not one-time events.
Next Steps for Holders
If you have ZERC:- Check your balance on BaseScan to confirm it’s correct.
- Transfer it to a wallet like MetaMask if it’s still on an exchange.
- Visit the official zkRace website and connect your wallet to start racing or breeding.
- Join their Discord or Telegram to stay updated on upcoming challenges.
- Buy ZERC on KuCoin or Gate.io.
- Start with a small NFT horse - they’re affordable.
- Play the game, learn the mechanics, and earn your way up.
Cormac Riverton
I'm a blockchain analyst and private investor specializing in cryptocurrencies and equity markets. I research tokenomics, on-chain data, and market microstructure, and advise startups on exchange listings. I also write practical explainers and strategy notes for retail traders and fund teams. My work blends quantitative analysis with clear storytelling to make complex systems understandable.
About
DEX Maniac is your hub for blockchain knowledge, cryptocurrencies, and global markets. Explore guides on crypto coins, DeFi, and decentralized exchanges with clear, actionable insights. Compare crypto exchanges, track airdrop opportunities, and follow timely market analysis across crypto and stocks. Stay informed with curated news, tools, and insights for smarter decisions.