The bear market is often considered the best time for building in the crypto space. For everyday users, the most effective way to participate is by testing various projects, providing feedback, and contributing to development. Many projects now reward these active testers.
A testnet is a crucial phase for many types of projects, allowing developers to create, modify, and monitor performance without risking real user assets. Users can engage with testnets using test tokens, explore functionalities, and help refine products.
This article provides a curated list of 100 Web3 projects currently in their testnet phase, categorized across various sectors including Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchains, infrastructure, DeFi, NFTs, DAOs, social entertainment, and gaming. This guide serves as a starting point for those looking to dive into new ecosystems and potentially benefit from future airdrops.
👉 Explore real-time testnet opportunities
Layer 1 & Layer 2 Blockchains
Sui
Sui is a permissionless Layer 1 blockchain designed from the ground up to enable creators and developers to build experiences for the next billion users in Web3. It is horizontally scalable, supporting a wide range of applications with high speed and low cost.
Testnet Info: Sui Testnet Wave 1 has concluded. Testnet Wave 2 is expected in early 2023, focusing on epoch management, tokenomics, and staking. The SUI tokenomics allocates 20% to early contributors and 6% to community access programs and app testers.
Scroll
Scroll is a native zkEVM Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum, aiming to provide seamless compatibility and scalability.
Testnet Info: Scroll's Pre-Alpha testnet is live. Users can follow official guides for cross-chain swaps and other interactions.
Manta Network
Manta Network is a privacy-focused blockchain platform that uses zk-SNARKs to provide end-to-end privacy for users, enabling private transfers and transactions.
Testnet Info: The Dolphin Testnet features DolphinPay, a zk-SNARK-based private payment function. Users must complete a form to qualify for potential testnet airdrops.
Other Notable Layer 1 & 2 Testnets
- Specular: An EVM-native optimistic rollup.
- Goshen: An Optimistic rollup L2 fully equivalent to Ethereum.
- Nitro: Solana's first Layer 2 solution built for the Cosmos ecosystem.
- Sei Network: A Layer 1 with a built-in Central Limit Order Book (CLOB).
- Quai Network: A proof-of-work network using merged mining.
- Massa: A decentralized blockchain with high throughput.
- Polygon Avail: A modular blockchain focused on data availability.
- Opside: A three-layer architecture for high-throughput apps.
Infrastructure
Starknet.id
Starknet.Id is an identity and naming service on Starknet, allowing users to create a free identity linked to their Twitter, Discord, or GitHub.
Testnet Info: Initially on testnet, the project has now launched on mainnet. Testnet interactions involved connecting a wallet and verifying social accounts.
Suiet & Ethos
These are wallets built for the Sui ecosystem, allowing users to hold assets, mint NFTs, and interact with dApps.
Testnet Info: Both wallets are available for testing. Users can often claim test tokens directly within the wallet interface to explore the Sui testnet.
Other Notable Infrastructure Testnets
- Atlas: A solution allowing developers to create custom blockchain ecosystems.
- Sui Names / SuiNS: Decentralized naming services on the Sui network.
- Reddio: Provides zkRollup APIs for building scalable dApps.
- KYVE: A decentralized data storage solution.
- Arcana Network: An EVM-compatible platform for privacy-preserving apps.
- Spacemesh: A programmable cryptocurrency platform powered by a novel consensus protocol.
DeFi
MovEX & Suiswap
These are decentralized exchanges (DEXs) operating on the Sui testnet, allowing users to swap tokens and provide liquidity.
Testnet Info: Users can connect their Sui wallets, claim test tokens, and perform swaps and liquidity pool interactions.
Aptin & Mobius
These are decentralized liquidity market protocols on the Aptos testnet, where users can participate as depositors or borrowers.
Testnet Info: Both protocols have active testnets with planned airdrops. Users can test lending, borrowing, and staking functionalities.
Other Notable DeFi Testnets
- Deridex: A decentralized derivatives exchange on Algorand.
- Fibrous: A routing algorithm for optimal swaps on StarkNet.
- Tsunami Finance: A spot and perpetual exchange with 0% slippage on Aptos.
- Prime Protocol: A cross-chain over-collateralized stablecoin protocol.
- Vertex Protocol: A decentralized derivatives protocol for spot and perpetuals.
- Spectral Finance: A protocol creating on-chain programmable credit scores.
NFTs
Tribe3
Tribe3 is a gamified NFT futures exchange where users can trade NFT perpetual contracts with leverage.
Testnet Info: The testnet on Goerli requires a whitelist. Users can join a waitlist via social tasks.
Holograph
Holograph is an omnichain NFT infrastructure enabling NFTs to move across EVM chains while maintaining consistent contract addresses and token IDs.
Testnet Info: Supports minting on Ethereum's Rinkeby and Polygon's Mumbai testnets. Users can claim test tokens every 24 hours.
Other Notable NFT Testnets
- The402: An NFT marketplace focused on music and video content with streaming.
- Ladder Protocol: A decentralized NFT AMM for instant trading.
- Unloc: A customizable NFT lending platform.
- ArtZero: An NFT marketplace built on Aleph Zero.
DAOs
Āut
Āut is a scalable community protocol powering collective coordination in DAOs through role-based membership and governance.
Testnet Info: Test versions are live on Ethereum's Goerli and Polygon's Mumbai networks.
Ink Finance
Ink Finance provides a suite of DAO tools for managing community governance, treasury, and reputation.
Testnet Info: Its Beta version is on the Avalanche Fuji testnet. Testers can earn rewards for participating in governance votes.
Social & Entertainment
Thinkin
Thinkin is a decentralized Web3 SocialFi platform on Algorand where users can launch projects, share knowledge, and discuss.
Testnet Info: A public testnet ran with a $1 million INK token reward pool for participants.
Atem Network
Atem is a decentralized content creation protocol that helps creators tokenize their content and build Web3 communities.
Testnet Info: The Alpha version, AtemReview, allows users to create and share Web3-native graphic notes for rewards.
Gaming
Eykar
Eykar is a decentralized strategy game on Starknet where players conquer territory through alliances and wars.
Testnet Info: Users need a Starknet wallet and test tokens to play through tutorials and earn NFTs.
Undead Blocks
Undead Blocks is a Play-to-Earn FPS zombie game where players use NFT weapons to fight hordes and earn rewards.
Testnet Info: A Beta version is available for download. The game has hosted tournaments with significant prize pools.
Other Notable Gaming Testnets
- Topology: An on-chain reality project inspired by sci-fi, built on StarkNet.
- Parallel: A sci-fi themed trading card game (TCG) utilizing NFTs.
- Footium: A multiplayer soccer management game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a testnet?
A testnet is a parallel blockchain environment used by developers to test and refine their protocols and applications without using real-value assets. It's a sandbox for experimentation.
Why should I participate in testnets?
Participating allows you to explore new technology early, provide valuable feedback to developers, and often makes you eligible for rewards, retroactive airdrops, or other incentives when the project launches its mainnet.
How do I get started with a testnet?
You typically need a Web3 wallet (like MetaMask), testnet tokens (often available from a "faucet"), and a guide from the project. Always be cautious and never share your private keys or seed phrases.
Are testnet airdrops guaranteed?
No, they are never guaranteed. While many projects reward early testers, airdrop criteria, eligibility, and the decision to have one are entirely at the discretion of the project team.
What are the risks of using testnets?
The primary risk is financial only if you accidentally use mainnet funds on a testnet address, which could result in loss. Otherwise, testnets are designed to be risk-free environments for learning and interaction.
Can I use the same wallet for multiple testnets?
Yes, you can. However, it's often recommended to use separate wallet addresses or even separate browser profiles for different ecosystems to avoid configuration errors and keep your testing organized.