Midnight Airdrop Eligibility Calculator
Calculate your potential Midnight NIGHT token allocation based on the June 11, 2025 snapshot. Enter the USD value of your holdings in each supported blockchain to see your estimated NIGHT tokens.
Enter Your Holdings
Enter the USD value of your holdings at the June 11, 2025 snapshot
Estimated Allocation
Your estimated NIGHT token allocation based on your holdings at the June 11, 2025 snapshot
Note: This calculation shows your potential allocation based on the snapshot value at June 11, 2025. Eligibility required holding at least $100 USD of any supported chain at the exact snapshot time.
The Midnight airdrop captured the crypto community’s attention in the summer of 2025, promising 24 billion NIGHT tokens to holders across eight major blockchains. If you own ADA, BTC, ETH, or any of the other supported assets, you probably wonder how the distribution worked, whether you missed the claim window, and what happens to the tokens you didn’t claim. This guide walks you through every detail - from eligibility rules and snapshot timing to the multi‑step claim process, vesting schedule, and the next phases that keep the supply moving.
What is Midnight Network and the NIGHT token?
Midnight Network is a privacy‑centric sidechain built on the Cardano ecosystem that launched an unprecedented airdrop called the Glacier Drop. Its native utility token, NIGHT functions as the main incentive for validators, governance participants, and developers building privacy‑first applications on the network. The project was announced by Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson as a way to reconcile utility and privacy, two goals that traditional blockchains often force users to trade off.
Eligibility criteria and snapshot mechanics
Eligibility hinged on a single snapshot taken on June 11 2025. Wallets needed to hold at least $100 worth of the native asset of any of the eight supported chains at that exact moment. The eight ecosystems were:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Solana (SOL)
- Avalanche (AVAX)
- BNB Chain (BNB)
- Brave (BAT)
- Cardano (ADA)
The snapshot was performed at a random, undisclosed timestamp to stop last‑minute buying tricks. Addresses on the OFAC SDN list were automatically excluded, which helped keep the distribution compliant and reduced Sybil attacks.
How the allocation was split
After the snapshot, the 24 billion NIGHT supply was carved up by weighted percentages:
- 50 % (12 billion) reserved exclusively for ADA holders
- 20 % (4.8 billion) for BTC holders
- 30 % (7.2 billion) shared proportionally among ETH, XRP, SOL, AVAX, BNB, and BAT based on their USD value at snapshot time
This model gave Cardano the biggest slice while still rewarding cross‑chain participants. Roughly 34 million addresses qualified, though the self‑custody requirement trimmed the effective pool.
Step‑by‑step claim process
Eligible users had a 60‑day window from early July to early August 2025, closing on October 4 2025. The process required two cryptographic proofs:
- Connect a supported wallet (Eternl, Lace, Yoroi, or MetaMask) to the portal at midnight.gd and sign a message proving custody without moving funds.
- Enter a fresh, unused Cardano address where the NIGHT tokens will be sent.
The double‑proof system filtered out custodial exchange accounts because most exchanges did not implement the signing step. If you used an exchange, you missed the primary distribution unless the exchange opted in on your behalf.
After both steps, the portal displayed the exact token amount you earned, based on the weighted algorithm. Users then confirmed the destination address, and the claim transaction was recorded on the Cardano testnet before final settlement on mainnet.
Allocation breakdown by chain
| Blockchain | Allocation % | Tokens (billions) |
|---|---|---|
| Cardano (ADA) | 50 % | 12 |
| Bitcoin (BTC) | 20 % | 4.8 |
| Ethereum (ETH) | 6 % | 1.44 |
| Ripple (XRP) | 5 % | 1.2 |
| Solana (SOL) | 5 % | 1.2 |
| Avalanche (AVAX) | 4 % | 0.96 |
| BNB Chain (BNB) | 3 % | 0.72 |
| Brave (BAT) | 2 % | 0.48 |
These numbers assume every eligible address claimed. In reality the claim window closed with some proportion unclaimed, feeding the next distribution phase.
Vesting schedule and token unlocking
Unlike typical airdrops that hand you liquid tokens immediately, NIGHT follows a “gradual thawing” vesting model:
- Tokens are locked in a Cardano smart contract after claim.
- Every 90 days, 25 % of an individual’s allocation becomes tradable.
- The four unlock events span 360 days after the mainnet launch, not the claim date.
- Each unlock occurs at a slightly randomized timestamp to discourage coordinated sell‑offs.
The design aims to keep the community engaged in block production, governance voting, and DUST‑fuelled application building rather than flipping tokens for quick profit.
What happens to unclaimed tokens?
Tokens left on the table after October 4 2025 didn’t just vanish. They roll into a second phase called the Scavenger Mine. In that phase, participants solve public‑good computational puzzles that both seed network infrastructure and earn a portion of the leftover supply. Any tokens still unclaimed after Scavenger Mine flow into a third and final phase, Lost‑and‑Found, which offers a last‑ditch recovery opportunity once the mainnet is live.
This cascading approach ensures the full 24 billion NIGHT tokens ultimately enter circulation, while also providing incentives for developers and validators to contribute early on.
Common pitfalls and practical tips
Many users reported stumbling at three points:
- Wallet compatibility: The claim portal only supports a handful of Cardano wallets. If you only have a Bitcoin‑only wallet, you needed to install Eternl, Lace, or Yoroi before you could receive NIGHT.
- Custodial accounts: Exchanges that held your assets at snapshot time were excluded unless they offered a claim‑on‑behalf feature, which most didn’t. If you stored ADA on Binance, you likely missed out.
- Fresh destination address: The system required a brand‑new Cardano address, not one that had previous transactions. New users had to generate a fresh wallet seed, which confused some participants.
To avoid these issues in future airdrops, keep a self‑custody wallet ready, regularly back up your seed phrase, and watch project channels for claim‑process tutorials. The Midnight community posted step‑by‑step video guides on August 5 2025 that walk users through signing, address generation, and checking the vesting timeline.
What’s next for the Midnight ecosystem?
With the Glacier Drop closed, the project shifts focus to two upcoming milestones:
- Scavenger Mine: Participants can join a web‑based puzzle platform, earn DUST tokens for solving proof‑of‑useful‑work challenges, and claim a share of the unclaimed NIGHT supply.
- Mainnet launch & full vesting: Once Mainnet goes live (date still TBD), the 360‑day vesting clock starts. Early validators will earn additional NIGHT rewards, and DUST will become usable for transaction fees.
Developers are encouraged to explore the Midnight testnet, read the “Midnight Tokenomics and Incentives” whitepaper, and start building privacy‑first dApps that leverage the dual‑token model (NIGHT for governance, DUST for fees).
Frequently Asked Questions
Did I miss the claim deadline?
Yes. The Glacier Drop window closed on October 4 2025. Unclaimed tokens have now moved to the Scavenger Mine phase.
Can I claim my NIGHT tokens with a MetaMask wallet?
MetaMask can be used to connect to the portal for the initial signature, but the final NIGHT tokens are sent to a Cardano address, so you’ll need a Cardano wallet (Eternl, Lace, or Yoroi) for receipt.
How is the vesting schedule calculated?
After Mainnet launch, 25 % of your claimed NIGHT unlocks every 90 days. The exact timestamps are randomized within each 90‑day window to prevent coordinated sells.
What is the Scavenger Mine phase?
It’s a puzzle‑solving round where participants run useful computations to earn a share of the NIGHT tokens that weren’t claimed during the Glacier Drop.
Do I need to pay fees to claim?
The claim transaction costs a small amount of ADA for network fees. No additional fees are charged by the Midnight team.
Stay tuned to the official Midnight Discord and Twitter for updates on the Scavenger Mine launch dates and Mainnet progress. If you missed the Glacier Drop, don’t give up - the next phases still offer a genuine chance to earn NIGHT and become part of the privacy‑first blockchain movement.
BRIAN NDUNG'U
December 14, 2024 AT 06:24Dear community, the Midnight airdrop represents a noteworthy milestone in cross‑chain token distribution. Holders of ADA, BTC, and the other supported assets were afforded a unique opportunity to acquire NIGHT tokens under transparent criteria. The snapshot on June 11 2025 ensured an equitable allocation based on verifiable holdings, while the subsequent claim process emphasized self‑custody. Participants who adhered to the outlined steps successfully secured their share, thereby contributing to the network’s security and governance. May this initiative inspire further innovation within the Cardano ecosystem.
Donnie Bolena
December 24, 2024 AT 16:17Wow!!! This airdrop was absolutely massive!!! 🎉 If you missed the window, don’t panic!!! There are still awesome phases like the Scavenger Mine!!! Keep your wallets ready and stay tuned for the next drop!!!
Elizabeth Chatwood
January 4, 2025 AT 02:10i think the claim portal was kinda tricky for newbies but if u follow the guides it works fine
Tom Grimes
January 14, 2025 AT 12:03The claim process sounded simple at first but it quickly became a maze of steps. First you had to download a specific Cardano wallet even if you only owned Bitcoin. Then you were forced to sign a cryptographic message that most users don’t understand. After that the portal asked for a brand‑new Cardano address that had never seen a transaction. This requirement scared a lot of people who just wanted their tokens. The instructions were spread across several pages, making it hard to follow. If you missed any single step, the whole claim failed. Many users complained that the portal didn’t give clear error messages. The support team was slow to respond, leaving folks in limbo. Some people even tried to claim using MetaMask, only to realize Night only goes to Cardano addresses. The double‑proof system seemed designed to exclude exchange users on purpose. It felt like the project didn’t care about those who stored assets on centralized platforms. The vesting schedule added another layer of complexity, with four unlock events over a year. This “gradual thawing” might protect the token price but also drags users into long‑term commitment. Overall, the airdrop was ambitious but the execution left many frustrated. If you plan to join future phases, double‑check every requirement. And maybe consider keeping a self‑custody wallet ready ahead of time.
Paul Barnes
January 24, 2025 AT 21:56Perhaps the real reward lies in questioning the narrative, not in the tokens themselves.
John Lee
February 4, 2025 AT 07:49Hey everyone, love the creativity behind the Glacier Drop! It’s like an icy treasure hunt that nudges us into using fresh wallets, which is a smart move for decentralization. Keep the community vibe alive and share your success stories – they inspire newcomers to dive into the privacy‑first vision.
Jireh Edemeka
February 14, 2025 AT 17:42Oh, wonderful – another airdrop that assumes everyone has a spare Cardano seed phrase lying around. Truly, nothing says “inclusive” like demanding a brand‑new address for every distribution.
del allen
February 25, 2025 AT 03:35i get why some folks missed out 😢 it was kinda confusing but thanks for the help!!
Jon Miller
March 7, 2025 AT 13:28Man, the whole thing felt like a blockbuster movie – the suspense, the countdown, the big reveal of NIGHT tokens. Who else got goosebumps when the portal finally displayed their allocation?
Rebecca Kurz
March 17, 2025 AT 23:21Did you see the token split? 50% to ADA holders!!! 20% to BTC holders!!! 30% shared among the rest!!!
Nikhil Chakravarthi Darapu
March 28, 2025 AT 09:14It’s clear that Cardano’s leadership is driving this forward, showcasing a home‑grown solution that outperforms foreign chains. We must support such initiatives to keep the ecosystem sovereign.
Tiffany Amspacher
April 7, 2025 AT 19:07In the grand theater of crypto, the Midnight airdrop is but a fleeting spotlight-yet its echoes linger in the corridors of our collective imagination, questioning what value truly means.
Lindsey Bird
April 18, 2025 AT 05:00Honestly, all this hype feels like an overproduced reality show; the drama is real, but the substance? Not so much.
john price
April 28, 2025 AT 14:53Listen, the whole airdrop is a social experiment-if you dont question the power dynamics, you’re just a pawn in their game.
Ty Hoffer Houston
May 9, 2025 AT 00:46It’s inspiring to see such global collaboration on the Midnight project. Different communities bringing their strengths together will only strengthen the network’s resilience.
Ryan Steck
May 19, 2025 AT 10:38yeah, they probably want us to keep our keys safe so they can’t track us… or maybe they just love making us jump through hoops.
James Williams, III
May 29, 2025 AT 20:31The claim process indeed required multiple steps: first, installing a supported wallet (Eternl or Lace), then performing a wallet‑signature using the Cardano Testnet to prove custody, followed by submitting a fresh address. After the transaction is logged on the testnet, the mainnet settlement distributes NIGHT tokens according to the weighted algorithm. Users should monitor the on‑chain explorer for the “NightClaim” contract events to verify successful allocation.
Patrick Day
June 9, 2025 AT 06:24Didn’t you notice the snapshot timing was random? They could’ve manipulated it to weed out the real holders.