The Citrea Testnet offers an exciting opportunity for crypto enthusiasts to engage with a pioneering project in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Citrea, a zero-knowledge rollup (ZK-rollup) platform, aims to enhance Bitcoin’s scalability and security while enabling decentralized applications (dApps) to interact seamlessly with Bitcoin’s infrastructure. With $16.7 million in funding from prominent investors like Founders Fund and Galaxy, Citrea’s incentivized testnet is generating buzz for its potential airdrop rewards. This 800-word guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process to participate in the Citrea Testnet and maximize your chances of earning free tokens.
Understanding the Citrea Project
Citrea is Bitcoin’s first ZK-rollup, designed to bring smart contract functionality and modular scalability to the Bitcoin ecosystem. By leveraging zero-knowledge proofs, Citrea ensures secure and efficient transactions while maintaining Bitcoin’s decentralization. The testnet phase allows users to experiment with Citrea’s features, test its scalability, and contribute to network stability. Early adopters who actively participate may qualify for airdrop rewards, potentially including Citrea’s native token ($CTR), as the project progresses toward its mainnet launch.
Participating in the Citrea Testnet is free, risk-free, and open to those who secure an access code. However, access is limited, making it essential to act quickly and follow the steps outlined below to increase your eligibility for potential rewards.
Step 1: Secure an Access Code
Citrea’s testnet is a closed network, meaning you need an invite code to participate. These codes are periodically shared on Citrea’s official X account (@citrea_xyz) or Discord server. Here’s how to get started:
- Join Citrea’s Community Channels: Follow @citrea_xyz on X and join the official Citrea Discord server. Monitor these platforms for announcements about new access codes.
- Create Content for a Code: You can earn an invite code by creating content about Citrea on X. Tag @citrea_xyz and include the hashtag #Bapps in your post. High-quality content, such as a thread explaining Citrea’s features or potential, may increase your chances of receiving a code.
- Check Regularly: Codes are limited and distributed sporadically, so check X and Discord frequently to avoid missing out.
Once you have an access code, you’re ready to proceed to the testnet setup.
Step 2: Set Up Your Wallet
To interact with the Citrea Testnet, you’ll need an EVM-compatible wallet, such as MetaMask or WalletConnect. Follow these steps:
- Install MetaMask: If you don’t already have MetaMask, download and install it as a browser extension or mobile app. Create a new wallet or import an existing one, ensuring you securely store your recovery phrase.
- Create a Separate Wallet: For security, consider using a dedicated wallet for testnet activities to avoid mixing with your main funds.
- Connect to the Citrea Testnet: Visit the official Citrea Testnet page (https://citrea.xyz/faucet) and click “Connect Wallet.” Select MetaMask or WalletConnect and follow the prompts to link your wallet.
After connecting your wallet, you’ll need to log in using your X or Discord account to access the faucet and request testnet tokens
Step 3: Request Testnet Tokens
Testnet tokens, such as cBTC, are required to interact with Citrea’s ecosystem. These tokens are valueless and used solely for testing purposes. Here’s how to obtain them:
- Access the Faucet: On the Citrea Testnet page, select “Login to use Faucet.” Log in with your X or Discord credentials and enter your invite code.
- Request cBTC: Click “Request Faucet” to receive testnet cBTC tokens. These will be transferred to your connected wallet, typically within a few minutes.
- Verify Receipt: Check your wallet to ensure the tokens have been credited. You may need to add the Citrea Testnet network to MetaMask manually (details are usually provided on the faucet page).
With tokens in hand, you can now explore Citrea’s ecosystem and complete tasks to boost your airdrop eligibility.
Step 4: Engage with the Citrea Ecosystem
Active participation is key to qualifying for potential airdrop rewards. Citrea offers various activities to test its features and demonstrate your engagement. Here are the main tasks:
- Perform Token Swaps: Visit the Citrea Quest Dashboard (https://bapps.citrea.xyz/quest) and navigate to the “Citrus Swap” feature. Connect your wallet, select tokens to swap, and complete multiple transactions. Aim for at least 100 transactions to maintain an active wallet, as this may increase your reward potential.
- Provide Liquidity: Add liquidity to Citrea’s decentralized exchange by contributing equal amounts of tokens to a liquidity pool. Select the desired tokens, approve the transaction in MetaMask, and confirm the deposit. Regular liquidity provision can enhance your eligibility.
- Deploy a Contract: For advanced users, deploy a smart contract on Citrea. Create a token, name it, and confirm the deployment via MetaMask. This demonstrates deeper engagement with the ecosystem.
- Complete Quests on Galxe and Layer3: Citrea has launched campaigns on platforms like Galxe and Layer3, offering points and NFTs for completing tasks. Visit Galxe, connect your wallet, and complete quests (e.g., quiz answers: B, A, C). On Layer3, complete tasks to earn 75 points, which may serve as airdrop multipliers.
Step 5: Mint the Bapper Badge NFT
Citrea’s “Unfreeze ₿apps” campaign includes minting a Bapper Badge NFT, which may signal your participation to the project team. To mint:
- Visit https://bapps.citrea.xyz/quest and click “Read the ₿app Manifesto.”
- Follow the prompts to connect your wallet and mint the NFT using your testnet tokens.
- Ensure you complete all associated tasks to maximize your visibility.
Airdrop eligibility often depends on consistent engagement. To maximize your chances:
- Maintain Activity: Regularly perform swaps, provide liquidity, and interact with dApps to keep your wallet active.
- Track Updates: Follow Citrea’s X and Discord for new tasks, code releases, or airdrop announcements.
- Check Eligibility: Periodically visit the Citrea Testnet page to verify your wallet’s eligibility for rewards.
Tips for Success
- Act Quickly: Limited access codes mean competition is high. Stay proactive in securing a code and completing tasks.
- Engage Meaningfully: Focus on genuine interaction rather than “airdrop farming” to align with Citrea’s goal of rewarding contributors.
- Stay Safe: Never share your private key or recovery phrase. Use official links (e.g., citrea.xyz) to avoid scams.
Conclusion
The Citrea Testnet offers a unique chance to engage with a groundbreaking Bitcoin ZK-rollup project while potentially earning airdrop rewards. By securing an access code, setting up your wallet, requesting tokens, and actively participating in tasks like swaps, liquidity provision, and NFT minting, you can position yourself as an early adopter in Citrea’s ecosystem. Stay engaged, monitor updates, and contribute meaningfully to maximize your rewards. Start today by visiting https://citrea.xyz/faucet and joining the Bitcoin revolution with Citrea
Testnet is dead in Q3 2025. Know this and know peace
Just jumped into Citrea’s testnet—connected my wallet, got test tokens, and tried the Citrus Swap. Wasn’t expecting it to be so beginner-friendly
Still confused. Will go back to twitter. Thanks