What Is the Points System? A New Way to Farm Airdrops

In the Web3 context, the points system is essentially a "new pre-airdrop game"—projects issue points before tokens, and users accumulate points through on-chain interactions, holding assets, completing social tasks, etc. Points are eventually converted into token shares proportionally. It shifts the model from "pay first, then work" to "work first, then distribute," with the core change being the threshold and method of distribution rather than whether money is distributed at all.

Step 1: Understand the basic logic of the points system—how it differs from traditional airdrops

The logic of traditional airdrops: at some point, the project takes a "snapshot" of eligible addresses and then distributes tokens directly based on holdings or interaction volume. Users don't need to actively accumulate points; they just wait passively.

The points system logic is completely different: projects issue points before launching a token. Users need to actively "farm points"—conduct on-chain transactions, provide liquidity, hold assets, check in, complete social tasks. All behaviors generate points, and only after points accumulate to a certain threshold can they be exchanged for tokens.

Key differences:

The core reason points systems are popular: traditional airdrops are easily exploited by airdrop farming studios that rush volume just before the snapshot, while points systems require users to remain active over 15 days or even longer, significantly increasing the cost and difficulty of gaming the system.

What counts as completion: Understand that the points system is a "work first, then distribute" model, different from the traditional "distribute first, then see who participates" approach.

Step 2: Learn how points are calculated—usually two dimensions: "trading volume + holdings"

Different projects have different point calculation rules, but the mainstream model basically revolves around two core dimensions:

① Trading volume points are calculated based on your buy trade volume on-chain or on the platform. Taking Binance Alpha Points as an example, buy amounts are scored using powers of two: $2 gets 1 point, $4 gets 2 points, $8 gets 3 points, and so on. For amounts above $1,024, every doubling adds 1 point.

② Holdings balance points are calculated based on the value of assets you hold on the platform or in your wallet. Holding $100–$999 gives 1 point per day, $1,000–$9,999 gives 2 points, $10,000–$99,999 gives 3 points, and ≥$100,000 gives 4 points.

Calculation cycle: Points are usually accumulated on a rolling 15-day basis, updated daily, with old points replaced by new ones. This means that to maintain a high score, you need to sustain trading and holdings continuously, not just spike activity once.

What counts as completion: Be able to explain that points are mainly determined by the two dimensions of "trading volume" and "holdings," and that they are calculated on a rolling basis.

Step 3: See how points are used—the ticket to token allocation

Points themselves don't directly equal money, but they are the "ticket" to participate in token allocation.

Using Binance Alpha Points as an example, once points reach a certain threshold, you can participate in opportunities like TGE (Token Generation Events) and Alpha airdrops. Different projects have different point thresholds, for instance:

• SIGN airdrop: ≥65 points can claim 1,500 SIGN (worth about $140)

• B2 TGE: ≥82 points can participate

• PUFFER airdrop: ≥186 points can claim

The higher the points, the more projects you can join and the more tokens you'll receive. Additionally, points systems are starting to introduce a "deduction mechanism"—participating in an airdrop consumes a certain number of points (e.g., 15 points deducted each time). Users need to judge whether each airdrop is worth spending points on.

What counts as completion: Understand that points are a "unit of measurement for token allocation," and accumulating points is not for the points themselves, but for exchanging them for future tokens.

Step 4: Learn point farming methods—techniques to gain points at low cost

If you plan to participate in a points system, here are some general "point farming" strategies:

① Split orders: Instead of making one large buy, split the amount into powers of two like $2, $4, $8, $16, etc. Each transaction can earn points individually, giving a much higher total than a single large purchase.

② Choose the right chain and tokens: Some platforms have point multiplier events for specific chains (e.g., double points for BSC chain transactions). Prioritize tokens with high liquidity and low slippage to minimize friction.

③ Hold assets as a baseline: Even without trading, maintaining a daily holding of over $100 can steadily earn 1–2 points per day, the lowest-cost source of points.

④ Watch for double-point events: Follow official announcements; limit orders plus BSC channel often mark peak double-point periods.

What counts as completion: Know more than three point farming techniques and be able to design your own accumulation strategy based on project rules.

Step 5: Understand the difference between on-chain and off-chain points

Web3 points systems are also divided into two types, and understanding the differences helps gauge a project's reliability:

Off-chain Points

• Points data is stored in the project's centralized database; users don't see real-time updates and cannot verify.

• Advantages: Projects can flexibly adjust rules without on-chain constraints.

• Disadvantages: Not transparent; may lead to "insider farming"—team members using internal information to obtain improper points.

On-chain Points

• Points data is stored on the blockchain, publicly transparent and immutable.

• Advantages: Everyone can see the points allocation process, ensuring fairness.

• Disadvantages: On-chain operations incur gas fees, and rule adjustments are less flexible than off-chain.

Currently, most major projects (like Binance Alpha Points) use an off-chain points model but mitigate transparency issues by publicly disclosing airdrop rules and regularly publishing point thresholds.

What counts as completion: Understand the basic differences between on-chain and off-chain points, and know the trade-off between transparency and flexibility.

Risk Reminders

• Points are not tokens: Points are merely "redemption qualifications" and do not guarantee you will receive tokens, nor that tokens will have any value. Projects can change points rules or cancel redemptions at any time.

• Deduction mechanism: Some projects (like Binance Alpha) consume points when participating in airdrops. It's not a "once you reach the threshold you can keep profiting" situation; each redemption has a cost.

• Farming costs: Trading for points involves gas fees and slippage. Low liquidity on cheaper tokens may cause slippage to eat up most of the profit.

Next step: If you're interested in participating in the points system, open the Binance app and search for "Alpha Points" to see your current points and the latest airdrop thresholds. Don't rush into trading; spend a few days observing the points rules and airdrop announcements, figure out "which actions earn more points and which projects have low thresholds," then decide whether to commit funds to farm points.