If you held DeRace (DERC) tokens back in May 2024, you might have noticed your balance change or disappeared from certain wallets. Did you lose your coins? No. You actually participated in one of the most seamless token migrations in recent GameFi history. The project rebranded to zkRace, and its native token shifted from DERC to ZERC. This wasn't just a cosmetic name change; it was a technical upgrade involving a strict snapshot, a 1:1 swap ratio, and specific exchange deadlines that determined who got paid and when.
Many crypto investors missed the window because they didn't check their holdings before the cutoff date. Others are still confused about why the ticker changed or how to claim their new assets if they were on smaller platforms. This guide breaks down exactly what happened during the zkRace airdrop and swap, how the mechanics worked, and where the project stands today as of late 2026. We’ll look at the hard numbers, the exchange timelines, and the current market reality for ZERC holders.
What Was the DeRace to zkRace Migration?
The transition from DeRace to zkRace represents a complete rebranding and infrastructure overhaul. Originally, DeRace launched as an NFT horse racing metaverse where players could buy digital horses, breed them, and race them for profit. It combined blockchain tech with traditional gaming mechanics. However, the team decided to pivot toward a more scalable identity under the zkRace banner, focusing on enhanced performance and broader ecosystem integration.
This wasn't a simple logo update. The underlying smart contract changed. The old DERC contract was deprecated, and all value moved to the new ZERC contract. For users, this meant that holding DERC automatically converted to ZERC, provided you held the tokens during the specific snapshot period. If you sold your DERC before the snapshot, you missed out on the automatic conversion. If you held through the deadline, your portfolio updated without you needing to lift a finger-on supported exchanges, at least.
| Feature | Old Token (DeRace) | New Token (zkRace) |
|---|---|---|
| Ticker Symbol | DERC | ZERC |
| Swap Ratio | N/A | 1 DERC = 1 ZERC |
| Total Supply | Varied by epoch | 120,000,000 ZERC |
| Circulating Supply | Partially locked | 100% Circulating |
| Blockchain Network | Binance Smart Chain / Ethereum | Base Network (Primary) |
The Snapshot and Swap Timeline
Timing was everything in this airdrop event. The developers set a precise moment to determine eligibility. On May 13, 2024, at 16:00:00 UTC, a snapshot was taken. If your wallet or exchange account showed a positive balance of DERC at that exact second, you qualified for the ZERC distribution. Missed that timestamp by even a minute? Your tokens remained in the old format until you manually claimed them or waited for your exchange to process the legacy asset.
Major exchanges handled this differently, but generally followed a two-step process: first, they paused deposits for the old token, then they credited the new token. KuCoin, for instance, completed the swap on May 28, 2024. They opened trading for ZERC/USDT pairs immediately after the swap concluded. Withdrawals for the new ZERC tokens weren't enabled until May 29, 2024. This delay prevented market manipulation and ensured that the order books stabilized before people started moving funds off-platform.
Gate.io also supported the migration simultaneously. Both major platforms confirmed the 1:1 ratio, meaning no inflationary surprises for long-term holders. If you had 1,000 DERC, you got 1,000 ZERC. Simple math, but critical for tax reporting and portfolio tracking. Smaller exchanges or decentralized wallets required users to interact with the new contract address directly, which added a layer of complexity for non-technical users.
Understanding ZkRace Tokenomics
Now that you know how the swap worked, let's look at what you actually own. The ZERC token has a fixed total supply of 120 million tokens. Unlike many projects that lock up significant portions of their supply for years, zkRace boasts a 100% circulating supply. This means every single token is available for trading right now. There are no hidden vesting schedules waiting to dump on retail investors next year.
As of October 2026, the market cap sits around $3.1 million, with each token trading near $0.0258. While this is a modest valuation compared to its peak hype cycles, it reflects a mature, stable phase for the project. The daily trading volume hovers around $122,000, indicating steady but not explosive activity. This liquidity level is healthy for a niche GameFi token, allowing traders to enter and exit positions without massive slippage.
The token operates primarily on the Base network, leveraging Layer 2 scaling solutions to keep transaction fees low. This is crucial for a game where users might make dozens of small transactions daily-breeding fees, entry tickets, and reward claims. High gas fees would kill the user experience, so migrating to Base was a strategic move to keep the ecosystem accessible.
How to Claim Your Airdrop Today
If you're reading this in 2026 and still haven't claimed your ZERC tokens, don't panic. Most centralized exchanges have long since processed the swaps. Check your balances on KuCoin, Gate.io, or Bitget. If you see "ZERC" instead of "DERC," you're good to go. If you still see DERC, contact customer support immediately, as some exchanges may have delisted the old token entirely.
For those holding tokens in self-custody wallets like MetaMask or Trust Wallet, the process is slightly different. You likely need to add the new ZERC contract address to your wallet interface. The old DERC tokens might still show up in your wallet but will have zero utility. Ensure you are interacting with the correct contract on the Base network. Always verify the contract address on official sources like CoinGecko or the project's documentation before sending any transactions.
- Centralized Exchanges: Automatically credited. Just log in and check your spot wallet.
- Self-Custody Wallets: Add the new ZERC contract address manually.
- Lost Tokens: If you forgot to withdraw before the swap, file a ticket with the exchange. Recovery is usually possible but takes time.
The Future of zkRace Ecosystem
So, why does this matter beyond the initial swap? The zkRace platform continues to evolve as a hybrid of video gaming and decentralized finance. Users can still breed NFT horses, construct hippodromes, and participate in races. The ZERC token powers all these interactions. It’s used for breeding fees, race entries, and purchasing premium features within the metaverse.
The project has undergone security audits by Hacken, adding a layer of trust often missing in smaller GameFi projects. While the price action hasn't seen the explosive growth of early 2024, the community remains active. Ongoing airdrops and challenges continue to reward engaged users, keeping the flywheel spinning. If you believe in the niche of NFT sports gaming, zkRace offers a functional product rather than just speculative vaporware.
Keep an eye on future promotional events. The team frequently runs campaigns where active participation yields bonus ZERC tokens. These aren't guaranteed, but staying connected to the official Discord and Twitter channels ensures you don't miss out on free yield opportunities.
Did I lose money during the DeRace to zkRace swap?
No, the swap was executed at a 1:1 ratio. If you held 100 DERC tokens before the May 13, 2024 snapshot, you received 100 ZERC tokens. The value fluctuated based on market conditions, but the token count remained identical.
Which blockchain does zkRace use?
The primary network for zkRace (ZERC) is the Base network, a Layer 2 solution on Ethereum. This choice helps reduce transaction costs for in-game actions. Some legacy assets may exist on other chains, but the core utility token is on Base.
Can I still trade DERC tokens?
Most major exchanges have discontinued support for the original DERC token. You should convert any remaining DERC to ZERC via your exchange's withdrawal or swap feature. Trading raw DERC is now difficult and illiquid.
What is the total supply of ZERC?
The total supply is capped at 120,000,000 ZERC tokens. Currently, 100% of this supply is circulating, meaning there are no locked tokens waiting to be released into the market.
Is zkRace audited?
Yes, the project underwent security auditing by Hacken, a reputable cybersecurity firm specializing in blockchain protocols. This audit covers the smart contracts governing the token and game mechanics.