$RAILS Airdrop Is Live – Farm Points for the Hybrid Perps Future

What Is Rails and Why Does It Matter?

Rails is a next-gen perpetuals trading platform that blends centralized matching speed with on-chain custody. Orders are processed with a fast matching engine, while funds are held on Ink, Kraken’s high-performance OP Stack–based Layer 2, aiming to give CEX-level execution with self-custodial control.

The project has raised around $20M in funding from backers including Kraken, Slow Ventures, CMCC Global and others, positioning it as a serious contender in the perp DEX landscape rather than a short-lived airdrop farm.

For the community, the key part: Rails is running a large points program where users earn Rails Points and Rails ID Points by trading, completing quests and building on-chain history. Those points are expected to convert into $RAILS at token generation, with roughly 40% of the total token supply earmarked for the community.

Our Experience Joining Rails

Personal review (AirdropBuzz team): An AirdropBuzz researcher tested Rails in December 2025 on desktop Chrome, tracking time-to-onboard, points earned per quest, gas and trading fees, and the UX around completing the mandatory Evaluation Quest.

• Date joined: Early December 2025
• Starting setup time: ~10 minutes to connect X, link EVM wallet and mint Rails ID
• First Evaluation Quest: Perp trade with >$20 notional; took ~10–15 minutes including reading instructions and placing the trade
• Points earned (example run): A few thousand Rails Points + matching Rails ID Points from the Evaluation Quest and basic quests (social + onboarding)
• Issues encountered:
  • Some quests didn’t update instantly; required a refresh or short wait.
  • Evaluation Quest instructions assume basic perp knowledge; total beginners may be confused by margin and PnL.
• Overall feel: Clean UI, fast trade execution, but definitely more “trader-first” than “airdrops-only casual”.

 

Time vs Reward: Is the $RAILS Airdrop Worth Your Time?

The verdict table up top already hints at it: Rails is not a pure “click some socials and forget” drop. To be eligible for point-to-token conversion, Rails has clearly stated that you must complete at least one Evaluation Quest.

In practice, that means placing a real perp trade (currently typically >$20 notional) and letting it play out according to the quest conditions. Your performance contributes to your evaluation tier, which then ties into how valuable your trading history looks inside the ecosystem.

On the reward side, there are several strong signals:

• Large community allocation: Around 40% of the supply is geared toward community distribution, which is on the higher end for serious infrastructure projects.
• Points → token at TGE: Multiple official and ecosystem posts confirm that Rails Points are expected to convert into $RAILS at TGE, currently guided for Q1 2026. Exact conversion rates are not yet public.
• Hybrid perps narrative: “CEX speed + on-chain custody” is an investable narrative in this cycle; if Rails becomes a leading venue on Ink L2, upside could be meaningful relative to time spent.

On the flip side, the certainty score is only 6/10 for us. There is no public formula for points-to-token conversion yet, and performance-based systems often reward heavy, consistent traders more than one-and-done farmers.

Who it’s best for: If you already trade perps or want to learn in a structured environment, Rails is a solid airdrop to fold into your normal activity. If you hate touching leveraged products and just want pure free mints, this one might feel like overkill.

Risks & Things to Watch

Rails runs perpetual contracts on a relatively new Layer 2 (Ink) with a custom hybrid architecture. While on-chain custody reduces some centralized exchange risks, you’re still exposed to smart-contract risk, potential L2 bugs, and standard perp hazards like liquidation and funding swings.

Evaluation Quests require putting real capital at risk on leveraged products. Only use size you can afford to lose, set clear stops where appropriate, and avoid over-leverage just “for the airdrop”. Use a fresh EVM wallet, regularly review approvals, and revoke any permissions you no longer need once the campaign matures.

Not financial advice: Treat this as an educational overview only. Always do your own research and consider your risk tolerance before trading on any perp exchange.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Join the Rails Airdrop

Here’s a practical, no-fluff walkthrough to get you from zero to Evaluation Quest–eligible.

1. Open the official quest portal.

   Head to the Rails quest platform using this link: quest.rails.xyz. Bookmark it so you don’t get phished later.

2. Connect your EVM wallet.
   • Click “Connect Wallet” and choose a wallet like MetaMask, Rabby, OKX, etc.
   • We recommend a fresh address dedicated to airdrops, funded from your main wallet.
   • Sign the usual non-spending message to link it to your Rails ID.
3. Connect your X (Twitter) account.
   • Click the X connect button on the quest page.
   • Authorize Rails to read your account (standard OAuth flow).
   • This unlocks social quests and ties your identity into your Rails profile.
4. Mint or activate your Rails ID.
   • Follow the prompt to set up your Rails ID, which tracks your on-chain trading history and evaluation tiers.
   • Rails ID Points usually mirror your Rails Points from eligible actions, boosting your overall score.
5. Clear the basic quests first.

   Before touching perps, farm the low-risk stuff:

   • Follow Rails on X, like/retweet pinned posts if quests require.
   • Join the Discord / community channels via the quest panel.
   • Complete any “Onboarding” or “Learn” quests for easy Rails Points.
6. Prepare for your first Evaluation Quest.
   • Deposit a small amount of supported collateral (usually a stablecoin or major asset; check the live UI for specifics).
   • Make sure you understand position size, leverage, liquidation price and fees before you click “Open”.
   • Note the exact conditions of the Evaluation Quest – e.g., minimum notional (often around $20+), required PnL or trade duration.
7. Execute the Evaluation Quest trade.

   Now do the actual thing that unlocks eligibility:

   • Pick a perp market you understand (BTC, ETH or majors rather than illiquid exotics).
   • Set a reasonable leverage level (many users choose 2–5x instead of maxing it like a degen ape).
   • Place your order, monitor it, and close it in line with the Evaluation Quest rules.

   Once the quest requirements are met, the Evaluation Quest should mark as complete and add both Rails Points and Rails ID Points to your profile.

8. Farm ongoing multipliers and streaks (optional grind).
   • Check for daily streak quests, volume milestones and referral bonuses that multiply your points over time.
   • If you already trade perps elsewhere, consider routing some flow through Rails so you earn points on activity you’d do anyway.
9. Stay updated on TGE and conversion rules.
   • Follow the official Rails X account and Discord announcements.
   • Watch for any snapshot dates, KYC requirements, or region restrictions closer to the Q1 2026 TGE window.
   • Export or screenshot your points / tiers periodically, just in case.

Remember: exact quests, thresholds and multipliers can change at any time. Always rely on the live quest interface and official announcements rather than third-party threads when making decisions.

FAQ: Rails ($RAILS) Airdrop

What is the Rails airdrop and how does it work?

The Rails airdrop is a points-based campaign where users earn Rails Points (and Rails ID Points) for trading perps and completing quests on the Rails hybrid perpetuals exchange. These points are expected to convert into $RAILS tokens at token generation, currently guided for Q1 2026, with a large share of the supply reserved for community distribution. Exact conversion ratios have not been published yet.

Do I really have to complete an Evaluation Quest?

Yes. Rails has repeatedly communicated that completing at least one Evaluation Quest is required to be eligible for point conversion into $RAILS. An Evaluation Quest generally involves placing a real perp trade above a minimum notional threshold and having it evaluated for your trading performance. Without this, you risk ending up with non-convertible “vanity” points.

How much capital do I need for the Rails airdrop?

For basic social and onboarding quests, you mainly need gas fees on the connected EVM wallet. To pass the Evaluation Quest, you should be prepared to trade with at least ~$20 notional (based on current quests), plus a buffer for funding, spreads and potential losses. Only deploy capital you can afford to lose, as perps are leveraged instruments and carry real risk.

When is the $RAILS token TGE?

Public guidance from ecosystem posts points to a planned Q1 2026 token generation event for $RAILS. This is a target window, not a guaranteed date, and could shift based on market or project considerations. Always check official Rails channels for the latest updates before making decisions.

Is Rails safe to use?

Rails is backed by established investors and uses on-chain custody on Ink L2, which is built on the OP Stack. That said, it’s still a relatively new platform and there is always smart-contract, L2 and trading risk. Use a dedicated wallet, avoid over-leverage, and consider starting with a small Evaluation Quest size while you learn the system. This FAQ is informational only and not a guarantee of safety or returns.