Has Over Protocol Lived Up to Expectations?

Over Protocol, a Layer 1 blockchain designed to bring decentralization to the masses, launched its mainnet on December 7, 2024, following a series of widely publicized airdrops. Promising to let anyone run a full node from a personal computer, the project aimed to break down barriers to blockchain participation with its lightweight "Ethanos" technology and user-friendly OverScape app. 

Backed by $8 million from South Korean venture capital firms like SK and Netmarble, expectations were high for Over Protocol to reshape how individuals engage with blockchain networks. 

The launch of Over Protocol’s mainnet marked a pivotal moment, supported by a strategic airdrop campaign under the Over Community Access Program (OCAP). These airdrops rewarded users with OVER tokens for tasks like joining waitlists and referring friends, building a community of over 749,000 X followers. 

Partnerships with platforms like OKX Cryptopedia and events like the Nethers NFT airdrop boosted early engagement, while the OverWallet app, relaunched as OverFlex, served as an entry point for users to manage nodes and stake at home. 

But has this initial buzz translated into sustained success? After three months since its mainnet launch, we want to examine whether the project has delivered its bold promises, analyzing its technical achievements, community response, market performance, and lingering challenges.

Technical Achievements: Home Staking Takes Shape

At its core, Over Protocol set out to make blockchain validation accessible by reducing hardware demands. Using Ethanos, it manages data efficiently across layers, requiring only a dual-core CPU, 8GB RAM, and 50GB SSD at a minimum—though 4+ cores and 16GB RAM are recommended. 

Over 12,000 users tested home staking during the Open Beta Testnet Season 1, a sign of early technical promise. Recent updates, like the OverFlex Market for purchasing real-world products with OVER tokens, show the ecosystem expanding beyond staking into practical DeFi applications. 

Yet, operational hiccups, like delays in app updates, suggest the network is still stabilizing.

Mixed Reviews Amid OVER Decline

Community feedback paints a varied picture. Over Protocol’s X account has kept followers engaged with updates, such as the March 18, 2025, announcement of the Over The Rainbow program, a collaboration to grow ecosystem projects.

However, not all users are satisfied. App Store reviews for OverWallet highlight frustration with airdrop eligibility, with some users calling the team “deceptive” for unclear criteria, though the team invited dialogue at [email protected]. This tension points to a gap between the project’s inclusive vision and some users’ experiences, raising questions about transparency.

The OVER token’s market trajectory offers another lens on Over Protocol’s progress. As of March 24, 2025, it trades at $0.02866 USD, with a 24-hour volume of $611,987.60, a sharp decline from its peak of $0.207183, according to CoinMarketCap. 

Looking Ahead: Can Over Protocol Recover?

Three months into its mainnet journey, Over Protocol has made strides in accessibility. Home staking is functional, and the ecosystem is growing with initiatives like the iZUMi Farm partnership announced on March 11, 2025. 

Yet, it falls short of the lofty expectations set by its pre-launch hype. The token’s price slump, community trust issues, and operational delays suggest a project is still finding its footing. For Over Protocol to thrive, addressing transparency, stabilizing its network, and rebuilding market momentum will be key.

Has Over Protocol lived up to expectations since its launch after the airdrop? Not entirely. It has delivered on technical accessibility and built a sizable community, but market struggles and user discontent reveal unmet promises. The project remains a work in progress with the potential to grow if it can navigate current challenges. For now, it’s a cautionary tale of ambition meeting the harsh realities of blockchain adoption.