Will the Altcoin Season Really Happen in 2025 or Should I Focus on Bitcoin Instead?
The big price surge for smaller cryptocurrencies, known as altcoins, may not happen for a while. Many experts now think a real “altcoin season” might not come back until 2026. This is because the money, excitement, and interest from big investors are all focused on Bitcoin.
Why Altcoins Are Losing Steam
Altcoins seem to be running out of energy. Gracy Chen, the CEO of Bitget, explained that these digital coins are fading. The money that once flowed into new crypto projects from venture capitalists has been shrinking for over a year. This means fewer new tokens are being created, leaving everyday traders with risky choices that offer little reward.
Other signs also point to a slowdown:
- The amount of weekly trading on major crypto exchanges has fallen by 20% to 40%.
- Some large market makers lost a lot of money because they borrowed too much, making other investors nervous.
- This period of caution is what Chen calls the “doubt phase,” where it is smarter to focus on projects with real-world applications.
Why Bitcoin Is Doing Better
Research from 10x Research shows that Bitcoin is leaving altcoins behind. In this market cycle, the value of altcoins has fallen short of Bitcoin by about $800 billion. While social media is full of hope for an altcoin rally, the market data tells a different story.
Even in places like South Korea, where altcoins are usually popular, traders are now more interested in crypto-related stocks. These stocks have performed very well this year, sometimes even better than Bitcoin. The Altcoin Season Index, a tool that measures market sentiment, has dropped to 23, its lowest point since mid-July. This low number signals Bitcoin’s strong dominance. At the same time, online discussions about altcoins have quieted down, suggesting that investors are getting tired.
How Big Investors Are Shaping the Market
Large institutional investors are now the main players guiding the market. These big firms have become more careful and are avoiding risks. This cautious mood is reflected in the Crypto Fear and Greed Index, which is currently at a low score of 32. This is very different from past cycles when waves of retail traders helped push altcoin prices up.
The projects that still get attention are the ones with clear uses and strong foundations. These include:
- Stablecoins, which are tied to a stable asset like the US dollar.
- Real-world assets (RWAs) that bring traditional assets onto the blockchain.
- Payment infrastructure tokens that help power financial systems.
For most investors, the current market suggests that chasing quick profits is a losing game. Instead, the focus should be on careful research, long-term planning, and managing risk. While there are still opportunities in altcoins, they are fewer and require a much more careful strategy.