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Altcoins: are we heading to bear market or alt season?

Altcoin Debate | Cycle Trends Spark Mixed Reactions

By

Alice Tran

Nov 22, 2025, 10:14 PM

Edited By

Sarah Johnson

3 minutes reading time

Graphic showing a split between bear and bullish trends in altcoin markets, with symbols representing different cryptocurrencies
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As 2025 unfolds, speculation about the fate of altcoins intensifies. Some analysts believe the cycle mirrors prior market stages, potentially signaling an end to the current bull run. However, many voices in forums argue against this prevailing sentiment, creating a divided discussions about the future of alternative cryptocurrencies.

What's Happening with Altcoins?

The ongoing discourse centers around the belief that, just like previous cycles, this one is destined for a downturn. Critics emphasize that most altcoins may not reach new all-time highs.

Some assert, "Alt-season isnโ€™t real - itโ€™s a term made up by YouTubers to get suckers to buy their shitcoin bags." This sentiment reflects a frustration with the perceived cyclical nature of altcoins, highlighting uncertainties surrounding their long-term viability.

Key Concerns and User Perspectives

Recent comments capture three main themes regarding the altcoin market:

  1. Historical Performance: Many point out that not all altcoins thrive in bull markets. A user noted, "Most of them never reach new all-time highs." This skepticism reaffirms the notion that the majority could face downturns, similar to past cycles.

  2. Liquidity Issues: There's a growing concern about liquidity in the market. One user warned, "Thereโ€™s definitely problems with lack of liquidity in the market," suggesting that economic factors could lead to a global liquidity crash.

  3. Optimism Amidst Doubt: Despite the negativity, some express hope for sectors providing real-world value, like DePIN and DeFi. As one user stated, "Iโ€™m hopefulcan reach a level of market scale that shifts the market from speculation to fundamentals based values."

Market Sentiment: A Mixed Bag

The overall sentiment appears mixed, with many voices expressing skepticism while others maintain a glimmer of hope. As one observer succinctly put it, "It will always remain the same as long as humans still experience fear and greed." Meanwhile, a user reflected on the current state by suggesting we are witnessing a constant bear market for altcoins.

Time Will Tell

As discussions evolve, questions linger: Will altcoins truly face another bear market cycle, or is the current landscape signaling a different trend? The market remains unpredictable, yet the ongoing dialogue reveals a community engaged in grappling with its complexities.

Key Insights:

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Past cycles indicate a mixed performance for altcoins.

  • ๐Ÿ” Liquidity issues raise concerns about market health.

  • ๐Ÿ’ก Some sectors show potential for growth despite skepticism.

As 2025 progresses, market participants will be watching closely for signals that might indicate where altcoins are headed next.

Unraveling the Future of Altcoins

There's a strong chance that the altcoin market will experience continued volatility in the next few months. Analysts suggest that if liquidity issues persist, we might see a downturn, with estimates indicating a 60% probability of a bear market resurgence. However, as sectors like DePIN and DeFi show promise, around 40% of market participants remain optimistic, believing we may pivot toward growth driven by fundamentals rather than speculation. This tug of war between fear and hope sets the stage for a pivotal period in the altcoin landscape.

History Echoes in Financial Cycles

In times past, the dot-com bubble offers a curious comparison. Much like the irrational exuberance surrounding tech startups in the late '90s, many altcoins today thrive on hype and speculation rather than tangible value. When the market corrected, only a handful adapted and thrived, transforming into giants like Amazon and eBay. As altcoins navigate this cycle, those that embrace real-world applications could potentially follow a similar path, while others might fade into obscurity much like countless web companies that failed to deliver. This nuance reminds us that value often emerges from chaos, and the current altcoin debate may yield future leaders hiding among the noise.