- Altcoins hitting $1.7T in 2025 marks a powerful breakout that ends years of stagnation and signals fresh momentum for the market.
- From the 2018 lows to the 2021 peak and 2022 crash, the altcoin story now turns into a recovery wave reaching record highs in 2025.
- A sixfold rise since 2022 fueled by institutional inflows shows confidence is back and liquidity is driving the altcoin sector forward.
Altcoins have reached a new all-time high for the first time in four years, according to analyst Moustache. Data shows total cryptocurrency market capitalization excluding Bitcoin surpassed $1.7 trillion in 2025. This level breaks above resistance zones that have held since the 2021 cycle.
Moustache noted, “This is the first time in four years that Altcoins/TOTAL2 have reached a new all time high.” He added that previous cycles in 2017 and 2021 began similarly before full-scale altseasons unfolded.
Market Phases from 2018 to 2021
Data from the chart shows market phases. Between 2018 and early 2021, altcoin capitalization consolidated within a broad accumulation zone. Activity was limited and values did not break previous highs. The market maintained this pattern until mid-2021.
Known as “Altseason 2021,” cryptocurrencies saw a dramatic surge in value during 2021. Thanks to significant inflows into layer-one blockchains, gaming tokens, and decentralized finance, capitalization shot up to all-time highs.
However, the market turned around by the end of 2021 as momentum halted. A decline continued into 2022, wiping off large profits from the previous rise.
Recovery and Breakout into 2025
Altcoin markets fluctuated sideways within a specific band between 2022 and 2023. Although stability resumed, there was no notable breakout. A slow rebound started by the middle of 2023 as inflows rose. Through 2024, capital rose gradually and reached higher levels.
In 2025, capitalization surpassed prior cycle peaks, exceeding $1.7 trillion. The yellow circle in the chart marks this breakout point. Current levels reflect a sixfold rise compared to the 2022 lows near $300 billion. Additionally, stronger institutional inflows and higher liquidity supported the trend.
Altcoins crossing a four-year high signals the beginning of a new cycle. History shows such breakouts often precede stronger altseasons.
