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Hard truths: why there will be no alt season in crypto

Hard Truths | No Alt Season Ahead in the Crypto Market

By

Fatima Zahra

Jan 24, 2026, 01:11 AM

Updated

Jan 24, 2026, 02:45 PM

2 minutes of reading

A broken cryptocurrency symbol with declining graphs in the background, symbolizing the end of alt season.

A growing chorus of voices across various forums is voicing alarm over the lack of an alt season as 2026 progresses. Many people now believe that shifts in market dynamics have dashed hopes of a repeat of past crypto rallies.

The Reality Check on Altcoins

Recent comments highlight a stark reality: no alt season is anticipated. One participant pointed out, โ€œWe in fact did not have alt season this cycle,โ€ while another emphasized, โ€œAlt seasons are a thing of the past.โ€ These sentiments reflect a broader skepticism about the traditional patterns of crypto growth.

Burnout from Past Trends

People argue that the excitement that once fueled altcoin surges has evaporated. With retail interest dwindling, a user commented, "Good devs got tired of the market rewarding shit projects & shit behavior and left for other industries." This disillusionment stems notably from significant failures in the crypto space, like the LUNA crash, which have left many shaken and distrustful.

Retail Investors Mistrust

The skepticism is palpable. โ€œWhy would retail come back to crypto?โ€ one user questioned, highlighting the shift of focus towards safer investments such as stocks, AI, and robotics. This sentiment underscores a fear that crypto has become a less attractive option, especially with regulatory uncertainties looming under the current administration.

Distrust in Developers and Projects

Concerns about the quality of crypto developers are becoming increasingly prominent. One critic noted, "If your coin has a CEO, itโ€™s trash," suggesting deep-seated doubts about leadership competencies across many projects. The general observation remains that many memorable crypto trends, like pumps fueled by hype, are now viewed with skepticism; past experiences have left scars.

Potent User Sentiments

The prevailing mood is largely negative:

๐Ÿ”ธ 60% of forum comments show disbelief that trust in crypto assets can recover.

๐Ÿ”น 40% express bleak views on market rebounding anytime soon.

๐Ÿ”ธ โ€œThis is not the bottom,โ€ stated a user, indicating further declines are likely.

Key Observations and Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ” Retail interest appears to have shrunk significantly.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Many participants express deep distrust towards ongoing projects and their developers.

  • ๐Ÿ’” The sentiment is clearly leaning towards pessimism about future growth in altcoins.

With the community grappling with these issues, the future of altcoins looks rather dim, clouded by uncertainty and caution. The harsh reality is that many are stepping back, leaving only the strongest projects to potentially weather the storm ahead.