2026-01-18 08:20:32

On-chain meme coins are quietly transforming. From a certain perspective, they are beginning to evolve towards an NFT-like direction, a process somewhat similar to the restructuring of the on-chain ecosystem after DeFi 2.0—new forms are gradually taking shape, but the rules are still being explored.

Projects with actual value (such as those like x402) still have loyal holders who believe, but the hype has already peaked. In contrast, those new tokens driven purely by narratives are unlikely to see a second wave of market movement. Recently, new AI concept coins and new meme coins have experienced shorter cycles from launch to cooling down, with pump and dump phenomena accelerating, and opportunities for quick profits are rapidly diminishing.

What does this indicate? A clear market cycle is gradually coming to an end. So what’s next? The next wave of on-chain stories and new gameplay—honestly, no one can give a definitive answer. It may just require patience, observation, and waiting.

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

11 Likes

Reward
11
3
Repost
Share

Comment

0/400

LightningHarvester

· 4h ago

Really, those purely narrative coins are now almost abandoned, times have changed. Pump and dump cycles are getting shorter and shorter, indicating that retail investors are learning to be smarter. Let's wait and see how the next wave plays out; anyway, the current entry risk is too high. x402 can still rise? I don't quite believe that. Meme coins going NFT? Sounds like the old trick of just changing shells. No one knows where the next hot trend will be; it all depends on who can find a new narrative. The era of quick money speculation is truly over; now entering the market almost always means being the bag holder. This cycle is basically over; accumulating coins and waiting is the safest choice.

View OriginalReply0

BearMarketSurvivor

· 4h ago

Basically, this wave of meme coins is just a cannon fodder consumption battle. The real money has long been pulled out. X402 and similar projects are still alive purely because of faith; just wait for the next narrative. The speed from launch to rug pull is really absurdly fast; I can't even keep up. No one knows what the next step is, but it definitely won't be another round of this kind of cut.

View OriginalReply0

BugBountyHunter

· 4h ago

Cryptocurrencies that rely solely on narratives indeed don't last long; the market's patience is waning. Waiting for the next wave of new stories? I think I'll wait until the market sobers up for a while. People still believe in projects like x402, which shows that fundamentals still matter. The cycle is over, and the rules need to be rewritten. Making quick money is really getting harder. This is the beginning of淘汰.

View OriginalReply0