In the past few years, the crypto space has experienced a lot: from Bitcoin halving and new highs to the FTX collapse and LUNA's zero; from DeFi's explosion and NFT's myth to the current emergence of AI tracks, BTC ecosystem, and RWA (real-world assets) as new opportunities.
Many people ask me, at this point in time, can we still play in the crypto space? Can we still enter? Is there still an opportunity?
As someone who has been in the crypto space since 2017, I want to share my most genuine thoughts about the state of the crypto space in 2025 and how you should act.
First, the crypto space can still be played, but it is no longer the era of 'blindly getting rich.'
Let me give you a conclusion first:
The crypto space is still viable, but it's no longer an era where everyone gets rich; it’s the 'era of differentiation.'
To put it bluntly, the gap between those who can make money and those who can't is getting larger. The days of blindly buying Shiba, APE, or Dogecoin and making multiples are basically over. Now, to make money, you need to rely on information asymmetry, strategy, and execution.
Why is that?
Because the market has shifted from 'retail-driven' to 'institutional participation, capital games.' The opponents you face may be full-time on-chain analysts, arbitrage teams, or even AI robots and liquidity market makers from professional exchanges.
So, if you want to use the 'strategies of the last bull market' to participate in today's market, you have little chance.
Second, the dividends in the crypto space still exist, but you need to change your mindset.
1. Make money through cognitive differences, not by relying on luck.
In the past, many people made money by 'hitting the right trend,' such as DeFi, NFT, GameFi, Dogecoin. But now the trends are shorter, and the speculation rhythm is faster; without research capability, it's easy to become 'the last one standing.'
The real opportunity now lies in:
· Preemptively layout airdrops: such as potential big projects like LayerZero, EigenLayer, ZKSync, etc.;
· Participate in on-chain ecosystem growth: Look at which new public chains (like Berachain, Monad) have rapidly growing TVL;
· Pay attention to institutional layout tracks: AI + blockchain, RWA, Bitcoin Layer 2, etc.
2. Learn to read data, rather than just listening to news.
For example:
· You can check protocol activity through Dune;
· Use Nansen to track smart money movement;
· Use Arkham and DeBank to check on-chain large holder positions;
· You can even find first-hand information just by scrolling Twitter.
Knowing how to use tools is worth more than watching 100 short videos.
Third, how should we play now? Here's a practical asset allocation model.
I suggest that most people should not 'all in on one coin' right now, but rather do tiered allocation based on different goals:
70% —— Long-term value position
BTC / ETH as core assets, suitable for dollar-cost averaging, do not operate frequently.
This part is your 'base position', like digital gold, resistant to risk and volatility.
20% —— Hotspot tracking position
You can focus on: AI tracks, Bitcoin Layer 2, modular public chains, stablecoin RWA, Solana ecosystem.
Goal: Follow mainstream trends, don't chase highs, and take profits appropriately.
10% —— Small position speculation & airdrop layout
This part can be used to participate in on-chain interactions, mining, beta testing, etc., for example:
· ZKSync task interaction
· EigenLayer staking
· New chain Testnet activities (Manta, Scroll, etc.)
Small positions for high returns, but you must accept the risk of losing it all.
Fourth, whether you can make money actually depends on your mindset.
You might think that success in the crypto space depends on vision, but what's more crucial is: mindset + rhythm control ability.
The consensus among seasoned investors has three points:
· Don’t aim to profit from the last segment, don’t be greedy for the first segment: Eating meat in the middle is the way to go;
· Fluctuation is the norm, explosive growth is occasional: The real opportunity is 'guarded' rather than 'rushed';
· Don't be swayed by FOMO emotions: Every time you see someone else getting rich, it may be the result of years of preparation.
Fifth, opportunities still exist, but the crypto space has changed long ago,
The crypto space is not unplayable; it has changed from a 'wealthy grassland' to a 'skilled competition arena.'
If you still approach today's market with the mindset of 2019 or 2021, you'll only end up suffering more.
But if you are willing to calm down to study, build strategies, and optimize your understanding, there are still the most potential investment returns in the crypto space.
Final advice:
· Don’t heavily bet on one coin, don’t blindly trust KOLs, and don’t chase highs and sell lows;
· Learn more about on-chain operations and learn to read data yourself;
· The most important thing is: don't chase hotspots, but control your positions well; surviving is more important than anything.
I hope you are not just 'coming in to take a look' in the crypto space, but rather 'surviving, making money, and getting stronger.'
