December 2025 Token Unlocks: These Altcoins Face Critical Supply Pressure
- Why December's "Small" Unlocks Still Matter
- The Projects Under the Microscope
- How to Play the Unlock Game
- Your Token Unlock Questions Answered
As we enter December 2025, crypto investors are watching token unlock schedules like hawks. While the month sees the smallest unlock volume in six months ($3.7B), several altcoins face make-or-break moments as massive token supplies hit the market. From EigenCloud's strategic pivot to Hyperliquid's VC-less model being tested, we analyze which projects might sink or swim.
Why December's "Small" Unlocks Still Matter
Don't let the $3.7B figure fool you - that's still enough to MOVE markets when concentrated in specific assets. As the BTCC research team notes, unlocks create a double-whammy: increasing circulating supply while spooking weak-handed holders into preemptive selling. CoinMarketCap data shows tokens typically underperform their sector by 15-30% in unlock weeks.
The Projects Under the Microscope
Here's what's keeping traders awake at night:
EigenCloud (EIGEN) - December 1st
The rebranded ethereum restaking project (now focused on AI infrastructure) unlocks 10.79% of supply ($22M) to early backers. With EIGEN trading 80% below its 2024 highs, this could either be capitulation or a turnaround opportunity.
Ethena (ENA) - December 2nd
Their "drip-feed" unlock structure means 212M tokens monthly until 2028. At current prices (~$0.20), that's $70M monthly sell pressure. TradingView charts show ENA's RSI at historic oversold levels - will bargain hunters step in?
Linea (LINEA) - December 10th
Consensys' L2 solution has a silver lining - most unlocked tokens (6.76% of supply) are earmarked for future ecosystem incentives rather than immediate selling.
Starknet (STRK) - December 15th
The privacy-focused L2's 5% supply unlock comes after its Zcash-hype rally collapsed. Some speculate the recent pump was engineered to create exit liquidity.
Hyperliquid (HYPE) - December 29th
The perpetual DEX darling faces its biggest test yet with $350M in unlocks. Without VC backing, their community-centric model gets a stress test.
How to Play the Unlock Game
In my experience, three strategies work best around unlocks:
- Front-run the fear - Buy when everyone's panicking about upcoming unlocks
- Watch the whales - On-chain data (see Nansen or Arkham) shows whether big holders are accumulating or dumping
- Play the rebound - Many tokens bounce hard once unlock selling is absorbed
This article does not constitute investment advice. Always DYOR.
Your Token Unlock Questions Answered
Why do projects schedule token unlocks?
Unlocks are typically programmed during token generation events to prevent team/insider dumping while allowing gradual distribution.
How can I track upcoming unlocks?
TokenUnlocks.app and CoinMarketCap's unlock calendars provide real-time schedules.
Do all unlocked tokens get sold immediately?
Not necessarily. Some VCs and teams use OTC desks or structured products to sell gradually.
