If you’ve been in crypto for a while, you’ve probably asked this question recently:
Where is the altseason?
Prices have had some nice moves here and there, but we haven’t seen that full-on, market-wide altcoin explosion that usually comes during a true crypto bull run.
But there’s one chart that’s quietly flashing a familiar signal – and it might be the clue investors have been waiting for.
It’s called TOTAL3 – the total crypto market cap excluding Bitcoin and Ethereum.
What you'll learn 👉
A Pattern That Keeps Repeating
The TOTAL3 chart tracks the combined value of all altcoins, leaving out the two giants: BTC and ETH.
In late 2023, TOTAL3 broke above a key trendline after months of sideways action. That move sparked a wave of altcoin gains across the board.
Then in late 2024, it happened again – a bounce off the same trendline, followed by a strong rally.
And now, in mid-2025, we’re seeing the exact same thing once more.
TOTAL3 is sitting on that same long-term support line. It’s consolidating, holding firm, and looking like it wants to repeat history.
The chart by trader Moustache shows three major yellow circles: one in 2023, one in 2024, and now… one forming in 2025.
#Altcoins – TOTAL3
— 𝕄𝕠𝕦𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕔ⓗ𝕖 🧲 (@el_crypto_prof) June 17, 2025
The only chart you need at the moment.
Market is very news driven at the moment, but every dip is still a great buying opportunity imo.
Invalidation is clear. pic.twitter.com/Gb9zIP7oYU
If this trend continues, it could be the early signal of a major move up for altcoins – possibly the beginning of the long-awaited altseason.
But There’s a Catch: Ethereum
While this setup looks promising, there’s one big piece that’s still missing – Ethereum.
Historically, altcoin rallies don’t truly take off until ETH reclaims its all-time high and moves into price discovery.
But so far in this cycle, Ethereum has been underperforming.
Compared to Bitcoin, ETH has looked sluggish.
And without Ethereum leading the way, most altcoins are still waiting on the sidelines.
Until ETH shows strength, the TOTAL3 signal might take longer to fully play out.
Why This Still Matters
Even with Ethereum lagging, the overall altcoin structure remains intact.
TOTAL3 is holding above trendline support, and we’ve seen this exact setup lead to rallies before.
If ETH can finally wake up – possibly later this year – and break past its old highs, it could unlock the next wave of altcoin momentum.
Many traders are eyeing Q4 2025 as the possible window for that breakout.
Between a potential Ethereum ETF push, macro tailwinds, and positive crypto sentiment, there’s a chance that the next big move could arrive before the year ends.
Nothing is guaranteed in crypto – but patterns matter.
And when a structure holds this cleanly, for this long, across multiple cycles… it’s worth paying attention to.
This hidden signal might not make headlines just yet.
But if history repeats, it could be the starting point of something big.
So while the market stays quiet and the spotlight stays on Bitcoin… this might be the best time to quietly position yourself – before the charts start shouting again.
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