Layer-1 blockchains that powered 2024’s infrastructure boom are stumbling. Avalanche (AVAX) trades at around $34.34, while Polygon (MATIC) hovers near $0.25. Both networks face technical resistance and declining volume despite solid fundamentals and institutional partnerships. Meanwhile, a GameFi presale on BNB Smart Chain has distributed over 90 million tokens at $0.0035, positioning early participants for 185% unrealized gains before public trading begins.
The question isn't whether established chains will survive—they will. The question is where asymmetric returns hide in Q4 2025 as capital rotates from oversaturated infrastructure plays into emerging best crypto presales. Avalanche and Polygon offer proven technology with moderate upside potential, while Tapzi is one of the best altcoins to buy in 2025 with skill-based gaming mechanics and real-world utility that address first-generation play-to-earn failures. Each of these top altcoins targets different investor profiles, and understanding the tradeoffs determines portfolio strategy heading into 2026.
Key Takeaways
Avalanche (AVAX) recently burned around US$1.1 million worth of AVAX in the past month — marking its highest 12-month burn rate yet.
Polygon (POL) continues its transition from MATIC and is trading near US$0.19–0.20, while facing fresh concerns about its inflation model and strategic positioning.
Tapzi (TAPZI) sold its presale tokens at $0.0035 with a confirmed listing target of USD $0.01 and is eyeing a Q4 2025 listing on PancakeSwap.
Web3 gaming is projected to grow from roughly US$25 billion in 2024 to around US$125 billion by 2032 as skill-based GameFi models aim to correct many of the sustainability flaws seen in play-to-earn.
Established Chains Navigate Technical Weakness
Avalanche (AVAX) recovered from October lows near $21.47 to current levels around $34.00. However, technical indicators across timeframes remain mixed. The project seems to have burned around 4.8 million AVAX this week (with a daily burn rate rising to almost 1,500 AVAX, which is roughly a 200% jump from early 2025), adding deflationary pressure that supports long-term value, while network fees approached $1.5 million monthly.
Polygon Ecosystem Token (POL) completed its migration from MATIC in October 2025, with major exchanges delisting the legacy token. POL is currently trading around $0.25. It dropped from about $0.236 earlier in October to lows near $0.183 before recovering to $0.20-$0.25 levels. The trading volume of POL has fallen significantly, which is a sign of a cautious market.
Technicals show POL bouncing after a brief false breakdown below the lower boundary of its ascending channel, a sign that bearish momentum may be fading as buyers defend support. If momentum holds, sequential targets include $0.215, $0.245, $0.300, $0.370, and $0.500. The token, however, still trades around 70-80% below its all-time high of $0.77.
Tapzi Builds Momentum Through Skill-Based Competition
Tapzi's presale has sold over 90 million tokens from the 150 million allocation, representing 63% completion as of now. The Stage 1 price of $0.0035 will increase to $0.0045 in the next phase, with launch scheduled at $0.01 per token. Early participants positioned for a 185% markup before public trading, creating immediate paper gains for presale buyers.

