RWA Tops 2025 Crypto Returns as Gaming, DePIN Collapse: CoinGecko

2025-12-26 17:06:15

Abstract generation in progress

RWA tops 2025 returns with 185% gains, led by Keeta, Zebec, and Maple Finance, showing strong investor demand.
Layer 1 stays profitable for a second year, boosted by Zcash’s 691% jump and steady growth from Bitcoin Cash, BNB, and Tron.
Gaming, DePIN, AI, and meme coins post heavy losses, proving popularity doesn’t always translate to profits.

Crypto investors are closely watching narrative-based performance in 2025, as RWA leads returns while gaming and DePIN lag dramatically. According to CoinGecko’s annual report, RWA achieved an impressive 185.76% average year-to-date return, outperforming other major crypto sectors.

As per the report, Layer 1 blockchains followed with 80.31% gains, and the Made in USA narrative recorded a modest 30.62% increase. Conversely, sectors like Gaming and DePIN posted significant losses of −75.16% and −76.74% respectively.

RWA’s dominance this year stems from standout tokens. Keeta Network surged 1,794.9%, Zebec Network rose 217.3%, and Maple Finance added 123.0% YTD. However, the overall RWA narrative fell short compared to 2024’s 819.5% gains. Layer 1 blockchains contributed through strong performances from privacy-focused networks.

Zcash jumped an impressive 691.3%, Monero rose 143.6%, and popular coins like Bitcoin Cash, BNB, and Tron held steady. RWA and Layer 1 are the only crypto trends to stay profitable for two years in a row, showing strong investor interest and real-world usefulness.

Meme Coins, AI, and Other Struggling Narratives

Despite high popularity, meme coins and AI crypto underperformed. Meme coins averaged −31.6% YTD, while AI-focused tokens lost −50.2%. Only a few tokens like Ribbita, Alchemist AI, and Kite showed positive returns. DeFi averaged −34.8%, matching meme coin losses, while DEXs fell −55.5%, in line with AI crypto performance.

Layer 2 networks also faced a second unprofitable year, losing −40.6% on average. Consequently, these narratives show that popularity does not guarantee profitability, emphasizing investor caution.

Gaming, DePIN, and Solana Under Pressure

The GameFi and DePIN narratives faced the steepest declines, losing 75.2% and 76.7% YTD. Gaming tokens dropped between 40.1% and 92.5%, while DePIN tokens fell 44.5% to 88.0%.

Additionally, Solana’s ecosystem dropped 64.2% despite maintaining high market attention. Only Jupiter’s JLP posted marginal gains, with other major Solana tokens declining 33.5% to 83.1%.

RWA-2,6%

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.