The cryptocurrency landscape is constantly evolving, and one of the most impactful events for token holders and market observers alike is the scheduled token unlock. Next week, 18 major blockchain projects are set to undergo token unlocks — a development that could significantly influence market dynamics, trading volumes, and investor sentiment.
Among these, two stand out due to the scale of their releases: dYdX and 1inch. With dYdX unlocking tokens worth nearly $69.3 million** and 1inch releasing assets valued at approximately **$42.45 million, this week’s unlock cycle is particularly noteworthy for traders, long-term investors, and DeFi enthusiasts.
These events not only affect circulating supply but can also trigger price volatility, especially when large allocations go to early investors or team members. Understanding the mechanics behind each release helps stakeholders make informed decisions in a rapidly shifting environment.
👉 Discover how top traders analyze token unlock impacts before making moves.
dYdX: Major Unlock for Leading Derivatives Protocol
Project Twitter: twitter.com/dydxfoundation
Official Website: dydx.trade
Unlock Overview
- Tokens Unlocked: 33.33 million DYDX
- Estimated Value: ~$69.33 million
- Percentage of Circulating Supply: 11.9%
- Recipients: Investors, team members, and future hiring fund
dYdX is a leading decentralized derivatives exchange focused on perpetual contracts and margin trading. Unlike many DeFi protocols that rely on automated market makers (AMMs), dYdX uses an order book model with off-chain matching and on-chain settlement, offering a user experience closer to centralized exchanges (CEXs).
This hybrid architecture enables advanced trading features such as limit orders, stop-loss mechanisms, and high-leverage positions — making it a favorite among active crypto traders.
Token Distribution Breakdown
This unlock marks a significant milestone in dYdX's vesting schedule:
- Investors: ~$36 million worth of tokens
- Team Members: ~$20 million
- Future Hiring Fund: ~$9.1 million
After this release, the protocol’s token unlock pace will begin to slow down, signaling a maturation phase in its economic lifecycle. Currently, about 52% of the total DYDX supply is already in circulation, with the remainder gradually released over time.
Given the size of this unlock — especially the portion going to early backers — market watchers should anticipate potential short-term selling pressure. However, strong fundamentals, ongoing protocol upgrades, and growing trading volume may help absorb some of this impact.
1inch: Final Major Unlock Before Year-End Pause
Project Twitter: twitter.com/1inch
Official Website: 1inch.io
Unlock Overview
- Tokens Unlocked: 98.74 million 1INCH
- Estimated Value: ~$42.45 million
- Percentage of Circulating Supply: 8.52%
- Unlock Type: Second-to-last cliff release
- Recipients: Core team, investors, and venture partners
1inch Network is a prominent DeFi aggregation platform designed to optimize trades across hundreds of decentralized exchanges (DEXs) on multiple blockchains. By leveraging smart routing algorithms, 1inch splits large trades across various liquidity sources to minimize slippage and maximize returns for users.
This week’s unlock represents the penultimate cliff event in 1inch’s distribution plan. After this release, only one more major unlock remains — scheduled for December 2025.
With around 79% of the total supply already unlocked, the ecosystem is nearing full transparency in its tokenomics. While this level of dilution might concern some investors, it also indicates that future supply shocks will be minimal, potentially increasing market confidence over time.
Still, given the substantial value being released, traders should monitor 1INCH trading pairs closely for signs of increased sell-side activity in the coming days.
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Why Token Unlocks Matter in Crypto Markets
Token unlocks are scheduled events where previously locked tokens — typically held by founders, early investors, employees, or ecosystem funds — become eligible for withdrawal and potential sale. These events directly increase the available circulating supply, which can influence price action in several ways:
- Increased Selling Pressure: If recipients choose to sell their unlocked tokens, especially during bearish or neutral market conditions, prices may dip.
- Market Sentiment Shifts: Large unlocks can create uncertainty, leading to short-term volatility.
- Long-Term Supply Visibility: Regular unlock schedules help investors forecast future supply trends and assess inflation risks.
For informed participants, tracking these events is essential for managing risk and identifying potential entry or exit points.
Projects with well-structured vesting schedules tend to inspire more trust, as they prevent sudden dumps and align incentives over longer horizons. Conversely, poorly managed distributions can erode confidence and destabilize token value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a token unlock?
A: A token unlock is a pre-programmed event where restricted tokens become available for transfer or sale. These are often used to distribute tokens to teams, investors, or community members over time.
Q: How do token unlocks affect price?
A: They can increase circulating supply, potentially leading to downward price pressure if recipients sell. However, if the market perceives strong utility or demand for the token, the impact may be minimal or even positive.
Q: Are all unlocks bad for investors?
A: Not necessarily. While large unlocks can cause short-term volatility, they also provide clarity on token distribution and reduce uncertainty about future supply floods.
Q: How can I track upcoming token unlocks?
A: Several blockchain analytics platforms offer unlock calendars. Monitoring project whitepapers and official announcements also helps anticipate key dates.
Q: Will DYDX and 1INCH face significant price drops after this unlock?
A: It depends on market conditions and holder behavior. Historically, major unlocks coincide with temporary dips, but strong fundamentals and active trading volume can cushion the impact.
Q: Can unlocked tokens be immediately sold?
A: Technically yes — once unlocked, tokens are transferable. However, strategic holders may choose to hold or sell gradually to avoid affecting market price.
Strategic Takeaways for Investors
With both dYdX and 1inch undergoing substantial unlocks, now is a critical time for investors to reassess positions based on:
- Project fundamentals
- Historical price reactions to past unlocks
- Overall market sentiment
- On-chain activity and trading volume trends
Monitoring order book depth and whale movements post-unlock can reveal whether selling pressure is being absorbed by strong demand.
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As the DeFi space matures, transparency around tokenomics becomes increasingly vital. Projects like dYdX and 1inch exemplify how structured releases can balance early backer rewards with long-term sustainability.
For users and traders alike, staying informed isn’t just beneficial — it’s essential for success in today’s dynamic digital asset markets.