Token Unlock Watch: September 2025, Week 3 – What's Dropping?

A look at the key token unlocks scheduled for the third week of September 2025, including Optimism, FastToken, and LayerZero, and how unlocks of BERA, PYTH, DOGE, SHIB, DOT impact the market.

September 2025's third week is shaping up to be a busy one in the crypto world, with several notable token unlocks on the horizon. Let's dive into what's coming and why it matters.

The Big Unlocks: Optimism, FastToken, and LayerZero

Three projects, in particular, are worth keeping an eye on:

• Optimism (OP): On September 21st, Optimism is set to release a whopping 116 million tokens, valued at around $92.3 million. This represents almost 7% of the total supply and will be funneled into their ecosystem fund. Expect this to potentially boost liquidity and impact OP's price.
• FastToken (FTN): September 18th sees a release of 20 million FTN tokens, worth approximately $89.6 million. This monthly release goes directly to the founders of Fastex.
• LayerZero (ZRO): On September 20th, LayerZero will unlock 25.71 million tokens, valued at about $49.36 million. These tokens are earmarked for strategic partners, core contributors, and team repurchase. This unlock aims to fuel protocol development and strengthen partnerships.

Altcoin Season Heats Up

Adding fuel to the fire, altcoins are making moves! Altcoin trading volumes are up, surpassing even Bitcoin and Ethereum in September. The Altcoin Season Index is hitting levels not seen yet in 2025, signaling that altcoins are dominating the market. Keep an eye on TOTAL3, the total market cap of altcoins, as it's forming a bullish pattern. Plus, exchanges are listing altcoins left and right, increasing liquidity and stirring up interest.

Beyond the Week: Broader Token Unlock Strategies

It's not just about this week. Other projects have unlock strategies that could influence market behavior, including:

• Berachain (BERA): They're taking a slow and steady approach, designed to stabilize the market.
• Pyth Network (PYTH): Cliff unlocks for initial backers, then linear vesting for ongoing participation.
• Dogecoin (DOGE): No unlock schedule here! Just continuous mining.
• Shiba Inu (SHIB): Unlocks tied to community growth and DeFi projects.
• Polkadot (DOT): A structured plan with cliff unlocks followed by monthly vesting.

Why Token Unlocks Matter

Token unlocks are a big deal. They can influence market sentiment, liquidity, and the overall growth of a blockchain. A well-planned unlock schedule can build investor confidence, encouraging long-term development. But a poorly executed one? That can lead to dilution, price drops, and a loss of faith. Therefore, keeping tabs on formal and informal communication will help investors stay updated on technical developments and community-driven changes.

Final Thoughts

September 2025, Week 3, is one to watch. Whether you're a seasoned trader or just dipping your toes into the crypto waters, understanding these unlocks is crucial. Keep an eye on those charts, stay informed, and remember, even in the wild world of crypto, knowledge is power. And hey, who knows? Maybe you'll catch the next big wave!