Today, data reported by market analyst Crypto Patel disclosed upcoming token unlocks this week, an activity that is set to release over 568 million in previously locked tokens to public cryptocurrency markets. These upcoming token unlock events might lead to downward pressure on the affected cryptocurrencies, including ASTER, ZRO, ARB, VANA, ESPORTS, STBL, and MERL.
Bitcoin and the majority of crypto assets are still trading in corrections as investors digest the Fed’s cautious December interest rate cut and its impact on risk assets. However, the move by multiple crypto projects to release their tokens this week is set to further delay the consolidation phase as millions of tokens enter circulation and can depress prices if demand doesn’t keep pace.
Projects With Top Token Unlocks This Week
Aster (ASTER)
Aster (ASTER), a decentralized exchange that provides spot and perpetual trading of crypto and stock derivatives with up to 1001x leverage across numerous blockchains, will unlock 78.41 million ASTER tokens valued at $75.36 million on Wednesday this week. As indicated in the data, Aster will release ASTER tokens to the equivalent of 3.41% of its market cap on 17 December 2025.
LayerZero (ZRO)
Second on the list is LayerZero (ZRO), an interoperability protocol that enables efficient and safe communication and transactions across various blockchain networks. As illustrated by the analyst, LayerZero will release 24.68 million ZRO tokens worth $37.42 million to public crypto markets on Saturday, December 20, 2025, equivalent to 10.3% of the current market capitalization.
Arbitrum (ARB)
Arbitrum (ARB), a Layer-2 scaling solution that helps improve transaction speed and decrease high gas fees on the Ethereum network, followed the list. Arbitrum will unlock 92.63 million ARB tokens valued at $19.78 million on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, representing 1.66% of its market cap.
Vana (VANA)
Vana (VANA), a Layer-1 blockchain network that enables users to retain control of their personal data while converting it into valuable, tokenized assets, is fourth on the list. According to the data, Vana will release 6.12 million worth $17.41 million, constituting 19.9% of its market capitalization on Tuesday, December 16.
Yooldo Games (ESPORTS)
Moving down, Yooldo Games (ESPORTS), a multi-chain Web3 gaming platform where people play games, use centralized exchanges (CEXs) for token access, and earn rewards for their skills and engagements, is in the fifth spot. As per the data, Yooldo will unlock 41.91 million ESPORTS tokens, with a value of $17.22 million, this Friday, December 19, which represents 25.9% of the current market cap.
Other Projects with Significant Token Releases
As mentioned in the data, other crypto projects with important token unlocks this week include STBL (STBL) and Merlin Chain (MERL). On Tuesday, December 16, STBL, a decentralized stablecoin protocol, will release 288.39 million STBL tokens, with a value of $16.12 million. On the other hand, Merlin Chain, a Bitcoin-native Layer-2 network, will unlock 36.14 million MERL tokens (equivalent to $16.11 million) on Friday, December 19.
The upcoming huge token releases this week hold significant impacts on the dynamics of the cryptocurrency market. With over 568 million tokens expected to enter circulation, the market braces for increased volatility during the week.
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