2021 delivered certainly one of crypto’s wildest runs. Bitcoin recovered from the COVID-19 crash and capital rotated into altcoins at scale.
The Altcoin Season Index even climbed from 11 to 98 between January and April.
Supply: Blockchaincenter
That rotation produced large rallies, however a lot of these cash later pale. A number of, although, have rebuilt fundamentals and will try a comeback in 2026.
Under are three 2021 names that also carry restoration potential.
2021 altcoins with 2026 comeback potential
Whereas Web Laptop remained energetic following its 2021 launch, it sat properly under the hype of its early days. Following the mainnet launch in Might 2021, Web Laptop [ICP] surged to its all-time excessive of $750.
ICP fell under $100 and saved sliding by way of 2022 and 2023. It traded close to $3.79 in 2025, down 99.5% from its peak.
The altcoin crashed primarily on account of an alleged rug pull. As such, insiders had been accused of dumping a big quantity of tokens, inflicting large promoting strain.
Supply: Arkham
In line with Arkham Intelligence, insiders despatched tens of millions of ICP tokens, value billions, into exchanges, accounting for 75% of deposits.
Why might it make a comeback?
Though ICP dipped, the crew has labored to revive its fame. Because of this, the altcoin reached a excessive of $20 in 2024 and rebounded after a slip to $7 in early 2025.
Its community processed greater than 170 million transactions, displaying that actual customers nonetheless remained.
The AI narrative additionally shifted in ICP’s favor. Tasks tied to AI infrastructure gained momentum by way of 2024 and 2025. ICP’s work with DFinity Basis, Datapond, and FET on Caffein AI positioned it to faucet into that demand.
If AI-aligned blockchains achieve traction in 2026, ICP may gain advantage from renewed consideration.
Why IMX nonetheless has restoration potential
Immutable is one other 2021 altcoin that has struggled to stay as much as its early hype. In 2021, the altcoin surged to an all-time excessive of $9.5.
Nonetheless, the uptick was short-lived, dropping by way of the 2022 bear market. In actual fact, Immutable [IMX] declined 96% from its all-time excessive, buying and selling at $0.308 at press time.
Considerably, the altcoin crashed following the following collapse of NFTs and the gaming sector. In 2021, NFT hype and gaming had been trending, and because the world recovered from COVID-19, many cash suffered.
Regardless of the worth collapse, IMX has maintained relevance as one of many high 100 cash by market cap in response to CoinMarketCap.
Due to this fact, the altcoin has room to recuperate, particularly following its partnerships with Gamespot, Illuvium, and Ubisoft.
In actual fact, as of August 2025, the platform is open to internet sport builders, with Ubisoft as a serious accomplice. With these partnerships, a restoration within the gaming sector might see IMX rebound and return in 2026.
Why Gala nonetheless has a path ahead
Identical to IMX, Gala [GALA] is one other 2021 altcoin that suffered from the collapse of the gaming sector. As such, the altcoin reached an all-time excessive of $0.8.
The altcoin traded at $0.0077 at press time, down 99% from its ATH with a market cap of $363 million. Nonetheless, its gaming ecosystem has made notable collaborations and partnerships that might assist its native coin.
Much more importantly, its continued growth of Telegram mini apps has expanded the community’s consumer base. Because of this, Gala has centered on Treasure Tapper on Telegram, giving its video games publicity to tens of millions of Telegram customers.
With over 3 million customers, it offers Gala a lifeline and foothold sooner or later. Thus, if the gaming ecosystem recovers, with its crypto intersection, Gala might make a comeback.