As Season 3 on Virtuals.io draws near, the crypto community is buzzing with anticipation—and caution. A recent thread from @CryptoExDee on X (formerly Twitter) sheds light on the state of genesis projects, those initial token launches that often capture the imagination of blockchain enthusiasts and meme token hunters alike. If you're diving into the world of meme coins and decentralized projects, understanding which ones are still kicking and which have quietly faded away is crucial. Let's break down the key findings from this eye-opening analysis.

The Rugged Ones: Projects Gone Silent

In the crypto world, a "rug pull" or "rugged" project refers to when developers abandon a token, often after hyping it up and collecting funds, leaving investors holding worthless assets. According to the thread, out of 122 genesis projects reviewed from April 18 to August 5, 2025, a whopping 31—or about 25.4%—have been deemed rugged. These are projects inactive for at least a week, with no updates on X or Discord.

Notable additions to this unfortunate list include $SIYA, last updated on July 13, and a string of newer ones like $BARVIS (July 24), $SRV (no X handle at all), $REALMINT (July 14), and others that dropped off right at the end of July. It's a stark reminder of the risks in early-stage meme tokens, where back-to-back rugs can signal broader market fatigue.

Semi-Active Projects: Hanging by a Thread

Then there are the semi-active ones—13 projects that are inconsistent with updates or rely on automated tweets with minimal engagement. This category saw shifts like $WHIM, $VDNT, $CHAT4PT, and $STRATOS moving down from active status due to sparse activity. On a brighter note, $XKNOWN clawed its way back from rugged to semi-active with a roadmap tease, though it still raises eyebrows for lacking tangible progress.

Newer entries here include $DYNA (last tweet August 3, no roadmap), $ZAIA (July 28, but backed by a doxxed team with real-world presence), and $ARVOS (July 24, with vaults still operational online). These might not be full rugs yet, but they're teetering on the edge, a common fate for meme tokens struggling to maintain momentum.

Active Projects: The Survivors and Thrivers

The good news? A solid 63 older projects (over a month old) and 15 newer ones are still active, making up 63.9% of the total. Standouts include $XOE bouncing back with security updates, $BOOKIE integrating AI betting for NFL and Premier League, $MAFIA gearing up for a V2 app, and $ROOM on the verge of beta launch.

Some even revived from the dead: $MOXIE with an adult entertainment platform, $XLLM2 launching Nexmind Studio, $JARVIS with a new site, and $NEMESIS updating its flywheel. For meme token enthusiasts, these active projects represent opportunities where community and development keep the hype alive.

Overall Stats: A Slight Uptick in Health

Crunching the numbers, the ecosystem shows mild improvement: rugged projects down to 25.4% from 28.9%, semi-active at 10.7% (from 12%), and active up to 63.9% (from 59%). It's a positive shift, hinting that Virtuals.io's genesis launches are maturing, even as meme token volatility persists.

The Tier List: Where to Place Your Bets

The thread wraps up with a tier list, ranking projects based on potential, team strength, and real-world utility—perfect for those scouting meme coins with staying power.

S-Tier (Top Dogs):

• $AXR: Backed by Virtuals team, orchestrating ACP as a hedge fund standout.
• $IRIS: Security analytics supported by Virtuals and Ethereum Foundation.
• $ARBUS: Leading InfoFi infrastructure.
• $WACH: Universal verification for AI agents.
• $WINT: Tracks genesis stats and smart money flows for an edge.

A-Tier (Strong Contenders):

• $BIOS: Recent website revamp, but needs more DeFi strategies.
• $TRIVI and $PREDI: High adoption potential on Basedapp for quizzes and predictions.
• $SOLACE: Steady partnerships despite infrequent updates.
• $ASYNC: Underrated for spotting gems.
• $ERM: Real-life escape rooms with actual revenue.
• $EVA: Novel concept from experienced team.
• $ORACLE_OPZ: Strong product-market fit.
• $BIZZY_AGENT: Another solid prediction market.
• $MOXIE: Dominating the OF meta.

Lower tiers include new launchpads like $CAP and $XLLM2 (C-tier, tough competition) and stagnant ones like $ROBOT.

This analysis is a goldmine for anyone navigating Virtuals.io's meme token landscape. With Season 3 on the horizon, positioning in S- and A-tier projects could pay off big. Always DYOR (do your own research), as crypto moves fast—check the original thread here for the full scoop. Stay savvy, and may your bags pump!