Remember the hype around the last crypto bull run? Bitcoin surging, Ethereum catching up, and altcoins turning small investments into life-changing wealth. It seemed like a straightforward script we'd all memorized from previous cycles. But as DeFi enthusiast and analyst Ignas (@DefiIgnas) points out in a recent post, this time around, things aren't playing out as easily as we thought.

Ignas shared: "Coming into this bull run two years ago, we expected the same old playbook of the past. Btc runs up, Eth follows and alts retire our bloodline. Felt it was too easy. It was! Now, if we actually make it this time, nobody could say it was easy. It isn’t."

This sentiment resonates deeply in the crypto community, especially for those dabbling in meme tokens—those fun, viral cryptocurrencies often inspired by internet memes like Dogecoin or newer ones on chains like Solana. Meme tokens are a subset of altcoins (alternative coins beyond Bitcoin), and they've been hit hard by the unpredictability of this cycle.

What's Making This Bull Run So Tough?

In past cycles, like 2017 or 2021, the pattern was clear: Bitcoin leads the charge, drawing in institutional money and retail investors. Then Ethereum, with its smart contracts enabling decentralized apps, follows suit. Finally, altcoins—including DeFi projects and meme coins—explode as money flows down the risk curve.

But this run? It's been a rollercoaster. Geopolitical tensions, regulatory uncertainties, and even unexpected market dumps have kept everyone on their toes. Ignas's post highlights that surviving and thriving now requires more than just HODLing (holding on for dear life); it demands real conviction and strategy.

One reply from @vibe_trading captures the frustration perfectly: "what if alts just don't follow this time" accompanied by a sweaty, stressed-out meme character wiping its brow.

This image sums up the vibe—altcoins, including memes, aren't pumping as expected despite Bitcoin's gains.

Implications for Meme Tokens

At Meme Insider, we focus on meme tokens because they're the wild cards of crypto. They're driven by community hype, social media buzz, and sometimes sheer absurdity. But in this "hard mode" bull run, meme tokens face extra hurdles:

• Liquidity Shifts: Many are rotating out of alts into stablecoins like USDT or USDC, as noted in replies. One user mentioned, "USDT and USDC in LP were the alts to hold this cycle." Liquidity pools (LPs) are where traders provide assets to facilitate swaps on decentralized exchanges.

• Short-Lived Pumps: As @0xDefiLeo replied, "We still have altseason but it only works with new coins, not with dino coins, seen so many tokens made 20x in few days, then dumped." "Dino coins" refer to older, established altcoins, while new meme tokens can spike fast but crash just as quickly.

• Patience Tested: Echoing Ignas, replies like from @BringMeCoins say, "this one’s testing patience, conviction, and sanity all at once." For meme token holders, this means not chasing every pump but building positions in projects with strong communities.

How to Navigate This Cycle

If you're into meme tokens, here's some straightforward advice based on the discussion:

• Diversify Wisely: Don't go all-in on one meme. Spread across Bitcoin, Ethereum, and select alts.

• Stay Informed: Follow analysts like Ignas for DeFi insights, and check platforms like DexScreener for real-time meme token data.

• Build Conviction: As @theadvisorbtc put it, "we need to have longer time horizon." Think years, not months.

This bull run might not be easy, but as Ignas implies, making it through will feel that much sweeter. Whether you're in DeFi, memes, or just Bitcoin maxis, the key is adapting to the new playbook.

For more on meme tokens and crypto trends, stick with Meme Insider—your go-to for the latest in blockchain fun and finance.