The crypto landscape in 2026 has transformed from a speculative playground into a competitive arena where protocols are establishing the foundational elements of the next generation of the internet. As the industry matures, investors are increasingly favoring projects that demonstrate solid infrastructure, genuine real-world application, and scalable frameworks. This evolution presents a distinctive opportunity to uncover undervalued blockchain protocols that are quietly setting the stage for widespread adoption across sectors like gaming, real-world assets (RWA), and advanced decentralized finance (DeFi). Notable contenders such as ImmutableX, Cardano, Mavryk, SUI, and SNEK (Sei) exemplify this new wave of infrastructure-focused innovators.
The Importance of Infrastructure in Crypto
The market cycle of 2025 unveiled an essential lesson: tokens driven by hype are often volatile and short-lived. In contrast, protocols built on strong infrastructure—with scalable designs, institutional collaborations, and practical applications—have demonstrated resilience and enduring value. For 2026, the emphasis is shifting towards projects that address tangible challenges. Investors are now asking critical questions: Can the protocol accommodate enterprise-level transaction volumes? Are mainstream users or institutions adopting the technology? Does the token model support network utility and expansion? Let’s delve into five leading protocols that are spearheading this infrastructure-focused movement.
1. ImmutableX: The Powerhouse of Gaming Infrastructure
ImmutableX’s consolidation into a singular “Immutable Chain” in 2025 has positioned it as a leading infrastructure provider for Web3 gaming. The integration of Immutable X with zkEVM resulted in a 20% reduction in gas fees and enhanced developer workflows. Key statistics from the second quarter of 2025 highlight: a remarkable 83.3% quarter-over-quarter increase in NFT transaction volumes, fueled by partnerships with major game developers like Ubisoft for titles such as Might & Magic: Fates; over 660 games now utilizing Immutable Play, with new releases on the horizon; and an integration with MEXC allowing direct access for more than 40 million users to engage with Immutable’s ecosystem. An overhaul of the staking model, linking rewards to 2% of platform fees, has established a sound tokenomics framework. Although the price of IMX saw a 60% decline during Q2 2025, this downturn reflects broader market trends rather than any deficiencies in the project itself. Immutable’s commitment to bridging Web2 and Web3 gaming positions it as a crucial infrastructure component for the year ahead.
2. Cardano: A Blockchain for Enterprises
In 2025, Cardano made significant strides in gaining institutional validation, highlighted by its collaboration with Brazil’s SERPRO—a government agency responsible for managing 33 billion transactions annually. This partnership underscored Cardano’s scalability and practical utility in real-world applications. By training 10,000 public sector employees and developers, Cardano is integrating itself into the framework of digital governance. Noteworthy advancements include the development of DeFi solutions such as Veridian for AML/KYC compliance and Originate for supply chain traceability, addressing institutional challenges directly. Engaging with regulators like the EDPB, FCA, and SEC has helped mitigate policy risks. Anticipated events such as the Cardano Summit 2025 are set to further stimulate innovations in finance and artificial intelligence. Cardano’s careful, research-driven approach—emphasizing regulatory compliance—positions it as a foundational element for 2026. Despite its price performance lagging behind more hyped altcoins, its potential for long-term value creation is clear.
3. Mavryk: A Leader in RWA Tokenization
Mavryk’s testnet performance in 2025, which included 110 million transactions and the creation of 1.2 million smart contracts, demonstrated its readiness for institutional-grade tokenization of real-world assets. A landmark agreement to tokenize $10 billion worth of real estate involving Dubai’s Ritz-Carlton Residences and Keturah Reserve marks a significant milestone for the platform. Strategic partnerships with firms like MultiBank Group and Fireblocks are enhancing Mavryk’s penetration into regulated markets for RWAs. Its native token, $MVRK, is designed for multiple utilities, including gas fees, staking, and governance. With just 5.6% of the total token supply available at launch, the scarcity model of $MVRK creates a deflationary effect. Mavryk aims to tokenize $40 billion in RWAs by 2030, a bold ambition that appears feasible given its growing institutional engagements and strong technical foundation.
4. SUI: A High-Performance DeFi and Gaming Platform
SUI experienced a significant uptick in 2025, with 2.7 million daily active addresses and $4.3 billion in decentralized exchange (DEX) trading volume, underscoring its appeal among developers in DeFi and gaming sectors. The Move programming model and modular architecture facilitate extremely fast transactions, positioning SUI as a formidable competitor to established players like Ethereum. A notable $450 million private placement from Mill City Ventures reflects strong institutional confidence in the platform. SUI’s capacity to support real-world applications ranging from gaming economies to cross-chain DeFi initiatives establishes it as a high-performance Layer-1 solution for the upcoming year.
5. SNEK (Sei): Bridging RWA and DeFi
The performance of Sei in 2025, featuring a total value locked (TVL) of $1.41 billion and 3.3 million weekly active addresses, highlighted its integration of DeFi and RWA functionalities. The introduction of USDY, a tokenized representation of US Treasury Bills, along with CCTP V2, which is Circle’s cross-chain solution, has minimized reliance on bridges while enhancing transaction efficiency. As the altseason index (ASI) reached a score of 60 out of 100 in 2025, Sei emerged as a standout in the market. Its commitment to cross-chain utility and institutional adoption positions it as a promising long-term investment.
The Investment Strategy: Prioritizing Infrastructure Over Hype
The narrative for 2026 is unmistakable: protocols grounded in infrastructure are set to outperform those driven by speculation. ImmutableX, Cardano, Mavryk, SUI, and SNEK are not merely seeking fleeting hype; they are constructing the essential frameworks for the next wave of blockchain adoption. For investors, this shift means: 1. Prioritizing projects with established real-world partnerships (like ImmutableX’s collaboration with Ubisoft and Mavryk’s real estate initiatives). 2. Focusing on tokenomics that emphasize utility (as seen with SUI’s Move model and Cardano’s regulatory strategies). 3. Steering clear of overhyped altcoins lacking infrastructure or proven adoption. The market is evolving towards protocols that tackle genuine issues, and those who invest in infrastructure today are likely to reap substantial rewards in the future. In 2026, the most successful players will not be the loudest but rather those diligently building for the future.
