Date: Sun, May 18, 2025 | 09:10 AM GMT
The cryptocurrency market has mounted a solid comeback in recent weeks, with Ethereum (ETH) continuing to lead the charge. ETH has surged more than 56% in the past month and is now trading above $2,500 — a level not seen since late February. This bullish momentum is uplifting sentiment across altcoins , including Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL).
VIRTUAL has posted impressive monthly gains of over 222%, and now a potential emerging technical structure could be the key to decoding its next move.
Source: Coinmarketcap
Power of 3 in Play
Looking at VIRTUAL’s 4-hour chart, a textbook “Power of 3” setup seems to be unfolding — a pattern that typically plays out in three phases: accumulation, manipulation, and expansion.
Accumulation Phase:
The accumulation phase took place between May 08 and May 16. During this time, VIRTUAL traded sideways within a defined range between approximately $1.82 and $2.22.
Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) 4H Chart/Coinsprobe (Source: Tradingview)
Then came the manipulation phase. Starting May 16, VIRTUAL broke below the lower boundary of the range and dropped as low as $1.70. This breakdown likely triggered a wave of stop-losses, shaking out retail traders in a classic fake-out move. The price quickly rebounded from this level — a common sign of smart money absorption before an expected breakout.
As of now, VIRTUAL is challenging the $1.82 level, which corresponds to the lower boundary of the previous accumulation range. A sustained move above this level would indicate that the market is transitioning into the expansion phase.
Key Targets and Potential Move
If the expansion phase plays out as expected, the first key resistance lies at $2.22, the high of the previous range. Reclaiming this level would confirm a full recovery from the prior manipulation drop and suggest strong bullish intent.
The measured move target, based on the height of the previous range, points toward $2.80. This would represent an approximate 54 percent upside from the current price.
Final Thoughts
Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) appears to be at a pivotal moment. The price structure is aligning with a classic Power of 3 setup, and if buyers can reclaim and hold above $1.82 and then break $2.22, the expansion phase could carry VIRTUAL toward $2.80 in the short term.
While broader market sentiment and Ethereum’s performance will still play a role, VIRTUAL is showing technical strength and potential for continuation. Traders and investors will be watching closely to see if this breakout confirms.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions.
