The ever-volatile world of cryptocurrencies, privacy-focused coins like Zcash ($ZEC) continue to carve out a niche amid regulatory scrutiny and institutional adoption. A recent analysis from renowned trader Altcoin Sherpa has ignited fresh speculation, predicting a surge to $200 in the coming weeks or months. Shared on X (formerly Twitter), the post accompanies a detailed TradingView chart highlighting $ZEC’s recent price action, underscoring both short-term dips and long-term bullish momentum.
Zcash’s zk-SNARKs Edge in Privacy-Focused DeFi
Zcash, launched in 2016 as a fork of Bitcoin, stands out for its zk-SNARKs technology, enabling fully shielded transactions that prioritize user anonymity without compromising blockchain transparency. This privacy edge has positioned $ZEC as a go-to for users seeking financial sovereignty in an era of increasing surveillance. Historically trading in the shadows of giants like Bitcoin and Ethereum, $ZEC has shown resilience, with its market cap hovering around $700 million as of late November 2025.
Chart Analysis: Volume, Support, and Breakout Setup
$ZEC I think this is going to go to $200 or something in the coming weeks/months and expect more bleeding (though there will be bounces along the way). I thought it'd bounce here to be honest but more just watching this one and haven't captured any of the shorts (yet). pic.twitter.com/jSz8oCRRuU
— Altcoin Sherpa (@AltcoinSherpa) November 30, 2025
Sherpa’s chart, spanning September to December 2025, paints a compelling picture. The candlestick formation reveals a consolidation phase after a sharp rally from sub-$20 lows in early fall, now testing key support near $40. Volume spikes in the lower panel suggest accumulation, with green bars indicating buying interest even as price bleeds downward.
Horizontal resistance lines at $50, $75, and $100 mark potential hurdles, but Sherpa anticipates “more bleeding” with interim bounces before the explosive move higher. He admits surprise at the lack of an immediate rebound but remains watchful, hinting at untapped short opportunities.
On-Chain Metrics Signal Growing Network Utility
What fuels this optimism? Broader market tailwinds, including Bitcoin’s post-halving strength and growing demand for privacy layers in DeFi and Web3 applications. Electric Coin Company, Zcash’s steward, recently announced upgrades to enhance interoperability with Ethereum’s ecosystem, potentially unlocking new liquidity pools.
Analysts point to on-chain metrics: active addresses up 15% month-over-month and transaction volume surging 22%, signaling renewed utility. Yet, risks loom—regulatory pressures on privacy coins could cap gains, and macroeconomic headwinds like interest rate hikes might trigger broader sell-offs.
Risks and Key Levels Traders Must Monitor
For traders, Sherpa’s call is a reminder: patience pays in crypto. With $ZEC’s shielded supply mechanics shielding it from inflationary fears, a $200 target implies over 400% upside from current levels. As the chart’s ascending trendline holds firm, eyes are on December’s catalysts, including potential ETF approvals for privacy assets.
Whether $ZEC catapults to new highs or tests deeper supports, this setup underscores the high-reward nature of altcoin plays. In a market craving narratives beyond memes, Zcash’s privacy proposition could be the dark horse for 2026. DYOR, but Sherpa’s vision might just shield investors from the noise.