Aster Testnet Launches; Mainnet Rollout and New Features Coming in Q1

TLDR

• Aster’s layer-1 blockchain testnet is now live for all users, marking a key milestone for the platform.
• The Aster team plans to launch the mainnet in the first quarter of 2026.
• New features, including fiat currency on-ramps, will be introduced in Q1 2026.
• Aster will release its code for developers, fostering ecosystem growth and innovation.
• The platform’s shift to a perpetual futures DEX positions it as a competitor to Hyperliquid.

Aster, a decentralized crypto exchange (DEX) and perpetual futures platform, has announced the launch of its layer-1 blockchain testnet. The testnet is now available to all users, with the mainnet rollout scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. This major milestone is part of the company’s ambitious plans to enhance its platform and expand its offerings.

Aster’s Upcoming Features and Q1 2026 Launch Plans

Aster’s roadmap for 2026 includes several key developments that will significantly enhance its services. The introduction of fiat currency on-ramps will allow users to seamlessly convert their traditional currency into digital assets. Along with this, Aster will release its code for developers, enabling third-party builders to contribute to the platform’s growth.

The upcoming Aster layer-1 mainnet is designed to improve the platform’s efficiency and scalability. It will also serve as the backbone for future features and expansions. These developments are expected to increase Aster’s appeal to both traders and developers, fostering a more vibrant ecosystem.

In March 2025, Aster rebranded as a perpetual futures DEX. This move positioned the platform as a competitor to Hyperliquid, another prominent perpetual futures DEX. Hyperliquid operates on its own application-specific blockchain network, highlighting the trend of Web3 projects developing custom layer-1 blockchains for high-throughput transactions.

Aster’s decision to launch its own layer-1 blockchain aligns with this growing trend. It reflects the increasing demand for specialized blockchains that can handle high transaction volumes. By moving away from general-purpose chains like Ethereum and Solana, Aster aims to provide a more tailored and efficient solution for its users.

Surge in Perpetual Futures Trading Volume and Market Growth

The perpetual futures market saw a sharp rise in trading volume during 2025. According to DefiLlama, the cumulative trading volume nearly tripled, growing from approximately $4 trillion to over $12 trillion by the year’s end. About $7.9 trillion of this volume was generated in 2025, signaling increasing interest in crypto derivatives.

Monthly trading volumes hit the $1 trillion mark in October, November, and December. This surge highlights the growing demand for perpetual futures contracts, which allow traders to keep positions open without expiration dates.

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