Aster, the decentralized exchange (DEX) known for its perpetual futures trading, has announced the activation of its layer-1 blockchain testnet, with plans to launch the mainnet in the first quarter of 2026. This news comes following Aster's rebranding in 2025, when it pivoted to focus on perpetual futures, a move that aligned with the burgeoning market interest as trading volumes soared into the trillions of dollars.
The newly operational testnet is set to pave the way for several features promised in Aster's roadmap for Q1 2026, including fiat currency on-ramps, the release of Aster's code for developers, and the deployment of the layer-1 mainnet. Aster's strategic focus for 2026 will be on enhancing its infrastructure, expanding token utility, and fostering its community and ecosystem.
Aster's transition to a dedicated layer-1 blockchain aligns with a broader trend among Web3 projects, which are increasingly moving to tailor-made blockchains. This shift allows them to support higher transaction volumes without relying on multi-purpose chains like Ethereum or Solana, which cater to a diverse array of applications.
The year 2025 marked a significant period for perpetual DEXs, with Aster emerging as a direct competitor to Hyperliquid, another major player that also operates on its own application-specific layer-1 network. The growing popularity of perpetual futures contracts, which differ from traditional futures by lacking an expiration date, was evident as cumulative trading volumes in this sector nearly tripled from $4 trillion to over $12 trillion throughout the year.
DefiLlama reports indicate that approximately $7.9 trillion of this trading volume was generated in 2025 alone, with monthly figures consistently hitting the $1 trillion mark in the last quarter of the year. This surge highlights the increasing interest and demand for crypto derivatives, as more financial transactions migrate onto blockchain platforms.
Aster's strategic developments and the overall momentum in the perpetual DEX market underscore the ongoing evolution and expansion of the crypto derivatives landscape, as stakeholders continue to seek innovative solutions and opportunities in digital finance.