Aster Launches Layer-1 Testnet as Perpetual DEX Trading Volume Hits $12 Trillion

TLDR

• Aster’s layer-1 blockchain testnet launched Thursday with mainnet deployment planned for Q1 2026
• The platform rebranded as a perpetual futures DEX in March 2025, competing directly with Hyperliquid
• Perpetual DEX trading volume nearly tripled in 2025, jumping from $4 trillion to over $12 trillion
• Monthly perp DEX trading hit $1 trillion in October, November, and December 2025
• Aster will launch fiat on-ramps, open-source code, and focus on infrastructure development in 2026

Aster announced Thursday that its layer-1 blockchain testnet is now live for all users. The decentralized exchange and perpetual futures platform targets a mainnet launch in Q1 2026.

The testnet launch marks a key milestone for Aster as it builds out dedicated blockchain infrastructure. The platform operates as a perpetual futures DEX, competing directly with Hyperliquid in the growing derivatives market.

Planned Q1 2026 Features and Infrastructure

Several new features are scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. Aster plans to release fiat currency on-ramps to make crypto trading more accessible.

The platform will also open-source its code for developers. This move allows builders to create applications on top of the Aster network.

The mainnet deployment represents the production-ready version of the blockchain. Users will be able to conduct real trades with actual funds once the mainnet goes live.

Aster rebranded as a perpetual futures DEX in March 2025. The platform shifted its focus to derivatives trading as demand for crypto futures products increased.

Both Aster and Hyperliquid run on their own application-specific layer-1 blockchains. This approach differs from projects that build on general-purpose networks like Ethereum or Solana.

The shift to custom blockchains addresses throughput needs for high-volume trading. Dedicated chains avoid competing for block space with other applications on shared networks.

Perpetual Futures Market Growth in 2025

Perpetual futures contracts work differently than traditional futures. They have no expiration date, eliminating the need for manual contract rollovers.

Traders pay funding rates to keep positions open indefinitely. This structure enables 24-hour markets that run seven days a week.

Cumulative trading volume on perpetual decentralized exchanges nearly tripled in 2025. Volume rose from approximately $4 trillion to over $12 trillion by year-end.

About $7.9 trillion of this trading activity occurred during 2025. The growth reflects rising demand for crypto derivatives products.

Monthly perp DEX trading volume crossed the $1 trillion mark in October 2025. November and December also saw monthly volumes exceed $1 trillion.

The sustained trading activity signals growing adoption of decentralized derivatives platforms. Both institutional and retail traders increased their exposure to these products throughout the year.

Aster’s 2026 roadmap emphasizes infrastructure development and token utility expansion. The platform also plans to focus on ecosystem building and community growth.

The testnet launch positions Aster to compete for market share as perp DEX trading continues to expand. DefiLlama data confirms the sector’s growth accelerated throughout 2025.

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