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

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.

Asters 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 years 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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