Aster Launches Testnet for Layer-1 Blockchain, Teases Full Release in Q1

Cointelegraph reports the Aster decentralized crypto exchange (DEX) and perpetual futures platform said its layer-1 blockchain testnet is now live for all users, with a potential rollout of the Aster layer-1 mainnet in Q1 2026. The Aster roadmap lists several features slated for a Q1 launch, including fiat on-ramps, the release of the Aster code for builders and the upcoming L1 mainnet.

It says Aster will focus on infrastructure, token utility and building its ecosystem and community in 2026. Aster rebranded as a perpetual futures DEX in March 2025 and is described as a direct competitor to Hyperliquid. The launch of a dedicated layer-1 chain reflects a trend of Web3 projects shifting to custom blockchains to support high-throughput transaction volume rather than relying on general-purpose chains like Ethereum or Solana.

Perp DEXs gained momentum in 2025: cumulative trading volume nearly tripled from about $4 trillion to over $12 trillion by year-end, with about $7.9 trillion generated in 2025, according to DefiLlama.