Aster Testnet Launches for Perp-Focused Layer 1 Blockchain

Key Insights:

• Aster testnet launch advances its perp DEX-optimized layer 1 toward Q1 2026 mainnet.
• In 2025, Perp DEX volume increased three times, which strained specialized blockchain demand.
• The ASTER token price near $0.50 will give long-term accumulation even after 80% decrease from the ATH.

Aster has released a blockchain testnet, officially on layer-1. The network is geared towards perpetual futures trading.

The relocation follows the perp DEX platforms, which have contributed the majority of the development in DeFi volume in 2025. Aster token targets a mainnet rollout in Q1 2026, which is disciplined.

Aster Rolls Out Testnet | Source. X

The ASTER token currently trades at $0.499. It is down 8.41% in the last 24 hours. Trading volume reached $431 million.

Market cap stands at $1.23 billion, placing it at rank 50 on CoinMarketCap. The price remains almost 80% below its all-time high of $2.43.

Aster Token: Why Perp DEX Trading Demands Specialized Blockchains

Perpetual futures volume exploded in 2025. Cumulative trading on perp DEXs jumped from $4 trillion to over $12 trillion, according to DefiLlama.

Monthly volume topped $1 trillion in October, November, and December. General-purpose chains often face congestion during volatile periods.

This causes delays and unpredictable fees. Traders need instant execution and reliable liquidations for leveraged positions. Aster layer 1 addresses these issues from the ground up.

Perpetual Futures Volume Exploded in 2025 | Source: DefiLlama

The project rebranded in March 2025 to focus exclusively on perpetual futures. It now competes directly with Hyperliquid, which also runs its own application-specific chain.

Meanwhile, many Web3 projects now prefer custom blockchains over shared networks like Ethereum or Solana.

Aster Testnet Opens Doors for Developers and Validators

Aster testnet is free to everybody. Applications and smart contracts can be deployed and tested by developers. Validators are able to measure the stability of the network when loaded.

This step is used to test systems in advance of the mainnet. It has low latency and a fast finality architecture. It promotes concurrent processing of transactions in order to achieve increased throughput.

Meanwhile, fee stability is built into the protocol. These features suit high-frequency derivatives trading. Fiat on-ramps and open-source code release are also in the fiat on-ramps and open-source code release of 2026 roadmap.

The team will concentrate on the infrastructure, utility of the tokens, and community development all year round.

ASTER Token Shows Accumulation Signals Despite Weakness

There is a controlled downside as per technical indicators. Weekly RSI is at 31.62, which is near the oversold region. MACD is negative but compressed.

Notably, Aster token price currently trades near $0.50. At the latest price, the token trades well below the moving average ribbon near $1.02.

Analyst Crypto Patel calls the current range a long-term accumulation setup. He highlights the 80% discount from the ATH.

Meanwhile, Patel sees 2,600% upside potential with targets between $5 and $10 for Aster price. A close above $0.72 could signal the end of the descending channel.

ASTER Long-term Accumulation Setup | Source: X

The $0.35–$0.50 zone attracts gradual buying. Short-term momentum remains weak. However, the existing price is considered by many as an entry point strategy before the mainnet.

The post Aster Testnet Launches for Perp-Focused Layer 1 Blockchain appeared first on The Coin Republic.