Aster Releases 2026 Roadmap: Evolution Path from Shield Mode to Mainnet Launch

[Aster] Decentralized exchange platform Aster has just released its action plan for the first half of 2026, focusing on three main directions: underlying technology, token utilities, and ecosystem operations.

Let’s look at the end-of-year moves first—at the beginning of December, they’ll launch the “Shield Mode,” specifically designed for high-leverage private trading, along with a new TWAP strategy order feature. Mid-month, they’ll revamp the RWA section to deepen and broaden the perpetual contracts for stocks. By the end of the month, Aster’s own testnet will be open to the community.

The first quarter of 2026 is a major milestone: the mainnet will officially go live, developers will get access to Aster’s codebase, and—most importantly—the fiat on/off-ramp will be enabled, meaning users won’t have to jump through hoops for deposits and withdrawals. The second quarter will keep up the momentum: ASTER token staking will be available, on-chain governance will officially launch, and they’ll release a smart fund tool that lets regular users follow the moves of top traders.

The entire roadmap is pretty tight, covering the core modules any DEX should have—from trading features and chain infrastructure to a closed-loop token economy.