Main highlights:
- Aster Chain Testnet launched today, December 24, 2025.
- The chain selected 1,000 testers from 360,000 applicants.
- Whitelisted users can claim 1,000 USDT and 1,000 ASTER daily through BSC TestNet's daily faucet.
Aster Chain Testnet went live today, December 24, 2025, and it was also announced that the blockchain has selected 1,000 users from 360,000 applications to participate in testing a hands-on version of the Aster blockchain. The announcement was made via social media platform X.
Vanguards have gathered ✨
From over 360,000 applications, 1,000 passionate traders were selected to pioneer the Aster Chain Testnet.
Selected testers can now connect their whitelisted wallet to https://t.co/CD2IteoxpC and request testnet tokens from their faucet to get started… pic.twitter.com/WrzCOPdPBj
— Aster (@Aster_DEX) December 24, 2025
This testnet will run on BSC TestNet and allow users to try out new features before the main network launch, scheduled for Q1 2026. The application was shut down on December 22nd, with access only granted to authorized users through a whitelist.
Testnet purpose and infrastructure
The primary reason this network exists is to evaluate new features and products aimed at Aster users. Basically, as mentioned above, this blockchain is a practice or experimental blockchain on BSC TestNet. Since the blockchain is on BSC TestNet, it is important that your wallet is compatible with the BSC network.
In order for the selected users to access the blockchain, they must connect to the whitelisted address and begin the test.
Participant selection process
The DEX platform receives over 360,000 applications, from which only 1,000 users are selected and they are called “Vanguards”. These users were selected to be the first to try out and test the Aster testnet.
Vanguard is an early user during this testing phase to help test features, identify issues, and provide feedback. To maintain network stability, Aster limited the number of participants.
Whitelist verification and entry
As mentioned above, it can only be accessed by users whose wallet address has been officially added to the whitelist. Selected participants must confirm eligibility before connecting their wallet.
The platform remains open to users who are not selected. The announcement also states that users who are not selected can contact the Aster team on Discord to inquire about possible future access. However, for now, all testnet spot positions are filled.
Daily token distribution via faucet
Authorized (whitelisted) users can obtain free test tokens from a special faucet page. Each user can request a token once every 24 hours. For each claim, you will receive 1,000 TestNet USDT and 1,000 TestNet Aster. These tokens are for testing purposes only and have no real monetary value.
core test components
Testers are asked to see how certain key features work on the testnet. They primarily test perpetual trades and spot trades to ensure that trades execute smoothly, test hidden orders to ensure they are executed correctly and invisibly, and layer 1 (L1) explorers to ensure that users can easily track trades and activity on the network.
Testing these areas will also help Aster collect any feedback on speed, reliability, ease of use, etc. via Discord prior to this release.
At the moment, access is provided to only 1,000 users, but the platform plans to expand access as the network grows.
Relevance to the 2026 roadmap
At the beginning of 2025, Aster was focused on mergers, app launches, and exchange listings. However, this testnet launch fits into Aster's larger roadmap to 2026, which includes launching the main network, adding staking, and introducing governance features. Improving privacy and fairness, such as using zero-knowledge proofs and mitigating MEV risks, are also important priorities.
Also read: Brevis and Aster team up to improve DEX speed and security
