Aster has launched Shield Mode, a new trading mode built into Aster Perpetual that is aimed at on-chain traders seeking a more protected execution environment. The release keeps the platform’s headline features intact, including up to 1001x leverage, zero slippage, no opening fees, and fully on-chain settlement.
The update focuses on a persistent issue in transparent on-chain markets: trading intent can be exposed to the broader market. Aster said Shield Mode is designed to combine high-leverage performance with more control over how orders are expressed and managed. Leonard, CEO of Aster, said the company wants traders to operate at a high level without having to broadcast their strategies.
Built on the earlier Hidden Orders rollout
The launch extends work Aster had already started on trading discretion. In mid-2025, the platform introduced Hidden Orders on Aster Perpetual, allowing traders to hide order price and size from the public order book while still accessing available liquidity. Shield Mode expands that approach into a broader protected trading setup.
According to Aster, the new mode brings the full 1001x trading experience into a single interface and account system. Traders can open and manage long or short positions without interacting with a public order book, and without relying on cross-chain switching, fragmented workflows, or frequent on-chain transaction signing.
Closing fees removed and gas costs eliminated
Shield Mode preserves the core mechanics of Aster’s 1001x model, including up to 1001x leverage for BTC and ETH, zero slippage, and no opening fees. The new changes are concentrated on execution cost and speed. Aster said the mode removes closing fees, eliminates gas costs entirely, and supports faster trade execution.
That combination is positioned as a lower-friction setup for on-chain perpetual trading, especially for users managing active positions. Rather than adding a separate workflow, Aster is folding these protections and cost changes into the existing perpetual product.
Two fee models are planned in future updates
Aster also said Shield Mode is being designed around a flexible fee framework. In later updates, traders will be able to choose between Commission Mode, which applies a fixed percentage fee per trade, and PnL Mode, in which fees are charged only on profitable trades.
To mark the launch, the company said all Shield Mode fees will be waived until the end of the year. Aster described the fee design as a way to let different trading styles operate under structures that better fit their strategy and risk preferences.
Part of a broader product consolidation
Aster framed Shield Mode as more than a standalone feature. By integrating its 1001x trading capability directly into Aster Perpetual, the platform is consolidating core tools such as Hidden Orders and protected trading into a unified system for high-leverage access and position management.
The company describes itself as an on-chain trading platform for perpetual and spot markets, with MEV-aware trading mechanics, advanced order types, and Shield Mode available across multiple chains. Aster also said its broader ecosystem includes Trade & Earn, Rocket Launch, work toward Aster Chain, and an ongoing multi-stage airdrop and incentive program. The platform is backed by YZi Labs.