The ASTR ecosystem has undergone significant transformations in 2024 and 2025, marked by strategic partnerships, technological evolution, legal milestones, and major funding initiatives. As the Astar Network continues its transition into broader blockchain infrastructures—most notably through integration with Sony-backed Soneium—the role of the ASTR token is being redefined across DeFi, Layer 2 scalability, and cross-chain liquidity.
This article explores the latest developments shaping the ASTR landscape, including key project pivots, community incentives, high-profile legal resolutions involving celebrity-endorsed NFTs, and emerging investment trends that are influencing the future trajectory of ASTR-based ecosystems.
Astria Halts Flame EVM Development
In a major shift for its development roadmap, Astria, the decentralized shared sequencer network, announced it would cease all development on Flame EVM effective immediately. The team urged users to withdraw their assets via the Astria Bridge before full network support ends on September 30, 2025.
This decision reflects a strategic realignment toward core sequencing infrastructure rather than maintaining an independent EVM chain. While Flame EVM provided early access to Ethereum-compatible smart contracts within the Astria stack, the focus has now shifted to optimizing data availability and transaction ordering for modular blockchains.
"We’re doubling down on our mission to become the premier shared sequencer for rollups," stated an official release. "Continuing Flame EVM no longer aligns with that goal."
Users are advised to act promptly to reclaim funds, as post-shutdown recovery options will not be available.
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Soneium Advances ASTR Integration Through Buybacks and Incentives
One of the most impactful developments for ASTR in recent months is the deepening integration with Soneium, the Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain co-developed by Startale Group and Sony Group. In a move signaling long-term commitment to ecosystem convergence, Soneium announced it will use sequencer revenue to buy back ASTR tokens from the open market.
The sequencer, responsible for ordering and batching transactions before submission to Ethereum L1, generates fees that will now directly support ASTR value accrual. This mechanism aims to strengthen economic alignment between Soneium and Astar, laying groundwork for potential future asset merging.
Additionally, Soneium launched a 100 million ASTR community incentive program tied to the Astar Contribution Score (ACS). Users earn points by interacting with dApps, contributing to network activity, or participating in Web3 experiences on Soneium. At the end of the campaign, ACS scores will determine ASTR rewards distribution.
Key Benefits of the Soneium-ASTR Synergy:
- Enhanced utility for ASTR beyond Astar zkEVM
- Revenue-sharing model via sequencer buybacks
- Expanded user base through gamified incentives
- Strengthened position within Ethereum’s emerging Superchain ecosystem
Startale CEO Sota Watanabe emphasized that this transition marks Phase Two of Astar Evolution, with ongoing discussions about ASTR’s role as:
- An ecosystem-wide asset
- A DeFi-native token
- A medium of exchange in consumer apps with account abstraction (AA)
- A security layer for Soneium infrastructure
DWF Labs Accumulates ASTR Holdings
On-chain analytics from Lookonchain revealed that DWF Labs transferred 25.77 million ASTR (~$802,000 at the time) to a staking wallet in May 2025. This accumulation signals institutional confidence in ASTR’s long-term potential, particularly amid growing synergies with Soneium and broader Ethereum L2 adoption.
Large-scale staking moves like this often precede deeper strategic involvement, whether through governance participation or ecosystem funding initiatives.
Legal Resolution: Shaquille O’Neal Settles Astrals NFT Lawsuit
A high-profile legal chapter closed in April 2025 when NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal agreed to pay $11 million to settle a class-action lawsuit tied to his promotion of the Astrals NFT project on Solana.
The settlement, approved by a Florida federal judge on April 1, establishes a fund for investors who purchased Astrals NFTs or GLXY tokens between May 2022 and January 15, 2024. Plaintiffs alleged that O’Neal’s endorsements constituted unregistered securities promotion under U.S. law.
Notably, a prior court ruling in August 2024 dismissed claims that O’Neal was a “control person” of the project, determining he acted as a compensated promoter rather than an operational leader. However, the court did not dismiss the argument that GLXY and Astrals NFTs themselves qualified as securities.
This case underscores the regulatory scrutiny facing celebrity-backed crypto projects and highlights the importance of compliance in influencer-driven Web3 marketing.
FAQ: Understanding the Astrals NFT Settlement
Q: Who qualifies for compensation from the $11 million fund?
A: Investors who bought Astrals NFTs or GLXY tokens during the specified period (May 2022 – Jan 15, 2024) may file claims once the distribution process launches.
Q: Does the settlement imply guilt?
A: No. Settlements are often pursued to avoid prolonged litigation. O’Neal neither admitted nor denied wrongdoing.
Q: How does this affect other celebrity-endorsed NFT projects?
A: It sets a precedent for liability when public figures promote crypto assets without proper disclosures, increasing pressure for regulatory compliance.
New Funding Rounds Boost Innovation Around ASTR and Related Projects
Beyond direct ASTR ecosystem moves, several new funding rounds highlight growing interest in adjacent technologies leveraging similar infrastructure principles.
0xAstra Raises $3M for Gameified Liquidity Aggregation
0xAstra, a gameified full-chain liquidity protocol, secured $3 million in seed funding** from top-tier investors including **Animoca Brands**, **Ace Redpoint**, and **Folius Ventures**. The platform connects over 10 major L1s and L2s and has already processed more than **$90 million in trading volume since launch.
By combining gamification mechanics with cross-chain liquidity aggregation and restaking features, 0xAstra enhances user engagement while solving fragmentation issues in DeFi.
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Novastro Completes Seed Round for AI-Powered RWA L2
Novastro, an AI-driven Layer 2 focused on tokenizing real-world assets (RWA), raised $1.2 million in seed funding led by Woodstock, with participation from Faculty Group and X21. Built on MoveVM and integrated with EigenLayer AVS, Novastro introduces RUSD, a stablecoin tailored for RWA transactions.
Its AI layer optimizes risk assessment and yield generation across asset classes such as real estate and private credit—offering a glimpse into how machine learning can enhance DeFi primitives.
Openverse Network Secures $11M for Layer0 Interoperability
Meanwhile, Openverse Network, a Layer0 hub designed to interconnect disparate blockchains, raised $11 million in strategic funding from Castrum Capital, TB Ventures, and DuckDAO. The capital will accelerate ecosystem growth and developer onboarding to build an open, interconnected value web.
Strategic Acquisitions and Community Transitions
In December 2024, Astra DAO, a launchpad for personalized crypto indices on Arbitrum, was acquired by the Token Metrics Foundation. While platform operations are winding down, user funds will be safely returned via airdrop. Additionally, holders of ASTRADAO tokens will receive an airdrop of TMAI, representing 5% of total supply.
Despite ceasing formal operations, ASTRADAO will persist as a community-driven meme coin—a testament to enduring grassroots engagement even after project sunset.
Broader Ecosystem Momentum
Other notable developments include:
- Beam Foundation, Aethir, and MetaStreet launching Tactical Compute, an AI compute initiative aiming to raise $40 million.
- CESS joining the Government Blockchain Association (GBA) to advance public-sector blockchain adoption.
- Rising visibility for projects like Astrol, which climbed 844 spots on RootData’s Top 50 Web3热度榜单 based on user behavior analytics.
FAQ: Your Questions About ASTR's Future Answered
Q: Is ASTR being replaced by another token?
A: No. ASTR remains central to both Astar and Soneium ecosystems. Its utility is expanding rather than being phased out.
Q: What happens to my assets if I’m using Flame EVM?
A: Withdraw immediately via Astria Bridge. Support ends September 30, 2025—after which funds cannot be recovered.
Q: Can I participate in Soneium’s ASTR incentive program?
A: Yes. Engage with dApps or contribute to network activities to earn ACS points redeemable for ASTR rewards.
Q: How does sequencer revenue benefit ASTR holders?
A: Revenue from transaction ordering is used to buy back ASTR tokens from the market, reducing circulating supply and potentially increasing scarcity.
Q: Are celebrity NFT promotions now legally risky?
A: Yes. The O’Neal case shows regulators are scrutinizing influencer roles. Full disclosures and compliance are essential.
Q: Where can I track real-time ecosystem activity around ASTR?
A: Platforms like RootData offer behavioral insights based on user interactions across X (Twitter), dApp usage, and search trends.
The ASTR ecosystem stands at a pivotal moment—transitioning from standalone zkEVM ambitions toward deeper integration within Ethereum’s modular future. With institutional backing, innovative funding models, and renewed utility through Soneium, ASTR is evolving into a multi-layered digital asset positioned at the intersection of scalability, interoperability, and sustainable value accrual.
As development progresses and community engagement grows, stakeholders have unprecedented opportunities to shape what comes next.
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