Aster is considering implementing vesting schedules for its Season 2 airdrop, a strategic move aimed at protecting the token’s value and fostering long-term growth by preventing a sudden sell-off.
Context and Impact
The team is actively evaluating the best approach for distributing the 320 million ASTER tokens designated for the Season 2 airdrop, which represents 4% of the total token supply. CEO Leonard confirmed on a livestream that a final decision on whether to use vesting is expected shortly, highlighting the team’s focus on balancing the interests of new participants and existing tokenholders.
The core idea is to replace an instant release with a gradual distribution. If implemented, vesting would mean tokens unlock on a fixed schedule over months, which the team believes would limit immediate selling pressure and help stabilize the token price.
To ensure fair distribution and reward genuine users, the project has excluded liquidity providers from earning points in the airdrop campaign. This strategy is designed to prevent centralization and market manipulation, aligning rewards with active, organic participation on the platform. Allocations are calibrated over time using weekly snapshots that track user activity.
Implications
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Adoption and Trust: A staggered token release signals a measured, long-term approach to distribution, which may strengthen holder confidence in the token’s sustainable value.
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Liquidity and Volatility: A slower release mechanism can curb sudden jumps in supply and dampen short-term price volatility, though it also means new users receive their tradable tokens gradually.
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Incentives and Product Design: By excluding liquidity providers, the airdrop directly rewards traders and active wallets, promoting a wider and more decentralized distribution of tokens.
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Reallocation of Unclaimed Tokens: Tokens that are not claimed by the deadline will be returned to the community rewards pool. This ensures that inactive wallets do not dilute the supply and that these assets can support future ecosystem initiatives.
Key Points to Watch
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The final decision on whether to implement vesting for the 4% of the token supply allocated to the Season 2 airdrop is still pending.
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The claim window is set from September 17, 2025, to October 17, 2025.
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Liquidity providers are explicitly excluded from this airdrop to reward real users.
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The specific vesting terms, if applied, are yet to be announced.
Aster is expected to publish the final vesting schedule soon. This announcement will be crucial, as it will define the duration of the vesting period, the frequency of token unlocks, and the final eligibility criteria, all of which will shape market liquidity and investor confidence moving forward.
