🌐 Astar Network
The multichain smart contract hub of Polkadot with dual VM, cross-chain interoperability, and dApp staking.
What Is Astar Network?
Astar Network is a Layer-1 blockchain and Polkadot parachain designed to be the smart contract hub of the multichain world. It empowers developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) using either Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) or WebAssembly (Wasm), offering flexibility and performance across ecosystems.
Originally launched as Plasm Network in 2019 by Sota Watanabe, Astar has evolved into a multichain collective connecting Polkadot to Ethereum, Cosmos, Solana, and other major networks. Its native token, ASTR, powers staking, governance, and ecosystem incentives.
⚙️ Key Features
🔄 Dual Virtual Machine Support
- EVM compatibility for Ethereum-based dApps
- Wasm/ink! support for high-performance smart contracts
- Developers choose the best environment for their needs
🌉 Cross-Chain Interoperability
- Uses XCM to connect with other Polkadot parachains
- Integrates with Chainlink CCIP and ERC-7802
- Bridges to Ethereum, Cosmos, and more
💸 dApp Staking
- Stake ASTR to support dApps
- Developers earn rewards based on user support
- Encourages sustainable growth and community engagement
⚡ High Performance
- Built on Substrate for fast finality and low latency
- Supports Asynchronous Backing (~6-second block times)
- Agile Coretime for flexible resource allocation
🧠 Governance & Upgrades
- Forkless upgrades via on-chain governance
- Community-driven proposals and voting
- Transparent and agile development roadmap
🧭 Ecosystem Highlights
- 100+ dApps deployed across DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and infrastructure
- $500M+ total value locked (TVL)
- 1M+ wallet addresses
- Soneium integration for consumer and gaming applications
- ACS rewards active users and liquidity providers
💬 User Feedback
- “Astar makes it easy to build across chains.”
- “dApp staking is a game changer for developers.”
- “The dual VM support is perfect for hybrid projects.”
- “Governance is smooth and transparent.”
- “It’s the most developer-friendly Polkadot parachain.”
❓ FAQs
- Is Astar Network part of Polkadot? Yes, it’s a parachain secured by the Polkadot Relay Chain.
- What is ASTR used for? Staking, governance, transaction fees, and dApp support.
- Can I build with Ethereum tools? Yes—Astar supports EVM and Ethereum-compatible tooling.
- Is it open-source? Yes, Astar’s codebase is open and community-driven.
- How do I earn with dApp staking? Stake ASTR to your favorite dApps and earn rewards based on their performance.
🏁 Conclusion
Astar Network is redefining smart contract development with its dual VM architecture, cross-chain connectivity, and innovative staking model. Whether you're a developer, investor, or Web3 enthusiast, Astar offers the tools and infrastructure to build and scale in a truly multichain world.