DeFi Ambition That Lost Its Spark
ArthSwap launched in January 2022 on the Astar Network, aiming to become the main DeFi hub in the Polkadot ecosystem. It offered token swaps, staking via ARSW, liquidity mining, IDO launches, and governance participation.
What It Offered
- Swap functionality with low fees and fast transactions
- Liquidity mining and staking rewards for ARSW token holders
- IDO platform to support new project launches
- Governance via ARSW with token burns planned
Early growth was promising, with TVL peaking at over $120 million in its first month.
Where It Stands in 2025
Activity has collapsed. Daily trading volume is near zero, liquidity pools are shallow, and token activity has dried up. ARSW trades rarely and governance is idle. Social engagement and updates have almost stopped entirely.
Why It Faded
The platform had features but lacked user trust and long-term engagement. Farming APRs were inflated, token valuations were inconsistent, and many earned rewards couldn’t be traded directly. Without strong adoption, the initial hype faded.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Status / Details |
|---|---|
| Launched | January 2022 on Astar Network |
| Token | ARSW - staking, governance, burns |
| Functionality | Swaps, liquidity mining, IDOs |
| Peak TVL | ~$120M initially |
| Current Daily Volume | Near zero |
| Trust Signals | Low; no audits or reserve transparency |
| Community | Minimal, low engagement |
Final Thoughts
ArthSwap had the right parts for a strong DeFi hub, but failed to sustain momentum. With minimal volume, weak token activity, and low community trust, it exists more as a technical artifact than a living platform. In 2025, it remains online but barely functional.