What is Ronin (RON)?

By CMC AI
13 October 2025 03:57AM (UTC+0)

TLDR

Ronin (RON) is a gaming-optimized blockchain transitioning to an Ethereum Layer 2 (L2), designed to power scalable, player-driven economies with seamless asset interoperability.

  1. Gaming-First Infrastructure – Built for high-speed, low-cost transactions to support Web3 games like Axie Infinity.

  2. Ethereum-Aligned L2 – Migrating to Optimism’s OP Stack for enhanced security and Ethereum compatibility.

  3. Token-Driven Ecosystem – RON facilitates gas fees, staking, and governance, with tokenomics incentivizing builders.

Deep Dive

1. Gaming-First Infrastructure

Ronin was launched in 2021 by Sky Mavis as a dedicated blockchain for Axie Infinity, addressing Ethereum’s scalability limitations. It processes transactions in milliseconds and supports millions of daily active users, making it the #1 gaming chain by active wallets (Ronin Network). Key features include:
- Cross-chain NFT support: Assets like Axies (NFT creatures) can move between games.
- Katana DEX: Built-in decentralized exchange for in-game asset swaps.

2. Ethereum-Aligned Layer 2 Transition

Ronin is shifting from a standalone sidechain to an Ethereum L2 using Optimism’s OP Stack and EigenDA for data availability. This upgrade (announced August 2025) aims to:
- Inherit Ethereum’s security while maintaining 1M+ TPS capacity.
- Enable ZK-proof integration for privacy and scalability.
- Use RON as the native gas token, aligning with Ethereum’s institutional adoption.

3. Tokenomics & Governance

RON’s 1B max supply includes deflationary mechanics like fee burns and treasury buybacks. Key utilities:
- Gas fees: Paid in RON for transactions and NFT trades.
- Staking: Validators earn rewards, but a proposed “Proof-of-Distribution” model will redirect incentives to developers.
- Governance: Holders vote on upgrades, such as the recent L2 migration proposal.

Conclusion

Ronin combines gaming scalability with Ethereum’s security, positioning itself as a hub for Web3 game economies. Its pivot to L2 could broaden its use cases beyond gaming—but will it balance decentralization with developer incentives as it evolves?

CMC AI can make mistakes. Not financial advice.