The rise of blockchain gaming has placed immense pressure on existing networks to support fast, low-cost, and scalable transactions. Ethereum, despite being the backbone of decentralized applications, struggles with high gas fees and slow confirmation times—major roadblocks for real-time gaming experiences. This is where Ronin, a purpose-built sidechain for Axie Infinity, steps in as a game-changer.
Ronin was launched in February 2021 by Sky Mavis, the team behind Axie Infinity, to solve Ethereum’s scalability issues and enable seamless in-game transactions. By creating a dedicated infrastructure optimized for gaming, Ronin has become the engine driving Axie Infinity’s explosive growth.
Understanding Ronin: A Gaming-First Blockchain
Ronin is an Ethereum-compatible sidechain designed specifically for blockchain games. Unlike general-purpose Layer-1 or Layer-2 solutions focused on DeFi or payments, Ronin prioritizes speed, low cost, and user experience—critical factors for mass adoption in gaming.
What Is a Sidechain?
A sidechain is an independent blockchain that runs parallel to Ethereum, enabling asset transfers between chains via a bridge. It operates with its own consensus mechanism and block parameters while maintaining compatibility with Ethereum’s ecosystem.
Ronin uses Proof-of-Authority (PoA), a consensus model where trusted validators—such as Binance, Ubisoft, and Animoca Brands—secure the network. Validators are chosen based on reputation rather than staked tokens, allowing faster transaction finality (around 3 seconds) compared to Ethereum’s average 13-second block time.
While PoA introduces some centralization, it ensures high performance and reliability during peak usage—essential for supporting millions of daily microtransactions in Axie Infinity.
👉 Discover how scalable blockchain networks are reshaping digital economies.
Why Build a Custom Blockchain?
Before Ronin, Sky Mavis experimented with Loom Network, another Ethereum Layer-2 solution. However, Loom shifted focus toward enterprise use cases, misaligning with Axie Infinity’s user-centric vision. This prompted Sky Mavis to build their own chain—giving them full control over performance, governance, and future upgrades.
At the time, alternative scaling solutions like zkSync (based on ZK-rollups) were still immature and lacked the infrastructure needed for a live game with hundreds of thousands of active users. Building Ronin allowed Sky Mavis to tailor every aspect of the network—from transaction throughput to wallet integration—specifically for gaming.
Ronin Wallet: Seamless Onboarding for Gamers
User experience is critical in attracting non-crypto-native players. To simplify access, Sky Mavis developed the Ronin Wallet, available as both a browser extension and mobile app. It supports assets like Axies, Land, SLP, AXS, and wrapped ETH (WETH), all within a single interface.
Crucially, the wallet integrates with Ramp, allowing users to buy crypto directly with fiat currency—removing one of the biggest barriers to entry. At its peak in November 2021, the Ronin network saw over 1.1 million daily active addresses, demonstrating its scalability and appeal.
Ultra-Fast Transactions at Near-Zero Cost
Ronin was engineered to handle massive volumes of low-value transactions efficiently—a necessity for play-to-earn economies where players earn and spend tokens constantly.
- Each user gets 100 free transactions per day, eliminating friction for casual gameplay.
- Beyond that, nominal fees will be paid in **$RON**, the native utility token (expected to cost less than $1 per transaction).
- Transaction finality averages 3 seconds, significantly faster than Ethereum.
In November 2021 alone, Ronin processed over 560% more transactions than Ethereum, proving its capacity to scale with demand.
👉 Explore how next-gen blockchains are enabling frictionless digital economies.
Katana DEX: The Heart of Ronin’s Economy
Every thriving blockchain needs a decentralized exchange (DEX). For Ronin, that role belongs to Katana, also known as Ronin DEX.
Katana enables seamless swapping of ecosystem tokens like SLP/ETH and AXS/ETH without leaving the Ronin network. This reduces reliance on external bridges and minimizes slippage and transfer delays.
Liquidity Incentives Drive Adoption
To bootstrap liquidity, 10% of the total $RON supply is being distributed over 90 days to liquidity providers (LPs). This incentive attracted over **$900 million in initial liquidity**, fueling market depth and stability.
Although dollar values have fluctuated due to market conditions, on-chain data shows consistent net inflows into pools like AXS-WETH—indicating strong long-term confidence among LPs.
AXS Staking: Earning While Supporting the Network
Beyond trading, users can participate in AXS staking, earning rewards simply by locking their tokens. Unlike LP positions on Katana, this pool doesn’t require pairing with WETH—making it accessible even to smaller holders.
- Estimated APR: 87% (without compounding)
- Rewards distributed daily
- Option to re-stake rewards for higher APY
As of early 2022:
- Over 20.7 million AXS staked (~30% of circulating supply)
- Steady increase in unique holder addresses
- Over 90% of tokens held for more than 90 days
This reflects strong community commitment and belief in the long-term value of Axie Infinity.
Moving Assets to Ronin: Two Main Pathways
To interact with Ronin, users must transfer assets from Ethereum or supported exchanges.
1. Ronin Bridge (From Ethereum)
- Supports ERC-20 ETH, AXS, and SLP
- Requires MetaMask or compatible wallet
- Average completion time: 10–15 minutes
- Incurs Ethereum gas fees—making small transfers costly
Ronin Bridge ranks as the third-largest EVM bridge by volume, behind Polygon and Avalanche.
2. Direct Transfers via Binance
- Users can send Ronin-based AXS and SLP directly
- Fees: Often under $1
- Example: Withdrawing SLP costs just 1 SLP ($0.03)—over 1,000x cheaper than using Ethereum
For most users, direct transfers via exchange are the most cost-effective method.
Roadmap: Toward Decentralization and Expansion
Currently, Ronin’s PoA model limits node operation to approved validators—raising concerns about centralization. However, Sky Mavis is actively working toward greater decentralization:
- Launched the first community-run validator node, managed by 50 members of AxieChat
- Exploring migration to more decentralized models like ZK-rollups when mature enough
- Planning broader validator access to align with “players own the game” philosophy
Long-term, Ronin aims to open its network to other game developers, evolving into a multi-game blockchain platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Ronin a Layer-2 or sidechain?
A: Ronin is technically a sidechain—it operates independently with its own validators but remains Ethereum-compatible through a two-way bridge.
Q: How does Ronin compare to Polygon for gaming?
A: While Polygon offers general scalability, Ronin is purpose-built for gaming with optimized UX, free transactions, and deep integration with Axie Infinity.
Q: Can anyone become a validator on Ronin?
A: Not yet. Currently, validators are pre-approved organizations. However, community-run nodes mark the beginning of decentralization efforts.
Q: What is the role of $RON?
A: $RON is the native token used for transaction fees, governance, and validator staking—set to fully activate in future network upgrades.
Q: Why not use Ethereum directly?
A: High gas fees (often $50–$100 per transaction) make Ethereum impractical for frequent microtransactions required in games.
Q: Can other games launch on Ronin?
A: Yes—once further decentralized and stabilized, Ronin plans to support third-party game development on its network.
👉 Learn how emerging blockchain platforms are empowering next-generation gaming ecosystems.
Conclusion
Ronin has proven itself as a powerful solution tailored for blockchain gaming. By addressing Ethereum’s limitations head-on—high fees, slow speeds, poor UX—it has enabled Axie Infinity to scale rapidly and sustainably.
With features like free daily transactions, ultra-fast confirmations, integrated wallets, and robust economic incentives via Katana and AXS staking, Ronin delivers a seamless experience that attracts both crypto veterans and newcomers alike.
Though still evolving toward full decentralization, ongoing improvements—including community validators and future ZK-rollup exploration—show Sky Mavis’s commitment to long-term sustainability.
As blockchain gaming continues to grow, Ronin stands at the forefront—not just as infrastructure for one successful game, but as a potential foundation for the entire play-to-earn ecosystem.
Will Ronin become the go-to blockchain for game developers worldwide? The journey has only just begun.