Axie Infinity’s Ronin Ditches Sidechains for Ethereum Layer-2: Eliza Crichton-Stuart Explains Why.
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Key Takeaways
Ronin is returning to Ethereum as a layer-2 by 2026, leveraging Ethereum’s improved scalability, lower fees, and stronger infrastructure.
Security is a major driver of the move, as Ronin seeks to restore trust after the $620M bridge hack in 2022.
The migration expands Ronin’s scope beyond gaming, positioning it as a gamification engine for DeFi, SocialFi, and broader Web3 applications.
Challenges remain, including technical migration risks, fierce competition in the L2 space, and lingering skepticism from Axie Infinity’s past controversies.
The blockchain world is evolving rapidly, and one of the most surprising recent announcements is that Ronin Network, the blockchain behind the play-to-earn hit Axie Infinity, is planning to return to Ethereum as a layer-2 solution by 2026.
Originally launched as a sidechain to bypass Ethereum’s high gas fees and low throughput, Ronin gained fame during Axie Infinity’s peak.
However, it also faced criticism and suffered one of the largest hacks in crypto history. Now, Sky Mavis, the creators of Ronin and Axie Infinity, believe the time is right to migrate back to Ethereum.
This article explores Ronin’s history, the reasons for this migration, and the challenges and critiques surrounding this bold decision.
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2021 launch: Sky Mavis introduced Ronin as a sidechain to Ethereum, built specifically to handle Axie Infinity’s millions of daily in-game transactions. It offered low fees and fast confirmation times, something Ethereum struggled with back then.
Play-to-earn boom: Axie Infinity became a global phenomenon, especially in Southeast Asia, driving Ronin’s transaction volumes to rival some of the largest blockchains.
2022 Ronin Bridge hack: In March 2022, Ronin was hit by a $620 million hack, one of the largest in crypto history. The attackers exploited validator nodes through social engineering. The incident damaged Ronin’s reputation and highlighted the risks of isolated sidechains and cross-chain bridges.
Post-hack recovery: Despite the breach, Sky Mavis reimbursed players and continued building on Ronin, gradually regaining community trust. However, the network remained largely tied to Axie Infinity, limiting its appeal as a broader ecosystem.
Why Is Ronin Migrating Back to Ethereum as a Layer-2?
The decision is not just about “returning home.” It reflects the changing landscape of Ethereum and the future ambitions of Ronin.
Ronin is coming home to Ethereum.
Ready Layer Two ⚔️
Four years ago, we built Ronin because Axie Infinity needed a faster, more efficient network. Ethereum was still early in its scaling roadmap. Necessity was the mother of our invention.
When Ronin launched, Ethereum’s high gas fees and slow speeds were the main pain points. Since then, Ethereum has undergone major upgrades like Dencun, with upcoming enhancements such as Pectra and Fusaka further improving scalability.
This could attract developers and users who previously overlooked Ronin as a “gaming-only” chain.
4. Becoming Ethereum’s Gamification Engine
Sky Mavis now envisions Ronin as a “gamification engine” for Web3:
Gamified DeFi protocols
SocialFi platforms
Tokenized collectibles
AI and new digital economies
Originally, Ronin began as a gaming-first blockchain, but it’s now evolving into something broader. The chain has already reached major milestones — tens of millions of wallets, ranking among the top blockchains of 2024, billions in NFT trading volume, and recognition for hosting Axie Infinity, the world’s most traded NFT collection.
The network is positioning itself as a multi-purpose chain. As an Ethereum layer-2, it’s expected to run dramatically faster, with transactions projected to be around 12 times quicker , while inheriting Ethereum’s security and decentralization. In addition, a redesigned token model will allow $RON staking rewards to flow directly to builders and contributors, encouraging long-term growth and innovation.
Ronin ecosystem. | Source: @Ronin_Network on X
To fuel this growth, Ronin will roll out new tokenomics, including a Proof-of-Distribution model; this model shifts $RON staking rewards away from passive validators and toward active builders and contributors.
Instead of primarily rewarding validators for securing the network, the system will now also incentivize those driving growth and innovation. This change is designed to align builders and users more closely, creating a self-sustaining cycle of development with $RON at its core.
Ronin’s Proof of Distribution model. | Source: @Ronin_Network on X.
5. Institutional and Market Alignment
Ethereum is increasingly recognized by institutional investors and Wall Street. With ETFs, corporate adoption, and expanding regulatory clarity, Ethereum is emerging as the backbone for decentralized finance.
Sky Mavis acknowledged this, stating: “Ethereum is winning the war for Wall Street’s attention and capital.” By aligning with Ethereum, Ronin positions itself for credibility and long-term adoption.
Ronin Network’s Migration Timeline
The transition is divided into two main phases:
Phase 1: Feedback and Consultation (Current Stage)
Share migration plans with the Ronin community.
Validators vote on which layer-2 provider to partner with.
Discuss the decision with Ethereum and other EVM-aligned communities.
Release the updated Ronin 2.0 whitepaper outlining the new vision.
Phase 2: Technical Implementation
Finalize technical details of the migration.
Conduct independent third-party security audits.
Re-allocate token emissions under the new model.
Execute a hardfork to complete Ronin’s transition into an Ethereum Layer-2.
Additional Notes:
L2 providers like Optimism, Arbitrum, zkSync, and Polygon are being considered.
Implementation may roll out in parts between Q1–Q2 2026 (potentially finishing earlier).
Estimated completion: Q2 2026.
Ronin’s Homecoming will take place over two phases. | Source: @Ronin_Network on X.
Eliza Crichton-Stuart on Ronin’s Ethereum Pivot
CCN spoke with Eliza Crichton-Stuart, Head of Operations at GAM3S.GG, to get her perspective on Ronin’s migration back to Ethereum as a layer-2 after the $620 million hack.
For Crichton-Stuart, the move is emblematic of a larger industry shift.
“It’s a sign that the blockchain gaming industry is maturing, converging on shared, battle-tested infrastructures rather than maintaining multiple bespoke chains,” she told CCN, noting that the operational burden on custom networks has become harder to justify as Ethereum’s layer-2 ecosystem matures.
She pointed to Arbitrum as an instructive example, especially for developers. “Arbitrum… supports familiar languages like C++, enabling AAA studios to experiment with web3 more easily. Ronin mirrors this model: L2s act as an inviting entry point, combining performance, familiarity, and network effects.”
The conversation also turned to the legacy of play-to-earn. While Axie Infinity popularized the model, it also drew sharp criticism.
Crichton-Stuart sees Ronin’s return to Ethereum as a chance to reset expectations.
“This migration isn’t just technical; it’s strategic… with more robust tools and a broader design space, Ronin has the chance to refocus on making games fun first, with incentives reinforcing, not replacing, gameplay,” Crichton-Stuart emphasized.
Looking at the broader market, she framed the decision against the rebound of gaming investment in 2025. “Moves like Ronin’s can be seen as consolidation… anchoring to Ethereum L2s signals readiness to scale and appeal to institutional investors.”
Most importantly, Crichton-Stuart believes the shift could enable a deeper transformation in how game economies are designed.
“The shift could help Ronin evolve into a player-owned, community-governed ecosystem that rewards engagement, creativity, and long-term participation rather than short-term speculation,” Crichton-Stuart noted.
Critiques and Challenges of Ronin Network’s Move
While the decision has been praised, not everyone is convinced. Critics point out:
Governance trade-offs: By becoming an Ethereum layer-2, Ronin may lose some control over its own governance and consensus design.
Technical risks: Migrating an entire blockchain ecosystem from sidechain to layer-2 is complex and could introduce new vulnerabilities.
User experience: Even small changes in fees, settlement, or wallets could confuse users accustomed to Ronin’s independence.
Reputation baggage: Axie Infinity’s play-to-earn model was once criticized as unsustainable, resembling pyramid dynamics. Combined with the 2022 hack, some skeptics question whether Ronin can fully reinvent itself.
Competition: The layer-2 landscape is already crowded, with Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, and zkSync dominating developer mindshare. Ronin must carve out a clear niche.
Ronin’s return to Ethereum as a layer-2 is both a homecoming and a reinvention. It reflects the reality that Ethereum has solved many of the scaling issues that once pushed developers toward sidechains.
By leveraging Ethereum’s security, liquidity, and institutional traction, Ronin aims to transition from a niche gaming blockchain to a general-purpose layer-2 platform driving gamified experiences across Web3.
The move, however, is not without challenges. Ronin will need to overcome its past reputation, execute a smooth migration, and prove its relevance in an increasingly competitive L2 environment.
Still, if successful, Ronin could become one of the most exciting examples of a blockchain evolving with the ecosystem it once left behind.
Why did Ronin Network leave Ethereum in the first place?
Ronin launched as a sidechain in 2021 because Ethereum’s gas fees were extremely high and transaction speeds were too slow to support millions of daily in-game actions from Axie Infinity. Ronin offered faster and cheaper transactions tailored for gaming.
What benefits does Ronin gain by becoming an Ethereum Layer-2?
As an Ethereum L2, Ronin will inherit Ethereum’s security, gain direct access to DeFi and NFT liquidity, improve interoperability with other protocols, and boost developer adoption while keeping transaction fees low.
When will the Ronin migration to Ethereum Layer-2 be completed?
The migration is planned in phases and is expected to be fully completed by Q1–Q2 2026, with validators already reviewing the necessary hardfork.
How does the Ronin migration impact Axie Infinity players and developers?
For players, the migration should mean faster, cheaper, and more secure transactions. For developers, Ronin will expand beyond gaming to become a “gamification engine” for Web3, opening opportunities in DeFi, SocialFi, and tokenized assets.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, financial advice. We do not make any warranties regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of this information. All investments involve risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results. We recommend consulting a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Onkar Singh has three years of experience as a digital finance content creator. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with various DeFi projects and crypto media outlets. In his leisure time, he enjoys fitness activities at the gym and watching movies across different genres. Balancing his professional and personal interests, Onkar continues to contribute to the digital finance landscape while pursuing his hobbies.
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