Team CryptoInsightfull 
.Ronin is an Ethereum sidechain created by Sky Mavis to power the game Axie Infinity, one of blockchain gaming’s biggest successes. By offering significantly lower gas fees and high transaction speeds, the Ronin network helps address the scaling challenges that popular crypto projects face.
In this post, we’ll look at how this streamlined approach enables millions of in-game transactions, fostering an environment of rapid growth for developers building games beyond Axie Infinity.
What is Ronin?
Ronin is a specialized Layer 1 blockchain for Web3 games, initially developed by Sky Mavis to scale Axie Infinity without the high gas fees found on Ethereum. It was designed to validate transactions quickly and cost-effectively.
Ronin’s massive traction is largely due to Axie Infinity’s user base, which prompted the network to broaden its reach to more game studios and developers seeking reliable blockchain infrastructure. Ronin continues to evolve from an Axie-focused chain to a more general platform suited for broader applications in gaming, NFTs, and DeFi.
The network employs a proof of authority (PoA) model, though it is moving toward a more decentralized approach, incorporating Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) mechanics for stronger security. By enabling minimal spam and verifying transactions through select validators, Ronin provides faster confirmations and improved user experiences compared to the Ethereum mainnet.
The Team Behind Ronin Network: Sky Mavis
Sky Mavis is a Vietnam-based company known for pioneering player-owned economies through Axie Infinity. Comprised of blockchain and security experts, the team introduced Ronin as a purpose-built solution for developers building games with heavy on-chain interactions. Advisory support and rigorous internal security measures are part of Sky Mavis’s roadmap to ensure the ecosystem remains stable.
Beyond Axie Infinity, the company is partnering with additional game studios, such as Tribes Studio and Bali Games, aiming to expand Ronin’s applications and advance blockchain gaming for a global audience.
Ronin past events
A significant incident led Sky Mavis to strengthen Ronin’s infrastructure: the Ronin validator breach of early 2022. Attackers exploited trusted validators through a socially engineered attack, compromising user funds and exposing vulnerabilities within the network’s entire architecture.
In response, Sky Mavis introduced extra layers of protection and expanded the set of validators to enhance Ronin’s decentralization. This event drew the attention of security experts auditing the network, resulting in more sophisticated safeguards to validate transactions and prevent future attacks, effectively fortifying Ronin’s reputation among developers and users.
How Ronin Works
Ronin employs a modified Proof of Authority (PoA) framework, where trusted validators run the network and approve transactions. Unlike Ethereum, this approach reduces gas fees and confirmation times because a smaller, elite group of validators manages the chain. Although PoA has been efficient, Ronin plans to adopt elements of Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) so token holders delegate responsibilities to nodes that maintain the chain’s security.
Transactions flow seamlessly from Ethereum to Ronin through the Ronin Bridge, enabling players to bring their assets into the Ronin ecosystem. Once inside, users can engage in gaming applications, mint NFTs, or interact with DeFi protocols at a fraction of the usual cost. This is possible because Ronin aims to maintain minimal congestion and overhead, keeping user experiences smooth.
The network’s design also helps deter spam transactions and unauthorized activities, offering a more battle-tested environment for large-scale blockchain gaming operations.
The Ronin Network Ecosystem
Ronin optimizes blockchain gaming by offering an entire ecosystem that supports game developers, NFT creators, and DeFi participants. Built to accommodate massive user bases, the network’s architecture is designed to handle intensive on-chain interactions without excessive gas fees or long confirmation times. Take a look at some of the key components of the Ronin ecosystem.
Games
Originally developed for Axie Infinity, Ronin now attracts more game studios, including Bali Games and Tribes Studio. These developers are building new titles that leverage Ronin’s fast transactions and player-friendly infrastructure. The network’s proof of authority model, transitioning toward Delegated Proof of Stake, helps ensure smooth gameplay and minimal spam.
Many Games have migrated to the chain recently; the full list of games on Ronin is here.
For more information, check out Why are projects migrating to the Ronin Network?
NFTs
The Ronin blockchain supports NFTs through in-game assets, collectibles, and digital art. These NFTs are minted and traded with lower costs than on the Ethereum mainnet. Projects benefit from customizable smart contracts and consistent verification by trusted validators.
DeFi
Ronin’s DeFi offerings include Katana DEX, which facilitates token swaps with low fees and quick confirmations. Future protocols could incorporate lending or staking to earn rewards. With rigorous internal security measures, Ronin aims to become a well-rounded platform for decentralized finance, enabling robust liquidity and user-friendly DeFi experiences.
Wallet
Ronin Wallet gives users an easy way to store, send, and receive digital assets on the network. It also connects with Axie Infinity and other supported games, streamlining gameplay. By keeping private keys under user control, the wallet ensures ownership and security while integrating seamlessly with the broader Ronin ecosystem.
Benefits of Ronin Network
- Low Gas Fees: Ronin drastically cuts transaction costs, making in-game purchases and NFT transfers more accessible.
- Fast Transactions: Its proof-of-authority approach reduces congestion and speeds up confirmations, improving the user experience.
- User-Friendly: Developers benefit from straightforward integration, while players enjoy seamless gameplay without complicated blockchain interactions.
- Scalability: Ronin’s architecture is designed for rapid growth, allowing millions of transactions for large-scale games.
- Security Enhancements: Sky Mavis implemented rigorous protocols and introduced more validators after the validator breach, reinforcing security.
- Community Building: Ronin supports player-owned economies, encouraging gamers and creators to engage in a collaborative environment.
- Future-Proofing: Transitioning to Delegated Proof of Stake will enhance decentralization, attract more projects, and reduce the risk of single points of failure.
The RON Token (RON)
Token Distribution
RON is the native token that powers the Ronin network, functioning as both the governance asset and the medium for paying transaction fees. Initially, the token holders delegate staking power to validators through a delegated proof mechanism, ensuring reliable verification of blockchain gaming transactions.
Supply and distribution are tied to the network’s growth, with 25% reserved rewards, and 30% specifically for community incentives. RON token utilities could expand as more games join the network, encouraging players to stake tokens in return for in-game benefits or governance rights.
In short, the RON token embodies the vision of an accessible, scalable, and player-centric ecosystem that addresses the challenges of large-scale blockchain-based gaming applications.
Token Release Schedule
Token Utility
The RON token is the cornerstone of the Ronin ecosystem, serving as both the network’s gas fee token and a key component in securing its blockchain through staking. By using RON for transactions, users benefit from lower fees and a seamless gaming experience.
Not only that, but holders of RON can stake their tokens to help maintain the network’s security while rewarding participants with incentives. As Ronin continues to expand its ecosystem, the utility of RON is expected to grow, supporting governance initiatives and further integrations within Web3 gaming.
How to buy RON?
1. Buying RON on a Centralized Exchange (CEX)
- Create an account on a CEX that lists RON such as Binance, Coinbase or OKX.
- Deposit your preferred currency and search for RON trading pairs.
- Place a buy order and confirm your transaction.
2. Buying RON on a Decentralized Exchange (DEX)
- Visit Katana DEX or another DEX supporting RON.
- Connect your Ronin Wallet or compatible crypto wallet.
- Swap ETH, WETH, or stablecoins for RON by following on-screen prompts.
3. Buying RON via a Crypto Wallet
- Some wallets offer in-app purchasing features.
- Select RON and follow the required KYC steps.
- Confirm the purchase with your payment method and receive tokens directly in your wallet.
How to store Ronin tokens (RON)
- Use the Ronin Wallet: Download the official Ronin Wallet, which is purpose-built to store RON tokens and related assets. It ensures private keys remain under your control.
- Desktop or Mobile Solutions: Third-party crypto wallet apps, tend to support a wide range of coins and tokens, and may support Ronin tokens. However, if you’re using a wallet like Metamask or Trust Wallet, which doesn’t support Ronin directly, you may still be able to withdraw specific NFTs from Ronin to the Ethereum network.
- Hardware Wallets: While hardware wallet integrations are still evolving, using a hardware device when possible provides extra protection against hacking attempts.
- Centralized Exchanges: Unlike many tokens, RON can also be stored on several CEXs. The two most popular, typically being OKX and Coinbase.
What is the Ronin Wallet?
The Ronin Wallet is a dedicated crypto wallet built for the Ronin blockchain. It simplifies storing, sending, and receiving RON tokens, NFTs, and other in-game assets for titles like Axie Infinity. With a clean interface, it helps users avoid technical complexities and fosters better onboarding for blockchain newcomers.
Which games are on Ronin?
Ronin started as the exclusive home of Axie Infinity, one of the most successful blockchain games worldwide. Since then, the network has opened its doors to new game studios aiming to deliver high-speed, low-cost gameplay experiences. Titles like Machines Arena and projects by Bali Games and Tribes Studio are exploring Ronin for its user-friendly and scalable infrastructure.
In September 2024, Ronin Forge welcomed seven new games, which are Pixel Heroes Adventure, Cambria, Kuroro Beasts, Infomon, Xtremeverse, Last Odyssey, and Party Icons, each receiving a $50K grant to build on Ronin. These projects range from pixelated mobile MMORPGs to PvP shooters, introducing fresh ideas like Telegram-based gameplay, RuneScape-inspired worlds, and evolving virtual pets.
What’s next for Ronin?
Ronin continues its push toward full decentralization by transitioning to DPoS, allowing more token holders to participate in validating transactions. As the network welcomes a broader range of blockchain gaming applications, Ronin’s roadmap includes improved tooling, community governance, and potential cross-chain bridges, indicative of Sky Mavis’s commitment to evolving with the latest crypto news and trends.
FAQs
What is Sky Mavis?
Sky Mavis is a Vietnam-based studio behind Axie Infinity. It developed the Ronin Network to resolve Ethereum’s scalability issues, focusing on gaming applications and user-driven economies.
What is the Ronin coin used for?
RON is the network’s native token, used for transaction fees, staking, and governance. It incentivizes validators, secures the network, and fosters community-led decision-making on Ronin.
How much is 1 RON?
The price of RON fluctuates based on market demand. You can track the token’s current market cap and trading price on popular crypto data aggregators or exchange listings.
Is Ronin built on Ethereum?
Ronin is essentially an Ethereum sidechain or layer-2 solution, leveraging the security and smart contract capabilities of Ethereum while reducing fees and latency. The Ronin Bridge connects assets between the Ethereum mainnet and the Ronin Network, allowing a seamless flow of tokens. Although it evolved separately, Ronin still aligns with Ethereum-compatible tools and decentralization strategies.
