Ronin, originally launched as a gaming-focused blockchain project, is preparing to undergo a transformative upgrade set for May 12. The network will move away from its sidechain architecture and transition into an Ethereum-based Layer 2 solution. According to the company, this change will require an estimated 10-hour service interruption across the network.
Migration process and expected impacts
The Ronin team first announced the shift to Layer 2 in April. The transition will be triggered by a hard fork at block 55,577,490, which is projected to commence around 18:16 Turkish time on May 12. During this upgrade, all on-chain transfers, token swaps, and smart contract operations will be temporarily suspended. Network officials have advised players and developers to complete any necessary transactions ahead of the scheduled downtime.
“All network activity [transfers, swaps, and smart contract interactions] will be suspended during this maintenance period. All games using our network will also experience a temporary pause. We strongly recommend completing your transactions before the scheduled maintenance to avoid any disruptions,” Ronin representatives stated in a public notice.
Ronin was initially designed to serve as a fast, cost-effective infrastructure for the popular blockchain game Axie Infinity. This game onboarded millions of players into the blockchain ecosystem and quickly elevated Ronin’s status in the gaming world. However, as a standalone sidechain, Ronin was hit by a major cyberattack in mid-2022, resulting in one of the largest losses ever recorded in a DeFi bridge exploit.
Major changes in economics, security and governance
By adopting the Layer 2 model, Ronin expects a significant boost in security, leveraging closer integration with the main Ethereum blockchain and stronger resistance to external threats. The migration to the OP Stack will enable Ronin to benefit from Ethereum’s robust security framework while maintaining throughput. The use of EigenDA is also set to enhance data availability, promoting greater scalability.
The company noted that this update will introduce fresh economic models to the network. Approximately 90 million RON tokens, previously reserved as staking rewards, will now be redirected to the treasury. Additionally, the marketplace commission rate will increase from 0.5% to 1.25%, aiming to provide the community with more sustainable revenue streams.
As part of the transition, a new “Proof of Distribution” incentive mechanism will roll out. This system will reward developers who play an active role in the network, shifting the focus from passive staking to participation-driven rewards. According to company projections, this will reduce RON’s annual inflation rate from over 20% to below 1%.
Market response and price trends
Recent data from CryptoAppsy shows RON trading near $0.11, with a market capitalization of around $89.5 million. Although this price remains below the year’s peak, the migration news has helped drive a 30% increase over the past month. Investors are watching closely as changes in supply dynamics unfold.
The migration of Ronin to an Ethereum Layer 2 solution marks a fundamental shift in economic and technical architecture. Company officials emphasize that this strategic pivot will make the network more secure, sustainable, and innovative in the coming period.
