What is Ronin? How It Works & Where to Use It

Overview

Ronin at a glance.

Ronin launched in 2021 as an Ethereum sidechain to handle the load from Axie Infinity, and in 2026 it migrated to become an Ethereum Layer 2. Here is how it works and what it is used for, not the price.

Total value locked (DeFi)

$10.1M

Value locked in DeFi protocols on Ronin. Updated Jun 8, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.

Native token

RON

Used for fees and securing the network. See the live RON price.

How it works

How Ronin works.

Ronin started with a Proof of Authority setup run by a fixed group of operators, then moved to Delegated Proof of Stake so that token holders can stake and delegate RON to validators that produce blocks. Validators are selected by stake and produce blocks about every three seconds. In 2026 the chain migrated to a Layer 2 that posts its data to Ethereum for settlement.

Consensus: Delegated Proof of Stake

Ronin started with a Proof of Authority setup run by a fixed group of operators, then moved to Delegated Proof of Stake so that token holders can stake and delegate RON to validators that produce blocks. Validators are selected by stake and produce blocks about every three seconds. In 2026 the chain migrated to a Layer 2 that posts its data to Ethereum for settlement.

Built for gaming

Ronin was created by Sky Mavis to run Axie Infinity after the game ran into high fees and congestion on Ethereum, and it now hosts other games as well.

From sidechain to Layer 2

It launched in 2021 as an Ethereum sidechain with its own validators and migrated in 2026 to an Ethereum Layer 2 that settles its activity on Ethereum.

Delegated Proof of Stake

Token holders stake and delegate RON to validators, which moved the network on from its earlier Proof of Authority setup toward wider participation.

EVM compatible

Ronin runs the Ethereum Virtual Machine, so contracts, wallets and tools built for Ethereum work on Ronin with low fees aimed at games.

Ecosystem & usage

What Ronin is used for.

RON is used to pay transaction fees on Ronin and to stake toward validators, within an ecosystem centered on blockchain games and their in-game assets.

DefiLlama

Game transactions

Pay the fees for in-game actions, item purchases and NFT mints across games built on Ronin.

NFT marketplaces

Trade in-game NFTs and other collectibles on marketplaces that run on the chain.

Staking

Stake and delegate RON to validators that secure the network and earn rewards.

Top protocols by TVL · updated Jun 8, 2026

Katana DEX · Dexs$7.9M

CCIP · Bridge$6.2M

Katana DEX V3 · Dexs$2.1M

Compound V3 · Lending$105,333

Liquid Ron · Liquid Staking$51,834

In Zypto App

Hold, swap and spend RON.

Ronin is integrated in Zypto App. Hold RON in self-custody, swap it to any supported asset, and use it across Zypto’s features.

Hold RON in Zypto How to buy RON

Be the reason Ronin ships next.

Ronin isn’t in Zypto App yet. Post the request to your followers, chains with the most demand get prioritised.

Request on X

FAQ

Common questions.

Is Ronin a Layer 1 or Layer 2?

Ronin launched in 2021 as an Ethereum sidechain that ran on its own. In 2026 it migrated to become an Ethereum Layer 2, settling its activity on Ethereum.

What is Ronin used for?

It is built for gaming. It was created to run Axie Infinity and now hosts other games, their in-game assets and NFT marketplaces, with low fees suited to frequent gameplay.

Does Ronin use mining or staking?

It uses staking. Ronin began with Proof of Authority and moved to Delegated Proof of Stake, where holders stake and delegate RON to validators that produce blocks.

What is RON used for?

RON is the native token used to pay transaction fees on Ronin and to stake and delegate toward validators that secure the network.

Can I hold RON in Zypto App?

Not yet. RON isn't in Zypto App at the moment. You can hold it in any self-custodial wallet, and you can ask us to add Ronin using the "Request Ronin" button above.

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