The gaming-focused blockchain behind Axie Infinity, known as Ronin, is set to undergo a major transformation on May 12. On that date, the network will hard fork at block 55,577,490, marking its shift from a standalone sidechain to a Layer 2 solution built on Ethereum’s OP Stack. This transition is expected to begin around 15:16 UTC.
During the migration window, all on-chain activity on Ronin—including token transfers, decentralized exchange swaps, NFT trades, and smart contract executions—will be temporarily halted for approximately ten hours. Node operators on the current Ronin mainnet are required to update their software to version 1.2.2 prior to the hard fork to ensure a smooth transition.
According to Ronin developers, the move is intended to reconnect the network with Ethereum’s ecosystem, leveraging its settlement and data availability layers. The previous nine-validator sidechain architecture will be replaced by rollup infrastructure based on the OP Stack, which is also used by other chains like Celo and Fraxtal. Additionally, Ronin will integrate EigenDA to manage data availability, storing transaction data off-chain while maintaining verifiability and accessibility for Ethereum.
One of the most significant changes involves the RON token. Its annual inflation rate will plummet from over 20% to below 1% under a new Proof of Distribution model. Furthermore, marketplace fees will increase from 0.5% to 1.25%, and 90 million RON tokens that were previously allocated for staking rewards will be redirected to the Ronin treasury.
The decision to migrate to a Layer 2 comes in the aftermath of a devastating security incident. In March 2022, while Ronin operated as an independent sidechain, it suffered the largest decentralized finance bridge exploit in history, resulting in the loss of $625 million in ETH and USDC. That attack highlighted vulnerabilities inherent in the sidechain model, particularly its reliance on a small set of centrally managed validators. By moving to an Ethereum Layer 2, Ronin aims to inherit Ethereum’s robust security guarantees rather than relying solely on its own validator set. Earlier steps toward bolstering security included migrating its bridge to Chainlink’s cross-chain interoperability protocol in April 2025.