Deep Dive
1. Migration to Ethereum Layer 2 (12 May 2026)
Overview: This was a protocol-level hard fork that transitioned Ronin from an independent EVM sidechain to a full Ethereum Layer 2 rollup. It required a 10-hour network shutdown where all transactions and smart contract interactions were paused.
The migration was executed at block 55,577,490 using Optimism's OP Stack. This shift means Ronin now uses Ethereum for settlement and finality, inheriting its robust security model. The upgrade also integrated EigenDA for scalable data availability. For node operators, running outdated software after the fork meant being cut off from the new chain.
What this means: This is bullish for RON because it fundamentally improves the network's security by plugging into Ethereum, addressing past vulnerabilities from bridge exploits. For users, it means their accounts and assets are now fully compatible with Ethereum's vast DeFi ecosystem, potentially increasing utility and liquidity.
(CoinMarketCap)
2. Enable Base Fee for EIP-1559 (13 May 2025)
Overview: This Ronin Evolution Proposal (REP-0022) fully activated the EIP-1559 fee market by enabling a non-zero base fee. Previously introduced with a base fee of zero, this update implemented a minimum fee of 1 gwei that adjusts automatically based on block congestion.
The pseudocode for calculation uses a parameter of 16 (compared to Ethereum's 4), making fee adjustments less volatile. Unlike Ethereum, where the base fee is burned, Ronin's base fee is sent to a validator-managed treasury, accessible via a governance vote requiring 70% validator weight approval.
What this means: This is neutral to bullish for RON because it creates a more predictable and efficient gas fee experience for users, similar to Ethereum. It also establishes a new, protocol-controlled revenue stream (the treasury) that could be used for future ecosystem development or token buybacks.
(GitHub)
3. New Developer Features & RPC Services (2025)
Overview: This bundle of updates focused on improving the developer experience. Key additions included the Ronin Verifiable Random Function (VRF) for on-chain randomness, the removal of whitelist requirements for the Ronin Wallet Javascript SDK, and the launch of live RPC Services.
The RPC Services provide HTTP and WebSocket endpoints and an Archive Node for historical data queries. The team also revamped its developer documentation using Docusaurus and partnered with Satsuma for high-speed subgraph indexing.
What this means: This is bullish for RON because it lowers the barrier for developers to build games and dApps on Ronin. Easier access to tools, data, and randomness enables more innovative projects, which can drive user adoption and network activity over the long term.
(Ronin Blog)
Conclusion
Ronin's codebase evolution shows a clear trajectory from a gaming-focused sidechain to a secure, Ethereum-integrated Layer 2, underscored by continuous developer tooling improvements. Will its new architecture successfully attract the next wave of Ethereum-native applications?