Ronin Network Returns to Ethereum as Layer-2

The creator of Axie Infinity is bringing Ronin back to Ethereum — this time as a layer-2 network. The move marks a major shift as Ronin evolves beyond gaming into a broader role in Web3.

• Ronin will migrate to Ethereum as an L2 by Q2 2026
• Decision driven by Ethereum’s improved performance and Wall Street adoption
• Migration will happen in two phases
• Ronin aims to grow into a general-purpose chain beyond gaming

Ronin, the purpose-built gaming blockchain that powered Axie Infinity, is preparing a full migration back to Ethereum, positioning itself as a layer-2 scaling solution instead of a standalone chain. Originally launched in 2021 to bypass Ethereum’s slow speeds and high transaction costs, Ronin thrived as the backbone for one of the biggest play-to-earn booms. But with Ethereum’s major upgrades and rising institutional support, the Ronin team sees a stronger opportunity in rejoining the ecosystem.

“Ethereum is back. Transaction costs and speeds are better than ever. We are early to a new era of growth, and Ronin is ready to rise,” the team stated in its announcement. The transition, targeted for Q2 2026, will roll out in two phases and is expected to transform Ronin into a general-purpose chain for gaming, DeFi, and broader Web3 applications.

A key driver behind the decision is Ethereum’s growing foothold on Wall Street. Institutional investors have increasingly embraced Ethereum, with ETH-treasury companies emerging as public firms holding Ether on balance sheets. Analysts argue this trend gives Ethereum the credibility of a traditional financial asset, with staking and yield strategies creating familiar investment vehicles for traditional investors.

For Ronin, aligning with Ethereum’s trajectory offers access to capital flows, stronger network effects, and a role in the broader DeFi and tokenization ecosystem. This positions Ronin not just as a gaming chain but as a bridge between Web3 entertainment and institutional finance.

Final Thought

Ronin’s return to Ethereum as a layer-2 is more than a technical shift – it’s a strategic alignment with the future of finance. By plugging into Ethereum’s growing institutional adoption, Ronin is betting on bigger opportunities that reach far beyond gaming.