Ronin, a blockchain initially developed for the game Axie Infinity, is planning to migrate from being a standalone Layer-1 blockchain to an Ethereum Layer-2 network. The move, targeted for Q2 2026, aims to transform Ronin into a general-purpose chain beyond just gaming.
Ronin originally separated from the Ethereum mainnet in 2021 to find better transaction speeds and lower fees. However, the team now states that Ethereum’s improved performance and growing institutional appeal are key drivers for its return.
This decision comes as Ethereum Layer-2 network gains significant traction with Wall Street investors. Entities like Etherealize, a marketing company backed by the Ethereum Foundation, are actively promoting Ethereum to traditional finance. The rise of “Ether treasury companies”—publicly traded firms holding Ether on their balance sheets—and the appeal of a financial instrument that offers yield through staking, further strengthens Ethereum’s narrative.
Analysts believe Ethereum is becoming the backbone of a new financial system, serving as a base layer for DeFi, real-world asset tokenization, and stablecoin settlements. The recent U.S. GENIUS bill, which prohibits yield-bearing stablecoins, is also expected to push investors toward Ethereum’s DeFi ecosystem to seek passive income.
August 2025, Cryptoniteuae
