Ronin to become Ethereum layer 2 on May 12 via hard fork
Ronin will migrate from an independent sidechain to an Ethereum layer 2 on May 12 via a hard fork, aiming to improve security while maintaining throughput.
Ronin, the gaming-centric blockchain, will transition from an independent sidechain to an Ethereum layer 2 on May 12 via a hard fork at block 55,577,490, the network announced on Monday. The migration, first disclosed in April, is expected to cause approximately 10 hours of downtime for users, with the fork anticipated to begin around 15:16 UTC on Tuesday. Ronin was originally launched to support Axie Infinity, which needed a faster and more efficient network than Ethereum mainnet.
The move to become an Ethereum layer 2 is designed to enhance security by leveraging Ethereum's validator set and finality, while maintaining the high throughput required for gaming applications. For crypto traders, this upgrade could reduce the risk of exploits similar to the $625 million Ronin bridge hack in 2022, potentially boosting confidence in the Ronin ecosystem and its native token. As the migration approaches, traders can monitor real-time pricing on NowPrice's crypto page to gauge market reaction.
Looking ahead, the hard fork will be a key test of Ronin's technical execution and community support. Successful migration could attract more gaming projects to the network, while any prolonged downtime or technical issues may weigh on sentiment. Traders should watch for updates on the fork's completion and subsequent network performance, as well as any changes in on-chain activity on Ronin post-migration.