The Ronin network, an Ethereum sidechain initially built for Axie Infinity, is rapidly evolving into a vibrant hub for Web3 gaming. With the successful token launch of Pixels (PIXEL) and its listing on Binance, attention has sharply turned to the benefits of staking RON, the native token of the Ronin blockchain. This guide explores the ecosystem's potential and provides a clear path for participation.
The recent PIXEL airdrop to RON stakers served as a significant catalyst. The project reserved 20 million PIXEL tokens for distribution, with a snapshot taken on February 8th. This event demonstrated a direct monetary benefit for those who stake their RON, with even a minimal stake qualifying for a substantial reward.
Beyond single airdrop events, staking RON itself offers passive income through rewards. The annual percentage rate (APR) for staking provides a continuous yield on held assets. Furthermore, the value of RON has seen impressive growth, increasing over 280% in the three months leading up to February 2024, significantly boosting the total value locked in the staking contract, which exceeds $564 million.
Why Are Major Investors Interested in RON?
The strategic moves by large-scale investors, often called "whales," indicate strong confidence in the Ronin ecosystem's long-term viability. This interest isn't unfounded; it's driven by several key factors.
The development of Ronin is strategically focused on gaming. After launching its staking functionality in March 2023, Ronin announced partnerships with several game studios, broadening its portfolio beyond its flagship title. This deliberate expansion creates a robust and diverse ecosystem.
The integration of DeFi protocols like Impossible Finance has been a major driver. Their announcement of a Ronin-based Launchpad, which may require RON staking to participate in new game asset sales, immediately increased staking demand. This utility transforms RON from a simple gas fee token into a key for accessing new investment opportunities.
The potential for future airdrops remains a powerful incentive. As new games within the Ronin ecosystem plan their own token launches, they may follow Pixels' model and reward the network's staunchest supporters—its stakers. This creates an ongoing expectation of value distribution.
Promising Game Projects on Ronin
While Pixels has already launched, the Ronin ecosystem is home to several other highly anticipated games that have yet to release their native tokens, representing future potential for the network and its stakers.
Apeiron
Apeiron is a god-game simulation combined with card-based real-time battles. Players act as a deity controlling a planet and its inhabitants. Having secured a $10 million seed round led by Hashed in 2022, the game migrated to Ronin in December 2023. Its developer, Foonie Magus, plans to launch a global mobile version with a new PvP mode, token release, and airdrops for early supporters in the first quarter of 2024. Players can already engage in activities on the Mavis Hub to earn $ANIMA tokens and collect NFTs.
The Machines Arena
This is a fast-paced competitive shooter game. It focuses on player-versus-player (PvP) combat and features unique digital assets. While its tokenomics and potential airdrop plans are not yet public, its integration into the Ronin ecosystem positions it as another project that could potentially reward the community of stakers in the future.
The growth of this ecosystem suggests that holding and staking RON could be a way to gain exposure to multiple upcoming gaming projects, not just a single one. 👉 Explore more strategies for identifying promising ecosystem tokens
How to Stake Your RON Tokens
Staking RON is a straightforward process that directly supports the security and operations of the Ronin network. Here is a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Acquire RON and Set Up a Wallet
You can purchase RON on several major centralized exchanges. Once acquired, you will need a self-custody wallet that supports the Ronin network. The most common choice is the official Ronin Wallet, available as a browser extension.
- Download the Ronin Wallet extension.
- Create a new wallet, carefully save your seed phrase offline in a secure location, and set a strong password.
- Transfer your RON tokens from the exchange to your Ronin Wallet address. Always double-check the address and network (Ronin) when withdrawing.
Step 2: Navigate to the Staking Portal
Visit the official Ronin staking website. Click on the "Connect Wallet" button, usually found in the top right corner, and authorize the connection to your Ronin Wallet.
Step 3: Choose a Validator
The Ronin network is secured by over 22 validators. You will see a list of them along with key metrics such as their APR (Annual Percentage Rate), total stake, and commission fees. Research different validators to choose one you trust. You can click on a validator's name to see more detailed information.
Step 4: Delegate Your RON
Once you've selected a validator, click the "Delegate" button. A new window will appear prompting you to enter the amount of RON you wish to stake. The interface will show you an estimate of your potential daily, monthly, and annual rewards. Confirm the transaction and sign it using your wallet.
Step 5: Monitor Your Stake
After your transaction is confirmed, you can view your active stake and accumulated rewards by clicking on the "My Staking" tab on the staking portal. You can claim your rewards or unstake your tokens from this interface (note that unstaking may involve an unbonding period).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum amount of RON required for staking?
There is no minimum amount required to stake RON. You can delegate any amount, no matter how small. Even staking a single RON, as seen with the Pixels airdrop, can qualify you for potential ecosystem rewards.
How long does it take to unstake RON?
The unstaking process on Ronin involves a mandatory unbonding period. This period is currently set for 3 days. During this time, your tokens are locked and do not earn any staking rewards.
Are my staked RON tokens at risk?
Staking involves smart contract risk and slashing risk. While Ronin's validators are reputable, technical faults or malicious actions could theoretically lead to a small portion of delegated tokens being slashed (penalized). It's crucial to stake with well-established validators to minimize this risk.
Can I claim staking rewards at any time?
Yes, you can claim your accumulated staking rewards at any time without affecting your staked principal. Claiming rewards requires a separate transaction and will incur a small gas fee paid in RON.
Do I need to restake my rewards?
Your rewards are automatically added to your total stake, compounding your earnings. This mechanism is called "auto-compounding," meaning you don't need to manually claim and restake your rewards to benefit from compounding interest.
Will there be more airdrops for RON stakers?
While no future airdrops are guaranteed, the pattern set by Pixels and the number of unreleased tokens in the ecosystem make it a strong possibility. Projects like Aperion and The Machines Arena could implement similar reward systems for Ronin network supporters.