RON Token Guide: Gas Fees, Staking, and Use Cases on Katana DEX

Théodore Lefevre
June 13, 2025
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RON token logo displayed on a digital interface with Katana DEX in the background

The RON token serves as the backbone of the Ronin blockchain ecosystem, powering transactions, enabling staking, and providing utility across various applications, particularly on Katana DEX. As a blockchain analyst who’s been tracking gaming-focused tokens since 2021, I’ve watched RON evolve from a simple gas token into a multi-utility asset with significant potential. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the RON token – from its fundamental purpose to practical applications and future outlook.

What is the RON Token?

The RON token is the native utility token of the Ronin blockchain, an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible sidechain specifically designed for gaming applications. Created by Sky Mavis, the development team behind the popular blockchain game Axie Infinity, RON was launched to address the scalability issues and high gas fees that plagued the Ethereum network.

Ronin blockchain emerged as a solution to handle the massive transaction volume generated by Axie Infinity, which at its peak was processing millions of daily transactions. The RON token was introduced to power this ecosystem, serving as both a gas token for transactions and a staking asset for network security.

As an EVM-compatible chain, Ronin maintains familiarity for Ethereum developers while offering significantly faster transaction speeds and lower fees. This makes it particularly suitable for gaming applications where frequent, small-value transactions are common.

Sky Mavis team behind the RON token and Ronin blockchain

Key Facts About RON: Launched by Sky Mavis (creators of Axie Infinity), RON powers the Ronin blockchain, which has processed over $4B in NFT volumes and supports millions of daily active users. The token plays a crucial role in the ecosystem’s transaction processing and security model.

RON as Gas Token on Katana DEX

One of RON’s primary functions is serving as the gas token for all transactions on the Ronin blockchain, including those on Katana DEX, the native decentralized exchange of the Ronin ecosystem. Understanding how RON works as a gas token is essential for anyone looking to interact with applications on this network.

How RON Powers Transactions

When you perform any action on Katana DEX or any other application on the Ronin blockchain, you need to pay a small amount of RON as a transaction fee. These fees compensate validators for processing and securing your transactions on the network.

Transaction Type Average RON Fee Equivalent ETH Fee Cost Savings
Token Swap 0.00001 RON (~$0.000005) 0.005 ETH (~$12.50) ~99.99%
Liquidity Provision 0.00002 RON (~$0.00001) 0.008 ETH (~$20.00) ~99.99%
Staking 0.00001 RON (~$0.000005) 0.004 ETH (~$10.00) ~99.99%

The negligible transaction fees on Ronin make it ideal for gaming applications where users might need to execute frequent, small-value transactions. This efficiency is particularly evident when using Katana DEX, where trading and providing liquidity costs a fraction of what you’d pay on Ethereum-based exchanges.

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Utility of RON

Beyond serving as a gas token, RON offers multiple utilities within the Ronin ecosystem. Understanding these use cases helps you leverage the full potential of your RON holdings.

RON token staking visualization

Staking

Stake RON to earn passive income through validator rewards and help secure the network. Staking also grants governance rights in some contexts.

Governance voting with RON tokens

Governance

RON holders can participate in governance decisions that shape the future of the Ronin ecosystem and Katana DEX.

Liquidity provision with RON tokens on Katana DEX

Liquidity Incentives

Provide liquidity on Katana DEX with RON pairs to earn trading fees and potential additional rewards from liquidity mining programs.

Staking Mechanics

Staking RON is one of the most popular ways to utilize the token. When you stake RON, you’re essentially locking up your tokens to support network validators. In return, you earn staking rewards generated from transaction fees and block rewards.

“RON staking not only provides passive income but also strengthens the security and decentralization of the Ronin network. It’s a win-win for both token holders and the ecosystem.”

– Blockchain Analyst

Governance Potential

While still developing, RON’s governance utility allows token holders to have a say in the future direction of the Ronin ecosystem. This includes voting on protocol upgrades, fee structures, and other important parameters that affect the network’s operation.

The multi-faceted utility of RON makes it more than just a transactional token. By participating in staking and governance, you become an active participant in the ecosystem rather than just a user.

How to Get RON

There are several ways to acquire RON tokens, each with its own advantages depending on your needs and experience level. Here are the primary methods:

Trading on Katana DEX

Katana DEX is the native decentralized exchange on the Ronin blockchain and offers the most direct way to purchase RON tokens. Here’s how to do it:

  • Connect your Ronin Wallet to Katana DEX
  • Ensure you have some ETH or USDC on Ronin to swap for RON
  • Navigate to the swap interface and select your input token (ETH/USDC)
  • Select RON as your output token
  • Enter the amount you wish to swap and confirm the transaction
  • Trading on Katana DEX is usually the most efficient method as it avoids bridge fees and offers competitive rates due to high liquidity.

    Step-by-step guide to buying RON on Katana DEX

    Bridging from Ethereum

    If you already hold assets on Ethereum, you can use the Ronin Bridge to transfer them to the Ronin blockchain and then swap for RON:

  • Visit the official Ronin Bridge (bridge.roninchain.com)
  • Connect both your Ethereum wallet and Ronin wallet
  • Select the asset you wish to bridge (ETH or USDC recommended)
  • Specify the amount and confirm the transaction
  • Once your assets arrive on Ronin, use Katana DEX to swap for RON
  • Important: Bridging from Ethereum involves Ethereum gas fees, which can be substantial during periods of network congestion. Consider the total cost before proceeding.

    Farming Opportunities

    For more experienced users, providing liquidity on Katana DEX can be a way to earn RON through farming rewards:

  • Provide liquidity to eligible pools on Katana DEX (RON/ETH, RON/USDC)
  • Receive LP tokens representing your share of the pool
  • Stake these LP tokens in farming contracts when available
  • Earn RON rewards based on your share of the liquidity pool
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    RON Tokenomics

    Understanding RON’s tokenomics is crucial for evaluating its long-term potential. The token has a well-structured distribution model designed to support sustainable ecosystem growth.

    Supply and Distribution

    RON has a maximum supply cap of 1 billion tokens, with a current circulating supply of approximately 654 million RON. The token distribution is structured as follows:

    Allocation Percentage Amount (RON) Purpose
    Rewards 25% 250 million Staking and bridge incentives
    Community 30% 300 million Liquidity mining, content creation, rewards programs
    Team 30% 300 million Sky Mavis development and operations
    Ecosystem Fund 15% 150 million Grants, investments, and hackathons

    Emission Schedule

    RON’s emission is designed to be gradual, with the total supply reaching its cap of 1 billion tokens approximately 108 months (9 years) after the initial issuance. The emission rate decreases quarterly, creating a deflationary pressure over time.

    RON’s market cap currently stands at approximately $328 million, with a fully diluted valuation of around $502 million based on the maximum supply of 1 billion tokens.

    This measured approach to token emission helps maintain price stability while ensuring sufficient liquidity for ecosystem growth. The substantial allocation to community and ecosystem development (45% combined) demonstrates a commitment to long-term sustainability rather than short-term gains.

    RON Staking Guide

    Staking RON is one of the most effective ways to participate in the Ronin ecosystem while earning passive income. Here’s a comprehensive guide to staking your RON tokens.

    Where to Stake RON

    There are two primary platforms for staking RON:

  • Katana DEX – The native decentralized exchange offers staking pools with competitive APYs
  • Ronin Wallet – The official wallet allows for direct delegation to validators
  • For most users, staking through Katana DEX is the simplest option, as it provides a user-friendly interface and doesn’t require technical knowledge about validators.

    RON staking interface on Katana DEX

    Expected Rewards

    Staking rewards for RON typically range from 5% to 15% APY, depending on several factors:

    Staking Method Average APY Lock Period Risk Level
    Validator Delegation 8-15% None (1-day unbonding) Low-Medium
    Katana Staking Pools 5-12% None Low
    LP Staking (RON pairs) 10-25% None Medium (Impermanent Loss)

    Step-by-Step Staking Process

    Here’s how to stake your RON tokens on Katana DEX:

  • Connect your Ronin Wallet to Katana DEX
  • Navigate to the “Stake” section
  • Select the RON staking pool
  • Enter the amount of RON you wish to stake
  • Confirm the transaction and pay the minimal gas fee
  • Your staked RON will immediately start earning rewards
  • Pro Tip: Rewards are automatically compounded in most staking pools, meaning your effective APY increases over time as your rewards generate additional rewards.

    RON staking rewards visualization over time

    Staking RON not only provides passive income but also contributes to the security and decentralization of the Ronin network. By staking, you’re helping to validate transactions and maintain the integrity of the blockchain.

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    FAQs about RON Token

    Is RON a good investment?

    Like all cryptocurrencies, RON carries investment risk and volatility. Its strength lies in having real utility within an active ecosystem rather than purely speculative value. Consider your risk tolerance and research thoroughly before investing. Many users acquire RON primarily for its utility (gas fees, staking) rather than as a speculative investment.

    How do I store RON securely?

    RON tokens are native to the Ronin blockchain and can be stored in the official Ronin Wallet, which is available as a browser extension and mobile app. For maximum security, consider connecting your Ronin Wallet to a hardware wallet like Ledger, which is supported through the Ronin Wallet interface.

    Can I use RON on other blockchains?

    Native RON tokens exist only on the Ronin blockchain. However, there is a wrapped version called WRON (Wrapped RON) that can be used on Ethereum. You can convert between RON and WRON using the Ronin Bridge, allowing for some interoperability with the Ethereum ecosystem.

    How does RON compare to AXS and SLP?

    While all three tokens are part of the Axie Infinity ecosystem, they serve different purposes. RON is the gas token for the entire Ronin blockchain, AXS is the governance token specifically for Axie Infinity, and SLP is an in-game reward token. RON has the broadest utility as it powers all applications on Ronin, not just Axie Infinity.

    What happens if I run out of RON for gas fees?

    If you run out of RON, you won’t be able to perform transactions on the Ronin blockchain. However, gas fees are extremely low (fractions of a cent), so even a small amount of RON can last for hundreds of transactions. Some applications also offer free transactions through gas sponsorship programs.

    Key Takeaways

  • RON is the native utility token of the Ronin blockchain, created by Sky Mavis (Axie Infinity developers)
  • It serves multiple functions: gas token, staking asset, governance token, and liquidity incentive
  • Transaction fees using RON are negligible compared to Ethereum, making it ideal for gaming
  • Staking RON can earn 5-15% APY depending on the method chosen
  • The token has a maximum supply of 1 billion with a gradual emission schedule over 9 years
  • Katana DEX is the primary platform for trading, staking, and providing liquidity with RON
  • The RON token stands at the center of the Ronin ecosystem, providing essential functionality for users while offering multiple ways to participate in the network’s growth. Whether you’re a gamer looking for low-fee transactions, an investor seeking staking rewards, or a developer building on Ronin, understanding RON’s utility and mechanics is crucial.

    As the Ronin ecosystem continues to expand beyond Axie Infinity to support more games and applications, RON’s utility is likely to grow in parallel. By starting with the basics outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the opportunities within this innovative gaming-focused blockchain.

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    Author Théodore Lefevre