In the fast-evolving world of Web3 gaming, on-chain gaming infrastructure refers to blockchain networks that handle game logic, assets, and transactions directly on the chain. Consequently, this means no centralized servers. Everything from character upgrades to in-game trades is recorded immutably on the blockchain. Moreover, Arbitrum and Ronin stand out as leading platforms in this space. They offer low fees, high speed, and true ownership for players.
As of October 2025, blockchain gaming is booming. Millions of daily active users participate across various platforms. Arbitrum, an Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) solution, dominates with over $20 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL). Additionally, it holds approximately 36% L2 market share. Meanwhile, Ronin, built specifically for games, has TVL around $52-65 million in 2025. Nevertheless, it boasts billions in all-time DEX and NFT volume.
This article breaks down their on-chain gaming infrastructure. Furthermore, it covers key features, top games, and why they’re essential for beginners entering Web3 gaming.
What Is On-Chain Gaming? A Beginner’s Guide
On-chain gaming means the game’s core mechanics run entirely on the blockchain. These mechanics include battles, resource gathering, and economies. Unlike traditional games such as Fortnite, where servers control everything, on-chain games use smart contracts to execute actions transparently.
Simple Example: In a blockchain game like Axie Infinity, breeding digital pets (Axies) triggers an on-chain transaction. First, you pay a small fee. Then, the blockchain verifies ownership. Finally, a new NFT pet appears in your wallet. It’s yours forever and tradable anywhere.
Benefits for Newbies
True Ownership: Players can sell assets on open markets without developer approval.
Play-to-Earn (P2E): Earn crypto rewards that hold real value through gameplay. In addition, strategic participation increases earning potential.
Interoperability: Assets move between games or chains. As a result, this creates a unified gaming ecosystem.
Challenges: High fees on Ethereum killed early games. However, L2 solutions like Arbitrum and gaming chains like Ronin fix this issue. They provide low-cost transactions and high throughput.
Arbitrum: The Scalable Ethereum L2 for Mass-Market Gaming
Arbitrum is an optimistic rollup. Specifically, it’s a Layer 2 network that bundles Ethereum transactions off-chain for speed. Subsequently, it settles them securely on Ethereum. Launched in 2021, it’s now a leading L2. In fact, it has approximately 36.1% market share and roughly 1.45 million active wallets as reported in October 2025.
Why Arbitrum Excels in On-Chain Gaming Infrastructure
Low Fees: Typically, transactions cost just cents. Therefore, they’re fit for frequent in-game actions. However, ranges vary by network conditions.
High Throughput: Observed real-time approximately 33 TPS. Moreover, it reaches roughly 1,358 TPS peak in a 100-block window on Arbitrum One. Nevertheless, throughput varies by network and workload.
Orbit Chains: Custom Layer 3 solutions for games like Xai enable tailored gas tokens. Additionally, they provide customized rules for specific gaming ecosystems.
EVM Compatible: Developers use familiar Ethereum tools. As a result, there’s no steep learning curve required for migration.
In 2024, Arbitrum launched the Gaming Catalyst Program (GCP). Notably, it allocated 225 million ARB tokens to support game builders across the ecosystem.
Top Games on Arbitrum (2025 Highlights)
Pirate Nation: This open-world pirate adventure features an on-chain economy. Furthermore, it migrated to Arbitrum Nova for lower fees and enhanced scalability.
The Beacon: This social roguelite RPG comes from the Treasure ecosystem. Currently, it’s Arbitrum-native with active playtests on major PC stores.
Xai Orbit L3 titles: Games like Lost Glitches showcase L3 gaming built atop Arbitrum technology. Consequently, they demonstrate the potential of modular blockchain architectures.
Beginner Tip: Connect MetaMask to Arbitrum first. Next, bridge ETH via the official Arbitrum Bridge. Finally, start with accessible titles like The Beacon to experience the ecosystem firsthand.
Ronin: The Gaming-First Blockchain Built for Speed
Ronin, created by Sky Mavis (Axie Infinity’s team), started as an Ethereum sidechain in 2021. It’s EVM-compatible and optimized for gaming. Moreover, it processes high volumes at ultra-low costs.
Ronin’s On-Chain Gaming Infrastructure Strengths
Speed & Finality: Approximately 3-second block time with roughly 6-second fast finality after the Shillin hard fork. Therefore, it’s perfectly suited for real-time gameplay experiences.
Near-Zero Fees: Sponsored and gasless transactions are common for smoother onboarding. As a result, this removes friction for new players entering the Web3 gaming space.
Developer Tools: In-game marketplaces like Mavis Market, comprehensive SDKs, fiat on-ramps, and ready-to-use templates accelerate game development.
Ronin Forge: Grants and onboarding programs for new games. Notably, multiple waves launched in 2024-2025 including Cambria and Pixel Heroes Adventure.
Key Stats (Confirmed)
TVL: Approximately $52 million (September 2025) to $64.7 million (Q1 2025 report).
All-Time DEX Volume: Roughly $9.07 billion as of 2025. Consequently, this demonstrates significant trading activity.
All-Time NFT Volume: Approximately $4.03 billion as of February 2025. This highlights the platform’s success in digital asset trading.
2025-2026 Roadmap
Open Ronin (permissionless): Launched February 12, 2025. Now, anyone can deploy smart contracts without restrictions.
Migration to Ethereum L2: In September 2025, Ronin selected Optimism’s OP Stack for its L2 transition. The migration is targeted for Q1-Q2 2026. As a result, this brings enhanced security and Ethereum alignment.
Top Games on Ronin (Player Favorites)
Axie Infinity: This iconic P2E game allows players to breed and battle Axies. In fact, it established the play-to-earn model that sparked the blockchain gaming revolution.
Pixels: This farming simulator moved from Polygon to Ronin in 2023. Subsequently, it scaled DAU significantly, proving Ronin’s ability to support mass-market games.
Wild Forest: This RTS auto-battler features an on-chain economy. Therefore, it combines strategic gameplay with blockchain benefits.
Lumiterra: This MMORPG with survival and crafting mechanics runs on Ronin. Consequently, it offers immersive gameplay experiences.
Ragnarok Landverse: Genesis: Launched on Ronin in 2025 after Q1 testing. Notably, it brings the beloved Ragnarok franchise to blockchain.
Beginner Tip: Download Ronin Wallet first. Then, claim starter items in supported games. Finally, try Axie or Pixels tutorials to learn the flow of blockchain gaming.
Arbitrum vs Ronin: Side-by-Side Comparison for Gaming Infrastructure
| Feature | Arbitrum | Ronin |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Ethereum L2 Rollup | Gaming L1 → migrating to Ethereum L2 via Optimism OP Stack (2026) |
| TVL (Oct 2025 context) | ~$20.3B | ~$52M (Sep 2025) |
| TPS (observed/peak) | ~33 / ~1,358 (A1, 100-block peak) | Hundreds TPS typical; ~3s blocks with ~6s finality |
| Avg Fee | Cents-level, variable | Near-zero; gas-sponsoring common |
| Top Strength | Broad Ethereum ecosystem + Orbit L3s (e.g., Xai) | Gaming UX, tools, distribution (Mavis Hub) |
| Active Wallets | ~1.45M (Oct 1, 2025) | Gaming-focused userbase; titles like Pixels hit ~180k DAU in 2023-24 |
Summary: Arbitrum wins for DeFi plus modular L3 flexibility. In contrast, Ronin excels in pure gaming UX and distribution. For those interested in exploring other major blockchain gaming platforms like Solana, Avalanche, and Immutable, each offers unique advantages. Furthermore, they cater to different gaming use cases.
Key Benefits of Arbitrum and Ronin for On-Chain Gaming
Player Ownership: NFTs function as real assets that players truly own. Additionally, they can control and monetize them independently.
Developer Freedom: Custom economies without middlemen or platform restrictions. As a result, this enables innovative game design.
Scalability: Both networks handle heavy, real-time gameplay demands. Moreover, they avoid congestion or performance degradation.
Future-Proof: Continuous L2/L3 upgrades and cross-chain integrations ensure these platforms evolve. Consequently, they adapt to industry needs.
The Future: Arbitrum and Ronin Interoperability
There was community discussion about Arbitrum proposals during Ronin’s L2 RFP phase. However, Ronin ultimately chose Optimism’s OP Stack. Nevertheless, Arbitrum Orbit ecosystems like Xai and Ronin’s future L2 can co-exist. Furthermore, they can interoperate via bridges and cross-chain standards. Therefore, watch this space through 2026.
Market Projection: Blockchain gaming adoption continues to scale with multi-million daily wallets. Meanwhile, infrastructure platforms like Arbitrum and Ronin lead different parts of the technology stack. Additionally, other emerging solutions contribute to the ecosystem.
Conclusion: Start Your On-Chain Adventure Today
Arbitrum and Ronin make on-chain gaming accessible, fun, and potentially profitable for players worldwide. Beginners should pick Ronin for the smoothest onboarding experience and curated gaming hits. On the other hand, power users can explore Arbitrum and L3s like Xai for depth and composability. Try Pirate Nation on Arbitrum Nova or Axie Infinity and Pixels on Ronin. Indeed, true digital ownership awaits in this new era of blockchain-powered gaming.
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