Play-to-earn (P2E) games are revolutionizing the gaming industry by allowing players to earn rewards while they play. Fueled by the popularity of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and blockchain technology, P2E games are changing the way games are designed, played, and monetized. With a projected market size of over $8800 million by 2028, P2E games are showing no signs of slowing down. The growth of this sector is driven by the surging popularity of digital assets like cryptocurrencies and NFTs, offering gamers new ways to earn while they play. Explore the exciting potential of blockchain-based gaming with our curated list of the best play-to-earn crypto games in 2024.
How Do Play-to-Earn Games Work?
Play-to-earn (P2E) games have revolutionized gaming by introducing a unique economic model where players can earn cryptocurrencies while playing. These games leverage blockchain technology to transform in-game assets into NFTs or fungible tokens, providing players with indisputable ownership and rarity. Players can buy, sell, and trade these tokenized assets, creating a self-sustaining economic ecosystem. In-game activities offer opportunities to acquire valuable items or cryptocurrencies, which can be exchanged for real-world worth. The blockchain ensures the integrity and security of transactions. P2E games often operate on decentralized platforms, giving players more control over their assets and earnings. They offer new economic opportunities, allowing players to earn a living by dedicating time and skill to the virtual world. Many P2E games involve their communities in decision-making, promoting a sense of ownership and involvement.
Types of Play-to-Earn Crypto Games
Play-to-earn (P2E) crypto games combine gaming with the potential for cryptocurrency rewards. Various game genres are available, including:
- Role-playing games (RPGs)
- Strategy games
- Collectible card games (CCGs)
- Virtual real estate games
- NFT games
- Battle royale and PvP games
- Idle and DeFi games
- Sports and racing games
- Adventure and exploration games
- Social and virtual world games
Each category offers unique experiences, rewards, and opportunities for players to engage, explore, and profit through gaming.
List of the 10 Best Play-to-Earn Games
We’ve rounded up some of the best NFT games in 2024 that you can enjoy while earning virtual assets and other in-game rewards.
1. Axie Infinity
Axie Infinity, a popular play-to-earn game, allows players to breed and raise Axies, adorable creatures used for battles. Players can acquire Axies and virtual real estate represented by NFTs on the Ronin sidechain. The game features two crypto tokens: Axie Infinity Shards (AXS), which serves as a governance token, and Small Love Potion (SLP), rewarded for completing quests and winning competitions. To play, players need a crypto wallet, ETH, and a Ronin wallet. Developed by Sky Mavis, Axie Infinity had a peak player base of nearly 3 million in 2022 but has since dwindled to about 390,000 active players in the last 30 days.
2. Polywin
Polywin, a play-to-earn platform on the Polygon blockchain, merges crypto trading and gaming. It offers fast-paced 45-second rounds with immediate wins and deposits into users’ crypto wallets. The platform eliminates lengthy registrations and deposits, allowing users to place bets in just 30 seconds. Polywin prioritizes transparency with no house edge and player-vs-player dynamics. The platform leverages blockchain technology for security and fairness and has undergone a rigorous audit by CertiK, placing it among the top 10% of blockchain projects. Polywin’s combination of crypto trading and gaming provides an exhilarating experience that captivates players.
3. Decentraland
Decentraland is a virtual universe based on the Ethereum blockchain, where players can explore LANDS, create unique artworks, and trade digital assets. This Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) controlled world offers two governing crypto tokens: LAND (representing virtual land ownership) and MANA (in-game currency). Players can buy digital art, trade assets, and even attend Decentraland University in this virtual world. Decentraland offers various ways to earn, including acquiring MANA or LAND tokens, designing apparel for avatars, and claiming rewards from the Decentraland DAO. Created by the Decentraland Foundation, Decentraland launched in January 2020 and is currently accessible only via desktop devices. As owners of this virtual world, Decentraland users are responsible for its development and governance.
4. The Sandbox
The Sandbox, built on the Ethereum blockchain, is a virtual universe where players can explore, acquire, and design their virtual lands. Recognized as a leading play-to-earn NFT game, it has attracted notable celebrities and global brands. The Sandbox offers three products: VoxEdit for creating and animating 3D objects, the Marketplace for publishing and selling digital assets, and the Game Maker for crafting 3D games. To obtain digital real estate known as ASSETS and LANDS, players must use SAND tokens, the game’s native currency. The Sandbox was initially conceived by Pixowl in 2012 and later transformed into a blockchain-based version in 2018.
5. Ember Sword
Ember Sword, an upcoming fantasy MMORPG, immerses players in epic adventures, allowing them to own in-game assets, engage in battles, and interact with a vibrant community. Operating on a player-centric PvP and PvE model, Ember Sword grants players true ownership of their digital assets, giving them control over their actions and influence over the game’s ecosystem. The game features unparalleled freedom, with players able to choose their adventure, explore vast landscapes, interact with the environment, and shape the digital landscape. The innovative classless combat system enables players to fuse abilities and refine their skills. An AI-Game Master orchestrates dynamic events, providing endless challenges and opportunities. To enhance play-to-earn potential, Ember Sword partners with OpenSea, ensuring secure and transparent trading of official game NFTs. Currently in development, Ember Sword will initially release for PC, with mobile versions in the works.
6. Forest Knight
Forest Knight, a blockchain-powered mobile turn-based strategy game, allows players to earn non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as rewards. Players can transfer these NFTs to crypto wallets, trade them on marketplaces, and even rent out their characters and NFTs to others. The game also features a staking mechanism where players can earn interest on their $KNIGHT holdings. Players can enjoy PVE and PVP modes, creating team combinations to defeat enemies, collect loot, complete missions, and engage in competitive battles. Developed by Chrono Games, Forest Knight is available on Android devices, desktops, and laptops, providing cross-platform accessibility.
7. Galaxy Fight Club
Galaxy Fight Club is a cross-platform player-versus-player game that enables players to compete for rewards such as Ethereum (ETH) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). To participate, players need at least one Galaxy Fighter NFT, which grants them the ability to engage in battles or use their own NFT to confront challengers. The game employs its in-game utility currency, $GCOIN, which players can use to access loot boxes, train their fighters, and acquire new weapons. Players can earn rewards through various means, such as winning battles and tournaments, crafting and selling weapons, and renting out their Galaxy Fighters. Galaxy Fight Club is available for download on Google Play, the App Store, and PC, making it accessible to players regardless of their preferred platform.
8. Gods Unchained
Gods Unchained is a free-to-play play-to-earn (P2E) NFT trading card game that grants players full ownership of their in-game assets. Players can collect cards, customize decks, and trade or sell cards with others. Gods Unchained Coin ($GODS) is a governance and utility token required for full participation and earning rewards in the game. $GODS can be used for governance proposals, in-game purchases, and acquiring expansion packs. Staking rewards and card sales provide additional earning opportunities for players. The game operates on the Ethereum platform and is currently available for Windows and Mac computers, with ongoing development for Android devices. The decision to prioritize Android accessibility over iOS is influenced by sideloading APK builds and integration challenges for iOS.
9. Illuvium
Illuvium, an Ethereum-based blockchain game, offers an immersive open-world experience with an auto battler and a city builder. Players can explore seven distinct landscapes and collect over 150 Illuvials. The game provides a free-to-play option, but unlocking all features requires a paid experience. Players can own, trade, and sell in-game assets and stake tokens to earn rewards. ILV tokens hold utility in governance, liquidity mining, and vault distributions. Illuvium is currently in Closed Beta testing, with a mobile version in development and a console version planned.
10. Sliks
Silks is a unique play-to-earn game that combines real-world horseracing with blockchain technology. Players can breed, purchase, and trade thoroughbreds using the game’s native token, STT. Each NFT Silks racehorse mirrors its real-world counterpart’s bloodline, training progress, and racing results. Players can earn rewards when their horse’s real-world counterpart wins competitions. This play-to-earn aspect allows players to sell fractional interests in their horses and earn a percentage of the rewards each time their horse wins. Silks was developed by Troy Levy, the CEO of Tropical Racing and owner of Circle 8, a racing and breeding company.
Conclusion
The realm of NFT games is rapidly evolving, and 2024 promises to bring some of the best NFT games to date. NFT games have revolutionized how players engage and earn, making play-to-earn crypto games a significant part of the gaming industry. SoluLab, an NFT game development company, is at the forefront of driving innovation in this space. Whether you’re new to NFT games or a seasoned player, there are abundant opportunities to explore, play, and earn. Dive into the best NFT play-to-earn games and discover how the future of gaming is being reshaped by NFT game development.
