TOP 11 Play-to-Earn Games with NFT/Crypto Rewards in 2024

By Sruthy

By Sruthy

Sruthy, with her 10+ years of experience, is a dynamic professional who seamlessly blends her creative soul with technical prowess. With a Technical Degree in Graphics Design and Communications and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and Communication, she brings a unique combination of artistic flair…

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Updated March 9, 2024

A complete review of the Top Play to Earn Crypto Games that are popular among players to earn crypto which can be exchanged for real money. Compare and pick one of your choice from here:

In Play-to-earn games, players can earn within the gameplay, however, many of them today also incorporate additional methods of earning, such as trading in-game assets, trading NFTs, staking cryptos, and NFTs.

The majority of play-to-earn games in the crypto and blockchain world are now NFT games. Each NFT is a unique crypto asset, not interchangeable with any other. They allow true ownership of assets within the game.

This article discusses what Play to Earn Crypto Games entail and the best crypto games and options that you can play and earn cryptos that can then be exchanged for real-world money.

Play to Earn Crypto Games – TOP Rated List

Play-to-earn Games

Market Trends: According to statistics by PlayToEarn, over 50% of play-to-earn games based on crypto and blockchain are in young phases of development with close to 25% canceled. As per the chart given below, about a quarter of games that reach the pre-sale phases (when they float their in-game tokens to the public) end up being canceled.

This is an important statistic to consider for investors in play-to-earn games and those buying tokens. Consider the projects’ crypto economics and factors that could boost or hamper their success before you choose any games that earn crypto.

statistic to consider for investors

The Play to Earn Crypto Games market is valued at USD 3292.73 million according to a 2022 report from Absolute Reports and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17.93% to reach $8,856.95 million by 2028.

According to the report, the best blockchain games are Sky Mavis, Decentraland, Radio Caca, Gala Games, MOBOX, Defi Kingdoms, and Illuvium Labs. Blockchain-based play-to-earn games can incorporate crypto-economics and also in-game crypto trading, staking, liquidity mining, and other aspects. It also makes it possible to use NFTs for true ownership of in-game assets.

The best blockchain games allow users to create and trade their own within the marketplace and source from other marketplaces. Some of the best blockchain games are also cross-chain and work with more than one type of crypto. They have multiple ways of earning.

NFTs also make it possible for players to create, own, and trade in-game assets as unique assets within these games. It also makes it possible for players to add assets, create their games and in-game assets, or buy them from external markets.

Expert Advice: Play-to-earn games are not quick-earning opportunities, even though some are advertised. They all require significant investment in time, creativity for those that have creator economies, and sometimes money to win any significant reward that you can convert to real word fiat money.

In choosing a play-to-earn game, you can always check those with the highest returns. However, if you are a player interested in creating games, creating and collecting NFT, playing multiplayer modes, staking crypto, or trading in-game assets, it is necessary to choose those having such features.

Most play-to-earn NFT games require some investment before you can lock advanced crypto-earning opportunities with in-game cryptocurrencies. But, there also are a few that can be played to earn without a hefty investment.

How Play-to-Earn Games Work

Most play-to-earn games are built on Binance and Ethereum. They can be played on web browsers, Android, iOS, and Windows platforms. These include action, adventure, and arcades.

features of play-to-earn games

Here are the main features of Play to Earn Crypto Games

#1) NFTs and Crypto-Economics

They incorporate in-game asset creation, owning, collecting, buying, and selling of in-game assets such as NFTs. You can also exchange in-game assets and in-game tokens for Bitcoin and other cryptos either within the game (exchange platform) or by transferring to a third-party exchange or trading platform.

Most of these play-to-earn games have their in-game tokens, but these tokens have real-world monetary value. These tokens are used to facilitate trading and winning in slight fractional units and securely since they are based on blockchain. Many games require players to buy these tokens to unlock earnings.

#2) Multiple Ways of Earning and Playing

NFT games use NFTs as the in-game characters that can play against the engine characters (PvE), against other players (PvP), and can participate in contests and competitions.

Therefore, players can collect rewards when they complete a level, win against the engine, win against another player, collect in-game assets as they play on, move up and win leaderboards, or even sell assets required by others in the game.

#3) Breeding, Rearing, and Training

NFTs have unique characteristics, and games that offer breeding or rearing features let players breed their own NFTs to produce other unique or predetermined NFTs that can help them win more contests and battles or be sold to other players who need those attributes to win games.

#4) NFT Marketplaces

This is where in-game assets, such as NFTs, can be traded and exchanged. Some have crypto exchanges, in-game staking features, NFT lending, liquidity mining, etc.

#5) NFTs can be imported from other NFT marketplaces or exported for trading to other markets.

#6) Multiple levels, Player rankings, Leaderboards, etc.

Most of these games allow a player to advance from one level to another with the difficulty increasing with the levels. Higher levels can be more rewarding.

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List of the BEST Play to Earn Crypto Games

Here is a list of some of the most popular cryptocurrency earning games:

  1. Axie Infinity
  2. Decentraland
  3. The Sandbox
  4. Illuvium
  5. Splinterlands
  6. Coinfantasy
  7. Alien Worlds
  8. Gods Unchained
  9. DeFi Kingdoms
  10. Fight Out
  11. Tamadoge

Comparison Table of Top Games to Earn Crypto

Play-to-earn gamePlatform to be played onRequirementsCryptos to be earnedOur rating
Axie Infinity Desktop, Android, iOS, Mac, iPad.Download app (Origins works on Desktop and Android, Classic on Android, iOS, and Desktop, while Homeland is available on desktop only). 3 free starter Axies so may need to buy more to unlock more winnings. AXS and other NFTs.5/5
DecentralandWeb, Windows, Android, and iOS.Own MANA crypto, download the app and connect a wallet.MANA and other NFT as assets.5/5
The SandboxWindows and macOS. Web. Download Windows and macOS apps.SAND, Eth, etc. Mystery boxes with SAND or other cryptos and NFT items. 5/5
IlluviumMac, Windows, and Android (Illuvium Zero which is in Alpha phase). Arena will work on iOS, Mac, and Windows.Purchase land to play Illuvium Zero. Register for beta testing for Overworlds and Arena types.ILV and sILV2 tokens and other NFT assets that can be sold or battled to win.4.6/7
SplinterlandsWeb browsers. Can play for free. May need to buy Spellbook to advance and increase winnings.BAT, SPS, other NFT tokens as assets. 4.6/7

Detailed Reviews of Play to Earn Crypto Games:

#1) Axie Infinity

Best for NFT collection and battling.

Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity lets you own characters known as Axies which you can rear/grow, develop, play with, battle, and compete with other players to earn cryptocurrency and more Axies and even in-game resources that can then be traded in the marketplace or used to earn more.

Each Axies and Game asset is an NFT that can be converted into a real crypto asset. Axie Infinity is available in three modes: Origins, Homeland, and Classic.

Each Axies has specific characteristics or unique strengths and their combinations (teams) can increase the chances of winning games against enemies. The characters and capabilities depend on each Axies based on the cards available on those Axies. The type of card available for each Axies depends on the body parts of the Axies.

Axies can be used to play already-created challenges or to challenge other players. The game presents endless possibilities given that there are millions of genetic or characteristic combinations possible with Axies. This is what makes breeding even more fun in the game.

Based on the blockchain, players have to own at least three characters to play the game. There are starter Axies available for free but to make significant advances in the game and win significantly, it will be crucial to own more advanced ones. Owning Axies provides them with access to an infinite number of games in the metaverse including newly created and released games.

You play the Axies in Adventure or Arena mode. The adventure mode pits you against engine enemies while the Arena mode involves playing against other players to win AXS tokens. The adventure is based on Lunacia, a planet whose founding is based on an interesting story.

Players earn Smooth Love Potion (SLP) tokens by winning battles against other players, logging in daily, and completing adventures. These can also be traded for ETH cryptocurrency on the platform. Users can also own land on which they can deploy their Axies.

What Features we like the most:

  • Play tutorials before advancing as a new player. The tutorial features a small guide on how to play.
  • Buy and sell Axies in the Axie Marketplace. Collect Axies for gaming, exploration, or just for fun.
  • Earn perks as a creator through the Axie Creator Program. Grow your social following through the program.
  • Community-built gaming experience. Also, find friends, learn, and have fun with the community.
  • Player leaderboards.
  • Level up your Axies with charms and runs that are used to customize the capabilities of each Axie.
  • The player guide makes things easier for new players.
  • Compete in eSports and win more prizes.
  • 20 Energy Points each day on both Adventure and Arena modes.
  • View the capabilities and energy levels of each Axie in real time.
  • Game replays.

Compatible Platforms: Desktop, Android, iOS, Mac, iPad.

Requirements to Play: Must download the app (Origins works on Desktop, Android, Classic on Android, iOS, and Desktop, while Homeland is available on desktop only).

Cryptocurrencies to be Earned: SLPs, AXS, and other NFTs.

How to play Axie Infinity:

Step #1: Visit the website and click Play Mavis button. Download the game as a mobile or desktop app. Install and connect a MetaMask or Ethereum wallet. Install the app, log in as a guest and choose/type in a nickname, or register and sign in. Connect to the wallet.

Choose the type and download the game

[image source]

After downloading, create a new account or connect via a synched web wallet that works via an extension.

create a new account

Sign in and optionally connect to a social account. Create a profile through which other players can find you. Also, create a password to log in with your Desktop app.

Create a profile

Step #2: Choose the mode: Adventure or Arena. In each case, you will face enemies in battles. Play levels after another in adventure mode. On the Mavis Hub app, click install against each game mode, wait for the installation, and then proceed to play.

Choose the mode - Play to Earn Crypto Games

Click play once an installation is complete in the Hub.

list of contests and friends - Play to Earn Crypto Games

In the Hub, you will see a list of contests and friends who are playing the game.

Axie Infinity See contests - Play to Earn Crypto Games

Step #3: You get three starter Axies with cards on them for each turn. Play is by drawing the cards available from the pack on each Axies and utilizing them to drain energy on your opponent’s Axies before they can do so on your Axies. A turn ends when the energy is drained.

The winner of the battle gets rewards, including power-ups, SLPs, AXS, and crafting materials, and unlocks new Axies in the higher levels of the game. You can unlock new chapters and features in the game if in adventure mode or climb up the leaderboards in Arena mode.

You can buy Axies in the marketplace for more capabilities and/or even breed them to get more Axies. You need to research which Axies to buy to make the most of your money. To sell, you pay a fee of 5.25% on the marketplace.

Pros:

  • The game now allows players to start with three free Axies and you can unlock more at the next level and win assets in the game, all for free.
  • Easy to play especially due to the detailed how-to-play guidelines on their website.
  • It’s fun and engaging, especially because it gives the player endless combinations of characters on the Axies.
  • I also find that there are a host of things to do to earn crypto by playing games, as a creator and collector (earning from the increment in the value of NFTs over time), breeding, selling, and trading the NFTs. You can also generate more income from crafting gaming experiences, selling in-game items, and through virtual land sales.
  • It’s quite easy and fast to learn, especially with the in-game guides.
  • In-game story conversational text after a turn makes it more interesting.

Cons:

  • Homeland mode is not available on mobile. Other versions are partly available with iOS versions under development.
  • Consistency and a good amount of effort are needed to earn crypto and earn substantial passive income.
  • I see that it is limited based on the type of NFTs. It allows users to own and trade in the Axies NFT marketplace.

What we like: Axie Infinity offers multiple earning options for crypto gamers, but earning a substantial income requires significant effort and time, similar to other play-to-earn crypto games I’ve evaluated.

Pricing: Free.

Website: Axie Infinity


#2) Decentraland

Best for virtual land ownership and monetization.

Decentraland - Play to Earn Crypto Games

You can play over the web browser, on a desktop client as a guest online, or after signing up. Browser type and/or version should support WebGL otherwise it won’t work over the web. You should try updating the browser if it does not.

Decentraland is a metaverse in which users become the character using an avatar.

They can explore virtual land owned and created by other people, own virtual land, develop and explore 3D virtual and virtual reality environments, develop artwork, games, or other assets on them, and trade the land and other assets, besides winning from playing games and participating in events and competitions.

It features a builder tool that enables users to develop social games and applications. Users can also trade assets in a dedicated marketplace using Ethereum cryptocurrency.

Ethereum-based Decentraland has been a famous metaverse even as corporates moved to push up demand for virtual land. For instance, those buying virtual land there are using it for branding, promotions, artwork, and events.

Being based on blockchain means users can control policies and development through the Decentraland Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). This ensures that governing rests on a community of users and not on a few staff in the company.

You can earn MANA, NFTs, and wearables by playing casino games, including poker, slot, roulette, and blackjack. Decentraland Games also hires casino hosts who can earn a fixed rate per month by interacting with players and running games and other events.

Users can also earn money from treasure hunts, take part in live events, in-game quests hosted by other users, etc.

Features:

  • Dual economy: two tokens, one serving as an in-game NFT, and the other being spent on trading assets on the platform.
  • The ability for users to set up any kind of immersive games and to invite other players to participate. This means there are capabilities for users to engage in competitions, play-to-earn, and collaborative online games.
  • Users can create and customize their avatars using an array of customization settings. Avatars and their accompanying assets, such as wear, can be traded. AI avatar creation is also available.
  • Decentraland builder gives the capability to build 3D assets, such as terrain, avatars, and games.
  • Supports different Ethereum wallets, including MetaMask, Formatic, WalletConnect, and Coinbase Wallet.

Compatible Platforms: Web, Windows, Android, and iOS.

Requirements to Play: Own MANA crypto, download the app and connect to a wallet.

Cryptos that can be Won: MANA and other NFT assets, ETH.

Here is a video on the Decentraland walkthrough:

How to play games on Decentraland:

Step #1: Visit the website and download the Desktop app. It also works on WebGL-enabled browsers. Choose to either play on the web or with your crypto wallet.

Step #2: If using mobile, simply connect a MetaMask or other Ethereum crypto wallet or explore as a guest (the latter allows you to enter and explore the metaverse). If connecting to a wallet through Play Using the Wallet option on the site or app, you might need to create an account with the crypto wallet provider.

Some, like MetaMask, work as browser extensions, making it easier and quicker to connect without having to download too much data on your devices.

Step #3: Set up the avatar menu that pops up after connecting a cryptocurrency wallet. Choose gender, color tone, and other physical attributes, and do the customizations for the avatar.

Games Decentraland - Play to Earn Crypto Games

[image source]

Once a name is registered, it is not available for other users, therefore a unique name can have some market value.

Visit the Crowd, Classics, and Events areas to explore games you can play or places to visit.

Crowd, Classics, and Events areas

Before you select any of the above, you are at the Genesis Plaza, the welcome center, and by hitting the M button on your keyboard, you can access the Decentraland map. It will show your current location but at the top of the page are the Explore, Backpack, Map, Builder, and Setting buttons.

You can jump or walk to any area. Clicking the Explore option takes you to a page where you can find more places, events, and activities to participate in. You will also find play-to-earn games like Ethermon, WonderQuest, Tominoya Casino, or Battle Racers. You can join these games as a guest but ensure you have a crypto wallet connected and with enough MANA crypto balance.

Decentraland map:

Decentraland Map

Step #3: Buy MANA. Players need MANA cryptocurrency to buy, sell, and lease land or even play most if not some games. It can be purchased on cryptocurrency exchanges.

From there, you can create and explore the creations of others, including games you find on the metaverse using specified shared URLs in the Crowd or other areas. You can also experience in-game quests on Decentraland and win prizes.

Other ways of earning money in the Decentraland game include selling and active trading of virtual land parcels, leasing land assets, creating and selling or trading in-game assets, publishing high-quality content, taking part in events and experiences such as competitions and tournaments hosted by other users, etc.

Users can also earn money by working as freelancers for companies.

Pros:

  • In-game interactions.
  • Multiple ways to earn in Decentraland.
  • Players can use the mortgage option to avoid paying a hefty price for a piece of land.
  • Earn royalties from NFTs created in the game.

Cons:

  • No variation in land terrain.
  • No user interaction.
  • It is not easy to operate or run virtual environments or games.

Our Review: Decentraland offers multiple opportunities for its players to earn crypto-playing games. They do not have to restrict themselves to winning quests, tournaments, and contests, but can also earn through trading assets and other methods.

Pricing: Free to use.

Website: Decentraland


#3) The Sandbox

Best for web-based play and virtual land customization.

SandBox

Sandbox Metaverse is probably one of the quickest to play because we can do it over a web browser without needing to download any files.

Metaverse is a place where users and customers can own land, build terrain, explore creations by other people, host events and 3D or immersive experiences, create experiences and avatars, stake DeFi coins to earn more, trade land and NFT assets including game assets, attend events, and play games to win cryptocurrency or in-game tokens.

Users can earn crypto by playing games, exploring other people’s experiences where there are rewards to be worn, and attending events where rewards are offered. To find games and experiences that you can play and win crypto, visit the Events tab from the menu.

SAND offers only 166,464 LANDs which can be bought and sold and their owners can set up many assets on them including virtual terrain, games, and multiplayer experiences. Visitors can therefore, where possible, find these crypto games and play them to win cryptocurrencies.

It also features an NFT marketplace where users and customers can trade in many virtual items, art, and experiences, including top crypto games and avatars.

What we like:

  • Stake SAND crypto to earn more. SAND is also spent on the purchase and sale of land and other assets, including NFTs.
  • Login and play with your wallet, email, or social media accounts.
  • Buy and sell avatars and land, can also create and customize your avatar (from available options) to use with the game. You need to connect to a wallet to buy or sell.
  • Create games and experiences using the macOS and Windows Game Maker tools. Users can also use MacOS and Windows VoxEdit tools to build the assets required to create these games and experiences. These assets can also be staked to earn rewards or sold and bought in the open marketplace. User experience can be published (upcoming feature) on the platform. You can create and/or buy games and experiences and invite other people to play.
  • Supports MetaMask, Venly, Coinbase, Bitski, and WalletConnect wallets.
  • Bridge Ethereum and Polygon networks.
  • Buy land from OpenSea NFT marketplace and port it to the SAND platform.
  • Team up and collaborate to create assets together with other users in workspaces.

Compatible Platforms: Windows and macOS, Web.

Requirements to Play: Download Windows and macOS apps.

Cryptocurrencies to be Won: SAND, Eth, etc. Mystery boxes with SAND and other crypto and NFT items.

How to play Sandbox:

Step #1: Visit the web and click/tap Create an avatar and fill in the details required or sign in with a crypto wallet or a social or email account.

SandBox login

Step #2: Select an avatar to use to play from a list of available starter NFTs. You can also add and customize yours or buy some from the marketplace.

SandBox select avatar

Step #3: Click or tap Events from the Menu icons in the left hand to see contests and competitions that you can play with and win.

SandBox events

Click/tap on the event and click/tap the Play Now button to start playing. You can sort them based on rewards etc. or search for events you know are hosted there. Download MacOS or Windows client to play.

SandBox tap on event

Step #4: Click Claims to see giveaways for which you are qualified.

Click Inventory to buy land, create assets, or game Inventory.

SandBox click claims

Pros:

  • Multiple ways to earn cryptocurrencies from the game.
  • Education through the AMA platform.

Cons:

  • Platform relatively new.

Verdict: Sandbox combines different ideas for web3 technologies, including metaverse with immersive gaming and immersive experiences, NFTs, blockchain, crypto, and creator economy. It presents users with diverse ways of earning from their crypto, assets, and skills in addition to playing games.

Pricing: Free to play.

Website: Sandbox


#4) Illuvium

Best for themed NFT games and collectibles.

Illuvium

Illuvium Metaverse is based on the blockchain and hosts an immersive game already, in which users can play and win/earn assets they can convert to real cryptocurrencies. A player takes the role of a survivor, traveler, and hunter, to explore the metaverse under dangerous conditions, battling dangerous creators that threaten their existence.

Players can play alone or form teams that challenge opponents in battle competitions. It will definitely be an interesting game to earn crypto in.

For instance, players, during the game, can find and capture NFT creatures known as Illuvials, Illuvitars, weapons, and other assets. These assets act as the player’s collectibles and can be traded on the marketplace for real cryptocurrencies.

Therefore, players can seek to capture items of value (most traded or rare items such as shards needed for capturing the Illuvials) that other players need the most in certain games and trade them. IlluviDex, where these items are traded, is itself a decentralized marketplace with zero gas fees.

Players can also mine minerals using their drones and convert them into weapons, suits, and other sorts of items that can then be traded for crypto.

Players can also battle each other in the Battle Arenas to prove their prowess. Other players can also spectate and wager on the outcomes of these battles.

Illuvium has three types of games:

Illuvium Arena where players can form teams to survive and take out others or the illuvials; Illuvium Zero in which players can build immersive digital industrial complexes for sale and rent, and extract fuel that is tradable on the DEX; Illuvium Overworld which users can explore as they mine deposits, battle, and capture Illuvials. Illuvium Arena features three different modes.

Illuvium Zero is already available to play on Windows, Mac, and Android devices as of April 2023. All you need to do is visit the website, click or tap the Play Now button, create an account, verify the email, and connect a crypto wallet. You will also need to own or purchase land from the IlluviDex to play (starts at around $500). Overworlds and Arena are in beta testing.

Features:

  • Stake tokens and earn more crypto. Rewards can be claimed as ILV or sILV2 tokens.
  • Explore the Illuvium metaverse world for its beauty and wonder. It comprises vast landscapes where you can hunt and capture beasts and battle them in the Arena for more rewards or trade them on the IlluviDex.
  • Customize your character, select your drone, and go out and explore various regions of the metaverse.
  • In-game purchases using ETH crypto. Purchase weapons, drones, imbues, and enhancements. You can also use ETH to pay for other activities like wagering battles.
  • DAO governance of the platform.
  • It supports MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Formatic, Portis, Torus, Coinbase, Wallet Connect, and Trezor wallets that players need to connect to store and trade crypto or NFT assets.
  • Illuvium gallery.
  • Leaderboards for collectors.
  • They reward the top 100 collectors with bonus ILV tokens (Illuvium Beyond).
  • Help build the Arena as a beta tester for Illuvium Arena.

How to play Illuvium:

Step #1: Visit the browser and click Play Now.

Step #2: Register for Beta testing by creating an account and if let in, you will play the game.

Illuvium create account

Compatible Platforms: Mac, Windows, and Android (Illuvium Zero which is in the Alpha phase). Arena will work on iOS, Mac, and Windows.

Requirements to Play: Purchase land to play Illuvium Zero. Register for beta testing for Overworlds and Arena types.

Cryptocurrencies to be Won: NFT assets that can be traded for crypto on decentralized exchanges. ILV and sILV2 tokens.

Pros:

  • Different types of NFTs can be won and traded.
  • Engaging and immersive RPG games that are fun to play.
  • It also supports the staking of tokens as an additional way to earn crypto from gamers.

Cons:

  • Expensive land parcels needed to play.
  • Must register for beta testing, some of which are private, to participate in the Arena.

What I like: Illuvium is rated in crypto NFT games as one of the top crypto games with the highest potential in 2023 and generating a lot of buzz. It has the potential to change how play-to-earn games work given it supports liquidity tokens, their staking, and trading.

Pricing: Free to play.

Website: Illuvium


#5) Splinterlands

Best for online play-to-earn card games and card collectibles

Splinterlands

Splinterlands enables players to earn a free platform crypto token known as Dark Energy Crystals besides magic portions, card parks, and collectible cards of varying rarity. Players can also win free Hive crypto by participating in the SplinterTalk social media community.

The online collectibles play-to-earn card game lets players collect 500+ different cards and they can collect any cards of varying combinations to increase their winning chances.

Players will use their skills and strategies to formulate card teams and utilize cards in specific scenarios to win battles. Hence practice is almost a must for those looking for a game to earn crypto in.

Each card has a Mana Cost and there is a cap on the total mana a player can spend for the battle. A player can use the information available about an opponent to select Elements to use in the battle (including such things as Fire, Water, etc.). Click Battle to proceed.

Battles play out automatically after both opponents have submitted their team of cards. It plays according to the rules of the game to determine the winner and the loser.

To play, one needs to visit the website, click or tap the Play button to create a profile and password, or connect to their crypto wallet and play. There is an optional tutorial or walkthrough of the game for beginners. Click or tap the Practice button from the menu after the introduction. Select the Summoner and card associated with the Element they want to use.

Four game modes: Practice; Modern which is limited to using certain types of cards; Wild which is open to using all cards from all sets; and Challenge where a player can choose a specific player that they can battle.

What Features we like the most:

  • Buy and sell in-game items e.g. cards. Some items are also available for rental.
  • Battle against an opponent of your choosing in the Challenge type of card game. Click Challenge and Enter an opponent, level limits, and allowed cards, then send a request to battle.
  • See top battles, rankings, and leaderboards.
  • Summoner’s Spellbook to be purchased unlocks the ability to earn rewards from battles, leaderboards, quests, and other things.
  • Card stats include owners, ID, etc.
  • Create, view, and attend events. Win prizes in events.
  • BAT is their official web browser. Earn BAT when playing the game using the browser and uses crypto to buy in-game assets such as LAND.
  • Buy with crypto, PayPal, or gift cards.

Compatible Platforms: Web browsers

Requirements to Play: Can play for free. You may need to buy Spellbook to advance and increase your winnings.

Cryptocurrencies to be Won: BAT, SPS, and other NFT tokens as assets.

How to play Splinterlands:

Step #1: Visit the website and Play Now button. Register for an avatar or use a crypto wallet to access the game engine. Click the Play Now button after logging in.

Step #2: Choose the mode of the game: Practice, Challenge, Modern, etc.

Splinterlands

If choosing Modern, click/tap Battle to play a chosen battle and it will select an opponent for you and the game should begin if you like it. Click Create Team and choose the requirements as they guide you. The matches are timed and have rules.

You can sort battles based on top battles and see leaderboards or those played in the last season.

Splinterlands mode

Select the opponents for the battle to start. Click Create Team to start.

Splinterlands4

For Challenge mode, type in the opponent’s username and send an invite to play them if and when they accept the challenge.

Pros:

  • Great walkthrough with the practice sessions.
  • Easy to play since there is no need to download software for now. It works on the web.

Cons:

  • Takes time to learn all the stats and abilities for the cards and teams that are required to perform best in the game and climb up the leaderboards.

Why I choose this: I find Splinterlands to be one of the easiest to play to earn games because it works on the web and you do not even need to download any software to start or download a WebGL enabled browser. Other than that, you also need to like card games.

Pricing: Free.

Website: Splinterlands


#6) Coinfantasy

Best for NFT trading and investing in gaming.

Coinfantasy - Play to Earn Crypto Games

Coinfantasy is one of the investment games that bridge the extremely serious world of investment with the less serious world of fun and cryptocurrency-earning games. So anyone can now begin to see investing as fun as an engaging gameplay. It allows users to play staking games against opponents to win real cryptocurrencies.

Players can climb all the way up the leaderboards by strategizing their portfolios to outwit their opponents.

Players choose the game pools, each of which has a number of credits required to join, the reward pool size, and number of participants allowed. Playing games leads to winning the Beta Coin Fantasy Tokens, which are yet to be listed on any cryptocurrency exchange.

The game basically involves picking a winning portfolio such that the player gets it right in terms of the direction of movement of price and other things. Other rewards that can be won include APY, GPY & streaks.

The games come in four categories, namely HODL Play, DeFi Twist, Yield Farmers, and Meme Riot. They basically involve users selecting contests they wish to participate in, then choosing the crypto stocks they think will rise in value, based on their knowledge and analysis of the market. The winner is the player or team with the maximum points in the game pool at the end of the game.

The games test investors’ skills in these four areas – holding, trading, and investing in DeFi and other coins, staking and yield farming, and investing in meme tokens.

The gamified investing platform is backed by 30+ companies, including well-known ones in the crypto industry.

Features:

  • Blog resources on all crypto matters.
  • Pool money is held on smart contracts before being sent to winners.
  • Charts to help you decide on the choice of coins to invest in during the game.
  • Earn NFTs – mint rare NFTs as you level up the game. The rare NFTs give an edge and help in winning the game. Earn passive income by holding NFTs.
  • Play cryptocurrency-earning games against an individual or a team.
  • Unstake tokens any time after the game.
  • The community decides on game durations, entry fees, point systems, etc. These are customizable.

Compatible Platforms: Web.

Requirements to Play: None. Choose a pool and choose coins to play.

Cryptocurrencies to be Won: Coin Fantasy Tokens, NFTs.

How to play Coinfantasy:

Step #1: Visit the browser and click/tap Play Now. Register or log in with a crypto wallet or email account. Verify with a mobile phone.

Coinfantasy Sign up

Step #2: Select a game category from the available categories. You can also do other things like claim free crypto awards, etc.

Coinfantasy play

Scroll down to find ongoing contests and click/tap Join Now to play. You can sort games based on rewards, periods remaining before the end, etc.

sort games

Despite being an investment game, it does not mean you may need in-game crypto or other cryptocurrencies to invest. It is free. Select the required number of coins to invest (with your mixed choices) and other requirements and click/tap Join game. Some fees will be charged in in-game currencies. Wait for the contest to end.

make your selection

Pros:

  • The platform gamifies investing with no financial risks on the part of the players.
  • Earn at zero investment while having fun.
  • Easy to learn and do.

Cons:

  • Some games are not yet available. They are in the very early development stages.
  • The Coin Fantasy tokens are not yet listed for trading on any crypto exchange as of April 2023.

What I like: Coin Fantasy makes it easy for people to play investing games and win real cryptocurrency without the hassle and risk of investing any, which makes it peculiar in the market. With its unique ideas and strong backing by many crypto firms, the platform seems to have a bright future.

Pricing: Free.

Website: Coinfantasy


#7) Alien Worlds

Best for NFT multi-player games and creator support

Alien World - Play to Earn Crypto Games

Alien Worlds Metaverse allows users to collect and play with NFTs in games built by a community of users. The game supports single and multiplayer modes where users can play alone or as a team, for instance, against zombies in a zombie survival game. It features different games all created on the WAX blockchain by a community of users.

The Battledome’s last-man-standing game involves up to 20 players battling with avatars, minions, and weapon NFTs inside the Alien Worlds Metaverse, and winners winning weekly prizes. JR’s Lands Mining Game involves players mining on land spanning six continents within the Alien Worlds Metaverse where they can win unique NFTs.

Mission Control is a quest game in which players win a portion of Trilium (TLM crypto) prize pool when they participate.

Alien World2

[image source]

Features we Observed:

  • Support Cloud Wallet. The web wallet must be connected to your account on the platform. I found out that some games require you to send some crypto coins to a specified crypto wallet activate, but not all do.
  • Register for missions to join other players in multiplayer games.
  • Battledom games in beginner league or advanced league modes. Games are available in different progressive seasons. You need to win 5 games in beginner mode to unlock the advanced mode.
  • Market. Shop game items depending on the game in question.
  • Leaderboards
  • Replay of finished games.
  • NFTs
  • Battle History
  • Earn Questing Points and NFT Points in the Mission Control game.
  • Weekly community & circus NFT drops in the JR’s Lands game.
  • Transfer TLM between WAX & Metamask (on ETH or BSC chains).

Compatible Platforms: Web

Requirements to Play: Connect to Cloud Wallet. Some games require a player to send 5 TLM or a given amount before accessing. Some games such as the Zos & Alien World require buying some assets like shields and Weapons to run.

Cryptocurrencies to be Won: TLM, NFTs

Pros:

  • A variety of games adds taste.
  • Multiple ways of earning money as a player – play to win rewards, create games, etc.
  • Creator participation and good community-led innovations may be expected through the Galactic Hubs funding. Users can also apply to the grant.

Cons:

  • I found it not so easy to learn some games quickly due to the absence of walkthroughs.

What I like: Alien Worlds adopts a community-led grant approach to creating games and offers games that provide multiple ways of earning crypto from playing immersive games. Despite the TLM’s low public appeal, the play-to-earn gaming platform has huge potential.

Pricing: Free to play

Website: Alien Worlds


#8) Gods Unchained

Best for online NFT card games and collectibles.

Gods Unchained - Play to Earn Crypto Games

Gods Unchained is a competitive community-focused blockchain NFT game in which users can own, collect, and trade cards on the Immutable X Marketplace. It is based on the Ethereum blockchain and has a token named Gods. Going by online reviews, it is not so easy to play-to-earn games because you will sometimes be defeated if and when paired against expert players.

This way, it won’t be easy to win cryptocurrencies or climb up the leaderboards. You will have to spend some time gaining skills to beat the best in the Ranked and Direct Challenge game modes. This does not mean you cannot enjoy the game in Solo mode.

It follows Hearthstone’s play style and presentation. Players will need to build the best deck and battle other players. Each card is an NFT and carries unique features and can thus be a collectible. It features three game modes – Solo, Ranked, and Direct Challenge.

Features: 

  • Tutorial on how to play the game.
  • There are four types of cards – Rare, Epic, Legendary, and Shiny.
  • 85 free cards to get you started.
  • Staking good tokens earns you some more.
  • Earn EXP as you complete matches. Get a pack of cards to open at every level you complete.
  • Trade with other users to find the perfect decks that suit your play style.

Pros: 

  • Feel free to download and play. Earn cards you can sell for real-world currency.
  • Multiple ways of earning cryptocurrency – stake, play, or sell in-game items.
  • Suitable for those who love card games.
  • Tutorials make it easy for a beginner to understand how to play the game.

Cons: 

  • Limited game modes, meaning the gameplay may turn out to be overly repetitive.
  • It may not impress those who do not love card games.
  • Investing is needed if you want to make more progress in the game.

Compatible Platforms: Windows

Requirements to play: Download on desktop. Create an account and start playing right away without even creating a wallet.

Cryptocurrencies to be Won: Earn cards and NFTs that can be converted to gods’ tokens and real-world money.

Our Review: The game is free to play and not paid to win like many other play-to-earn games and therefore, despite having some difficult aspects for those willing to progress in the game, it removes entry barriers for those willing to play card games in the play-to-earn category. Besides, it is created by a main figure in the Magic The Gathering game.

Pricing: Free software

Website: Gods Unchained


#9) DeFi Kingdoms

Best for NFT games with DeFi and crypto-based economies.

DeFi Kingdoms - Play to Earn Crypto Games

DeFi Kingdoms RPG NFT play-to-earn game enables players to own NFTs that make it possible for them to play and earn and which can be traded in the marketplace. Players can build a kingdom by buying virtual land, setting up resources on the land, and defending it with heroes.

They can earn by participating in quests inside the kingdom. Players can earn XP tokens from these quests to level up the game. They can also gather resources and yields from the gardens therein. Players can find and hatch eggs dropped in quests into new rare pets which can help earn more bonuses. Bank betting is also another way of earning money from the game.

Players can also earn prizes with heroes by competing with other players in the multiplayer Duels card game.

Players can also build assets on their plots to mine resources. The mining of these randomly placed resources is achieved by a player building next to them. Players can also earn bonuses from buildings for all the heroes they own. A player can also increase their benefits by upgrading the buildings. Players also get higher staking rewards from gardens.

Features:

  • Swap tokens including JEWEL and Crystal tokens. Liquidity Farming Pools. Earn Jewel Tokens. Stake liquidity provider tokens in the gardens to earn JEWELs.
  • Heroes each have a unique characteristic and capability and can be combined to summon a new hero.
  • On-board and bridge tokens from other blockchains. Examples of blockchains on which they are developing to enable this include Avalanche and Klaytn. This feature is still under development.
  • The in-built platform tokens are known as JEWEL and can be traded for in-game items. Tokens can also be staked to earn more.
  • Tend plants in gardens.
  • Buy, collect, and sell in-game items such as NFTs.
  • Tutorials are also available for newbies.

Requirements to Play: Connect a MetaMask or Coinbase wallet. Bridge your tokens or blockchain depending on which blockchain is your origin. You can swap unsupported tokens for Avax or Jewel on the bridge.

Compatible Platforms: Web

Cryptocurrencies that can be Earned: Jewel, Crystal, XP tokens.

Pros:

  • Receive gas for free by swapping Avax for Jewel in the marketplace.
  • Multi-chain support
  • Optional ways to earn money other than playing — e.g., staking.
  • Support liquidity tokens for additional earning opportunities.
  • Decentralized governance of the protocol.

Cons:

  • The land is needed to build a kingdom, resources should also be set up, and the garden guarded by heroes characters.
  • Withdrawal fees vary depending on withdrawal time. It can be as high as 25% for same-epoch withdrawals.

Why we selected this: By unlocking the power of DeFi tokens, DeFi Kingdoms provide many opportunities for earning through liquidity tokens and farming while enjoying the game.

Pricing: Free to play.

Website: DeFi Kingdoms 


#10) Fight Out

Best for training, exercise, and fitness games.

Fight Out - Play to Earn Crypto Games

Fight Out is one of the best plays to earn crypto games with its realistic training, exercise, and fitness applications. The platform provides players with the chance to win cryptocurrencies while improving their health and fitness. It differentiates itself from the market with its innovative train-to-earn ecosystem.

It features games that help players improve strength, cardio, muscular fitness, technique, mobility, and games that target fitness and exercise for all parts of the body.

Players can, inside the metaverse, win by playing solo, as a team, and participating in tournaments and battles. Cryptocurrencies to win include the platform’s main $FGHT token, REPS, and other rewards. The platform’s cryptocurrency can be converted to real-world money or spent on in-game purchases.

Features:

  • Mobile app
  • Avatar stats
  • Content from elite athletes, boxers, trainers, etc. to help users improve their health and earn more.
  • Cosmetics and other items NFT
  • Fight Out merch.
  • Players mint their NFTs (to be used to play) during the account creation process.
  • Socializing between players.
  • Users pay FGHT to enter leagues, tournaments, and special content modes.
  • Play Verses Player and Player Verses Engine games are available.
  • Peer-to-peer wagers.

Compatible Platforms: Web and mobile

Requirements to Play: Create an account and avatar. FGHT Crypto may be needed to unlock tournaments, battles, and other content.

Cryptocurrencies that can be Earned: REPs, FGHT.

Pros:

  • FGHT crypto purchase bonuses.
  • Proven health benefits for exercising and fitness while playing.

Cons:

  • The platform is still under development with the majority of features pending.

What I like: Although there are train-to-win versions of online games and apps, this one has a focus on health and fitness within a metaverse setting and Web 3, which could earn it a good place in the play-to-earn games over time.

Pricing: Free to play.

Website: Fight Out 


#11) Tamadoge

Best for doge-themed NFT games and collectibles.

TamaDoge - Play to Earn Crypto Games

Tamadoge features five games including Tamadoge Run, Rocket Doge, To The Moon, Tama Blast, and Super Doge. These can be played using NFTs and involve collecting coins. With Tama credits that can be bought with Tama coins, Tamadoge enables you to collect as many coins as possible while having fun with the game.

Otherwise, some games can be played for free without even connecting to a wallet. Apart from this, the game allows you to nurture your pups, feed them, train them, and when they reach adulthood, they can battle their rivals in the Tamaverse game and earn rewards.

With the Tamadoge Run, for instance, you can collect coins as your character autoruns. The difficulty is ensured by requiring you to sustain your stamina or health by choosing your paths wisely and collecting as many bones as you can during the run.

You also gain more points and run for longer in the game with the collected bones and bonuses gathered along the way, all depending on the coins available in the paths chosen. You climb up the leaderboards as you get more points.

There are also obstacles to avoid and prevent damage to your health, which depend on the paths chosen. Otherwise, Tamadoge acts as an NFT game in which the Tamadoge NFT is the character in the game.

Although you can play the game for free, you will need to buy the NFTs from the pet store to increase your chance of winning points and climbing up the leaderboards. The chances are determined by the agility, strength, and stamina of the purchased NFT, based on that NFT’s attributes.

The game is easy to play because even the tutorial explains it all. There is a free-to-play mode in which you can practice the skills or a pay-to-play mode where you play to win coins. To play the NFT game, all you have to do is visit the website, click Play the game, choose the free-to-play or pay-to-play mode, and proceed.

With the free-to-play, you continue straight to playing the game by first choosing a character, otherwise, you would have to connect a wallet in the pay-to-play mode and purchase some Tamadoge coins which you spend to buy NFTs in the marketplace. Tama coins are used to purchase credits spent on playing the game.

You may need to create a player profile with your details after connecting the wallet or skip the process altogether.

What Features we like the most:

  • Supports MetaMask and WalletConnect wallets that can be connected via browsers.
  • Tamadoge Bank. Buy Tama with a crypto or credit/debit card to load credits to play the game.
  • Tamadoge merch including bags, clothing, caps, etc.
  • Different NFT games are based on different themes and storylines.
  • Share your score on social media to show people your skills.
  • Buy your own NFTs on OpenSea to use when playing the game.
  • 100 Ultra Rare NFTs are available to buy on the OpenSea secondary market to play the game. These provide 90% increased agility, speed, stamina strength, and vision when playing the games.
  • Explore TAMA Island.
  • The knowledge base includes a whitepaper on Tama crypto, blogs with how to play, and other guides, plus other resources.

Compatible Platforms: Web

Requirements to Play: None for free-to-play modes. Otherwise, you need to connect a wallet and buy TAMA coins to get credits and increase your chances of winning more coins.

Cryptocurrencies to be Worn: TAMA

Pros:

  • Play different types of games and have fun the way you want as you earn coins.
  • Free-to-play mode is available in some games.
  • Use your own NFTs from other NFT marketplaces like OpenSea.

Cons:

  • It’s a relatively new platform whose potential is still uncertain. User adoption is still low and there is competition from other platforms.
  • There may also be scale challenges if it attracts a huge number of users.

Verdict: Tamaverse presents endless possibilities for combining NFT attributes to battle and play, hence making it fun and sometimes with the required difficulty in the gameplay.

Pricing: Free to play. Otherwise, buy TAMA for more credits at a cost of $0.011190 per coin.

Website: TamaDoge 


Earn Crypto FAQs

1. What is the best play-to-earn?

Decentraland, Sandbox, DeFi Kingdoms, Alien Worlds, Axie Infinity, Illuvium, Splinterlands, and Fight Out are rated as some of the best Play to Earn Crypto Games. They include single-to-multiplayer advanced online RPG games with the capability for a user to earn cryptocurrencies that can be converted to real-world money.

2. Are play to earn profitable?

Play-to-earn games are profitable if you commit a lot of time to them, otherwise, most will reward a little amount of money in cryptocurrencies. You also need to master and have advanced skills to compete with the engines or other players to climb up leaderboards to win a significant amount of crypto.
This means you need to devote a significant amount of time to make any significant profits. Some require some investment in the NFTs, while others do not.

3. How do you cash out play-to-earn?

Different play-to-earn games have different cash-out methods, but most involve converting the in-game cryptocurrencies won to real-world money via cryptocurrency exchanges to cash out.
The exchange can be integrated into the gaming ecosystem or you will require sending the winning crypto to another crypto exchange that supports crypto-to-real-world money trading.
You need to check if crypto that is won can be converted directly to fiat money like USD and/or to Bitcoin or mainstream cryptos that are easy to cash out. In most cases, there will be a threshold to achieve to cash out.

4. What is a play-to-earn cryptocurrency?

Play-to-earn cryptocurrency is a cryptocurrency or token that is given or offered as a reward inside a play-to-earn gaming ecosystem. It is mainly used as a reward token after performing different activities, like competing with other players and winning inside a game platform.
Most play-to-earn platforms use native tokens and NFT as play-to-earn cryptos, but some will use mainstream cryptocurrencies like BTC and ETH.

5. Where can I play to earn crypto?

Axie Infinity, Decentraland, Fight Out, Gods Unchained, Sandbox, Illuvium, Splinterlands, Coinfantasy, Alien Worlds, and Tamaverse are some places to play to earn cryptocurrency and NFT games.

6. How are play-to-earn games taxed?

Where crypto games involve in-game trading, individuals can declare their income and profits/loss, capital gains, and capital losses from activities in NFTs, airdrops, play-to-earn game assets, etc. where these are taxable events. These can, for instance, be appended to their income tax filings or reports. In most cases, they will not be taxable events.

Conclusion

Play to Earn Crypto Games and blockchain games are interesting because they incorporate metaverses and support immersive gameplay besides full-game economics. This tutorial discussed the best Play to Earn Crypto Games currently on the market, including their game plays.

With these blockchain games, you have time to own, collect, and trade NFTs, stake crypto, exchange crypto, and even create and trade games and in-game assets. All of them, though, require significant investment in time and energy to earn significantly. The secret lies in choosing those with the most rewarding opportunities.

Axie Infinity and Decentraland are the top play to earn crypto games on the list in terms of popularity and rewards given the high rewards potential when you trade the NFTs and virtual land, except that Decentraland can be quite expensive as you need to buy MANA crypto to play.

With Axie Infinity, you can start earning without buying anything, though very little with the three free starter NFTs and you will need to buy NFTs with advanced attributes to win battles and earn more.

Sandbox, Splinterlands, Tamadoge, and Coinfantasy are some of the quickest to play because you do not even need to download software before starting.

Coinfantasy is also one of the best plays to earn crypto games where there is huge potential for a player to earn significant rewards for those who understand crypto trading and how it works, while Splinterlands is best for those who love card games.

Fight Out is for those interested in workouts, training, and exercises and intend to make crypto play-to-earn games a more practical experience in real life.

Research Process:

  • Top Play to Earn Crypto Games Researched for Review: 30
  • Total Play to Earn Crypto Games Shortlisted: 11
  • Time Spent in Reviewing this Article on Play to Earn Crypto Games: 4 days
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