10+ Crypto (Play-to-Earn) Games that Pay Real Money

Crypto play-to-earn games are a new breed of video games that allow players to earn cryptocurrencies and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) through gameplay. Unlike traditional video games where in-game assets have no real-world value, the digital assets earned in crypto games are owned by the players and can be sold or traded on online marketplaces for real money. Here are 10+ crypto (play-to-earn) games that pay real money.

1. Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity is the most popular play-to-earn game on the market. It’s a Pokémon-inspired game where players collect, breed, battle, and trade cute creatures called Axies. Each Axie is a unique NFT with its own attributes and abilities. Players earn SLP (Smooth Love Potion) tokens by playing the game, which can be used to breed new axes or cashed out for real money.

Axie Infinity has generated over $3.5 billion in NFT sales to date. Top players in developing countries like the Philippines are earning thousands of dollars per month from the game.

2. The Sandbox

The Sandbox is a virtual metaverse where players can build, own, and monetize their own voxel gaming experiences.

It consists of three main components:

• VoxEdit: A 3D voxel modeling and NFT creation package
• Marketplace: A web-based marketplace for trading in-game assets and creations
• Game Maker: A tool that allows users to create 3D games without any coding knowledge

Players can purchase virtual lands in the game, create and sell in-game assets, and get paid when other players interact with their creations. The Sandbox has partnered with major brands like Adidas, Care Bears, and The Smurfs to create themed gaming experiences.

3. Gods Unchained

Gods Unchained is a free-to-play tactical card game that pays players to compete and win. Think Hearthstone, but with NFT cards that you can sell for real money. Each card is a tradeable NFT that you fully own. The rarer the card, the more valuable it is. Some cards have sold for upwards of $60,000.

To earn money in Gods Unchained, players can either sell their card NFTs on the marketplace or participate in tournaments to win prizes in GODS, the native token of the game.

4. Decentraland

Decentraland is a decentralized virtual reality platform built on the Ethereum blockchain. It’s like a blockchain-based version of Second Life.

In Decentraland, players can purchase virtual lands, build interactive experiences, and monetize them. They can also create and sell in-game items such as avatars, wearables, and artworks as NFTs. Decentraland regularly hosts community events, concerts, and exhibitions where players can socialize and showcase their creations. Brands like Samsung and Sotheby’s have purchased virtual lands in Decentraland to create immersive experiences and virtual storefronts.

5. Illuvium

Illuvium is an open-world RPG and auto-battler game built on the Ethereum blockchain. It takes place in a fantasy world where players can capture and train magical creatures called Illuvials.

Each Illuvial is a tradeable NFT with unique abilities and affinities. Players can use their Illuvials to battle other players and complete quests to earn in-game rewards and ILV, the governance token of the game. Illuvium features stunning AAA-quality 3D graphics that rival those of traditional video games. While still in development, Illuvium is one of the most anticipated crypto games set to launch later this year.

Related: 7+ Best Crypto Mining Games in 2024

6. Gala Games

Gala Games is a blockchain gaming platform that hosts multiple play-to-earn games across different genres, including action, RPG, strategy, and more.

Some notable games on the platform include:

1. Town Star: A competitive farming game

2. Spider Tanks: A PvP brawler game

3. Mirandus is a fantasy RPG set in a massive world.

Players can purchase NFTs to use within Gala’s games, such as unique characters, weapons, and skins. These NFTs can be sold on secondary marketplaces, allowing players to potentially profit from their in-game assets.

Gala also has its own token, GALA, which is used as the primary currency across its gaming ecosystem. Players can earn GALA through gameplay and stake it to receive rewards and decision-making power within the platform.

7. Plant vs. Undead

Plant vs. Undead is a multiplayer tower defense game where players grow and collect NFT plants to defend against waves of undead monsters.

Each plant is uniquely generated with its own stats, rarity, and physical appearance. Players can breed their plants to create new and potentially more valuable offspring.

In addition to the main tower defense game, Plant vs. Undead also has a farming game mode where players can grow and harvest Light Energy (LE), the in-game currency. LE can be used to upgrade plants, purchase new seeds, or cash out for cryptocurrencies like MATIC and USDT.

8. Star Atlas

Star Atlas is a space-themed MMORPG set in a vast, explorable universe. Players can purchase ships, crew, and equipment as NFTs to embark on a journey of space exploration, resource harvesting, and intergalactic combat.

There are two main tokens in the Star Atlas economy:

1. ATLAS: The transactional currency used for in-game purchases and player-to-player trading

2..POLIS: The governance token that allows players to participate in decision-making and potentially receive a share of the game’s revenue

Star Atlas boasts high-quality 3D graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5. While still in development, the game has already sold millions of dollars worth of NFT spaceships and other in-game assets.

9. Battle of the Guardians

Battle of Guardians is a real-time PvP arena game where players battle each other using NFT characters called Guardians.

Each Guardian is a unique NFT with its own set of skills, stats, and skins. Players can level up and upgrade their Guardians to increase their power and value.

Battle of Guardians features multiple battle modes, including 1v1, 3v3, and battle royale. Players can earn rewards in the form of NFTs and tokens by winning battles and tournaments.

10. My neighbor Alice

My Neighbor Alice is a social farming and building game set in a colorful and whimsical world. Players can purchase and own virtual islands, farm crops, take care of animals, and interact with their neighbors. They can also collect and craft in-game items, which can be sold as NFTs on the marketplace.

The game features a dual-token system:

1. Alice: The governance token that allows players to participate in decision-making and earn rewards

2. PALS: The in-game currency used for buying and selling items.

Related: Best Cryptocurrency IRA Companies In 2024

11. CryptoKitties

CryptoKitties is one of the first and most well-known crypto games. It’s a collectible game where players can buy, breed, and trade unique digital cats.

Each CryptoKitty is a one-of-a-kind NFT with its own unique appearance and traits. Some rare CryptoKitties have sold for over $100,000.

Players can breed their CryptoKitties to create new offspring with combined traits from their parents. The rarer the traits, the more valuable the kitty.

While the gameplay is relatively simple compared to more modern play-to-earn games, CryptoKitties remains a classic and paved the way for the NFT gaming revolution.

12. Blanko Block Party

Blankos Block Party is a vibrant open-world platformer game featuring collectible vinyl toy characters called Blankos.

Each Blanko is an NFT that can be customized, upgraded, and sold on the marketplace. Players can also collect and trade other in-game assets, such as accessories, emotes, and power-ups.

Blankos Block Party emphasizes user-generated content, allowing players to create and share their own levels and game modes. Creators can earn a share of the revenue generated from their creations.

The game has attracted partnerships with major brands like Burberry and Deadmau5, who have released limited-edition blankets and in-game items.

Key Takeaways

1. Crypto play-to-earn games allow players to earn real money by playing video games and acquiring in-game assets in the form of NFTs and cryptocurrencies.

2. These games are built on blockchain technology, which enables true ownership of digital assets, decentralization, and interoperability between different games and platforms.

3. Some of the top play-to-earn games include Axie Infinity, The Sandbox, Gods Unchained, Decentraland, Illuvium, Gala Games, Plant vs. Undead, Star Atlas, Battle of Guardians, My Neighbor Alice, CryptoKitties, and Blankos Block Party.

4. Each game has its own unique features, gameplay mechanics, and in-game economies, offering a wide variety of options for players with different interests and skills.

5. The amount of money that can be earned from play-to-earn games varies widely depending on factors such as the game’s popularity, the value of its tokens, and the player’s skill level.

6. Some games require an initial investment to start playing, while others offer free-to-play options or scholarship programs to lower the barrier to entry.

7. As with any investment, play-to-earn games come with risks, including the volatility of in-game assets, the possibility of hacks and scams, and potential tax implications.

8. Before getting into any play-to-earn game, it’s essential to do thorough research, understand the risks involved, and only invest what you can afford to lose.

9. With the right approach and realistic expectations, play-to-earn games can be a fun and potentially rewarding way to explore the world of blockchain gaming and earn real money while playing video games.

Frequently Asked Questions

1: Are play-to-earn games legitimate?

Yes, legitimate play-to-earn games do exist, but it’s important to do your research before investing time or money into any game. Look for games that have a transparent team, a clear roadmap, and a solid track record. Be wary of games that make unrealistic promises or pressure you to recruit others to join.

2. How much money can you earn from play-to-earn games?

The amount of money you can earn from play-to-earn games varies widely depending on factors such as the game’s popularity, the value of its tokens, and your skill level. Some top players in games like Axie Infinity have reported earning several thousand dollars per month, but these results are not typical. Most players earn much smaller amounts, and there’s no guarantee of earning anything at all.

3. Do you need to invest money to start playing play-to-earn games?

It depends on the game. Some play-to-earn games, like Gods Unchained, are free to start playing and only require an initial investment if you want to purchase higher-value NFTs. Other games, like Axie Infinity, require an upfront investment to purchase the necessary NFTs to start playing. However, many games are moving towards free-to-play models or offering scholarship programs to lower the barrier to entry.

4. What are the risks of play-to-earn games?

Like any investment, play-to-earn games come with risks. The value of in-game tokens and NFTs can be highly volatile and may lose value over time. There’s also the risk of hacks, scams, and bugs that could result in the loss of your digital assets. Additionally, the legal and regulatory landscape around play-to-earn games is still growing, and there may be tax implications to consider.