10 Best Play-to-Earn Games with Crypto & NFT Rewards for 2024
In recent years, a groundbreaking trend has taken the gaming world by storm: play-to-earn games. These innovative games merge the excitement of traditional gameplay with the opportunity to earn real-world rewards, such as cryptocurrency or NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens).
This new gaming model has revolutionized not only the way games are played but also how players perceive and value their in-game accomplishments. Let’s dive into the top 10 play-to-earn games of 2024, exploring what sets each apart and why they are making waves in this rapidly growing field.
1. Axie Infinity
Axie Infinity is leading the play-to-earn revolution. In this game, you raise, breed, and battle fantasy creatures known as Axies. Developed by Sky Mavis, the game lets you earn Smooth Love Potion (SLP), a cryptocurrency that can be traded for real money.
Players can also engage in a marketplace where Axies and in-game assets are bought and sold, creating a thriving economy within the game. Scholarships offered by seasoned players provide a way for newcomers to start playing without significant investment, making it accessible to many.
2. The Sandbox
The Sandbox empowers players to create their own virtual experiences. It’s more than just a game — it’s a platform where you can build, own, and monetize your own content using blockchain technology. By crafting assets with VoxEdit and trading them in the marketplace for SAND, The Sandbox’s cryptocurrency, players can earn substantial returns.
The virtual real estate system also allows you to purchase and develop LAND, where you can host games or experiences that others can enjoy, adding another layer to the potential for income.
3. Decentraland
In Decentraland, you’re not just a player — you’re a creator and entrepreneur in a decentralized virtual world. Powered by the Ethereum blockchain, Decentraland allows you to buy parcels of virtual land using MANA, the game’s cryptocurrency.
On your land, you can build anything from art galleries to entire games, and monetize these experiences through ticket sales, advertising, or direct sales of virtual goods. This blend of creativity and economic opportunity makes Decentraland a compelling space for both gamers and digital entrepreneurs.
4. Gods Unchained
Gods Unchained brings the traditional collectible card game into the blockchain era. Players construct decks and compete in tactical battles, earning new cards and rewards. What sets this game apart is the concept of true ownership: each card is an NFT that can be freely traded or sold in the game’s marketplace.
This means your card collection has real-world value and can be appreciated over time. The strategic depth of the game ensures that skill and strategy are rewarded, making it a favorite among competitive players.
5. Splinterlands
Splinterlands is another collectible card game that takes advantage of blockchain technology. Players collect cards and use them to battle in a variety of game modes.
The game offers daily quests and ranked play, where you can earn rewards in the form of DEC (Dark Energy Crystals) and other valuable assets.
A unique feature of Splinterlands is its leasing system, where you can rent out your cards to other players, providing a steady income stream without having to actively play the game.
6. Illuvium
Illuvium is setting new standards in the play-to-earn space with its high-quality graphics and immersive gameplay. This open-world RPG invites players to explore a rich and diverse landscape, capturing creatures known as Illuvials.
These creatures can be trained and used in battles, adding a layer of strategy to the game. Illuvium’s economy revolves around ILV tokens, which players can earn and stake to receive rewards, making it not only a game but also a sophisticated investment platform.
7. Star Atlas
Star Atlas offers a futuristic journey through space, blending exploration, combat, and economic strategy. Players can own ships, participate in space battles, and mine resources, all within a detailed and expansive universe.
The game uses a dual-token system — ATLAS for transactions and POLIS for governance — allowing players to influence game development and policy decisions. This deep integration of strategy and economic management makes Star Atlas a complex and engaging experience for players who enjoy multi-faceted gameplay.
8. My Neighbor Alice
For those who enjoy a more relaxed gaming experience, My Neighbor Alice is a charming social simulation game that focuses on building and managing virtual islands. Players can buy land, construct homes, and cultivate crops, earning Alice tokens in the process.
The game encourages community interaction, allowing players to visit each other’s islands and collaborate on projects. Its friendly art style and casual gameplay make it accessible and enjoyable for a broad audience, including those new to play-to-earn games.
9. CryptoBlades
CryptoBlades is an RPG where players fight battles to earn SKILL tokens. The game emphasizes character progression and combat strategy. Each character and weapon can be upgraded and traded, adding a strategic layer to gameplay.
With its integration of DeFi elements, CryptoBlades allows players to stake their earnings for additional rewards, blending traditional gaming with modern financial mechanisms. This combination makes CryptoBlades a unique and rewarding experience for those who enjoy RPGs and strategic battles.
10. Alien Worlds
Alien Worlds transports players to a metaverse where they mine Trilium (TLM) and compete for control over different planets. The game combines resource management with elements of governance and strategy.
Players can stake their TLM to influence the development and policies of planets, creating a dynamic and player-driven universe. The ability to own and trade in-game assets as NFTs further enhances the economic depth of Alien Worlds, making it a fascinating game for those interested in both play and strategy.
Conclusion
The rise of play-to-earn games has transformed gaming, merging entertainment with real financial opportunities. These games provide ways to earn real-world income through gameplay, whether you’re battling creatures in Axie Infinity, creating virtual worlds in The Sandbox and Decentraland, or exploring space in Star Atlas.
As blockchain technology advances, play-to-earn games are set to grow, turning gaming from a mere hobby into a source of financial empowerment. The future of gaming blends fun with economic potential.
