Getting paid to play games may seem unbelievable, but it’s real with play-to-earn (P2E) crypto games. We’re discussing the top blockchain games and play-to-earn games for 2025, as well as what the tax authorities need to know about your wages.
Welcome to the new era of games! Blockchain technology has changed gaming by creating decentralized worlds where players can actually make money. Are you searching for the top bitcoin games to try out? Here are the top play-to-earn games for 2025 that you should try.
What are play to earn games?
As the name suggests, play to earn games allow players to earn cryptocurrency by playing games. Game systems and prizes vary greatly, but the concept remains the same: the game provides a financial incentive to play and progress.
Play to earn is a relatively recent business model in the gaming industry, emerging mostly due to the decentralized finance (DeFi) movement.
Decentralizing ownership of video game material gives gamers control over their in-game assets, encouraging them to contribute to the in-game economy and create value for players and game producers. Essentially, gamers get compensated for their time and effort spent in-game. In addition, users may be able to vote with governance tokens on how the game grows and which features are added.
The play-to-earn gaming business is still in its early stages and is experiencing some teething troubles. One of the main issues is that, while the games may be enjoyable for a short amount of time, many of them are overly focused on the financial aspect of things rather than the game mechanics. In other words, you might be able to make money from them, but you won’t have much fun doing so! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top crypto games to play, based on popularity, game mechanics, and earning potential.
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Play-to-Earn Games for Crypto Rewards: Our 12 Top Picks
1) Decentraland

Decentraland is a decentralized 3D virtual reality platform that uses NFTs to digitalize in-game assets. The game’s popularity skyrocketed, thanks in part to the 2020 lockdown, and it now has a large community on Twitter, Reddit, and other platforms.
To begin playing, simply create an avatar, name it, agree to the terms and conditions, and begin exploring the metaverse. To fully experience the marvels of this realm, you’ll need a cryptocurrency wallet to create your avatar, explore areas, and participate in activities.
Players can design virtual structures like as residences, theme parks, casinos, galleries, and more and charge other players to visit, as well as display a variety of digital content. Decentraland is jam-packed with NFTs, which players can purchase, sell, and trade both inside and outside the metaverse.
How do you make money in Decentraland?
If you want to make more money, land and names are the most profitable in Decentraland. To increase your earnings, acquire and sell both on the marketplace.
Within Decentraland, you may also play in-game to earn cryptocurrency for a true Inception experience. Some of the most popular include Ethermon and WonderQuest.
Similarly, you can gamble MANA at casinos in Decentraland. Users that design and build casinos and other popular venues are frequently among the highest incomes in the Metaverse.
- Pros: It is free to play and there are endless earning chances.
- Cons: Land is expensive, creating a barrier to entrance.
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2) Gods Unchained

Gods Unchained is a play-to-earn NFT trading card game. The game’s development team was directed by the previous director of Magic: The Gathering Arena, and you’ll battle with your cards, just as in MTG.
To get started, simply create an account and download the game for free from the website. You’ll be given a tutorial that explains how the game principles work, as well as 85 free cards to get your deck started.
How do you make money on Gods Unchained?
So, how do you make money using Gods Unchained? The cards you play with are NFTs, which you may sell on the in-game marketplace. Card prices vary, but the rarer the card, the higher the price tag.
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3) Aavegotchi

If you remember the Tamagotchi craze, you’ve probably heard about Aavegotchi before.
Aavegotchi is an NFT collecting game based on Ethereum. Your Aavagotchi avatar is a digital collectible with unique features.
To get started, you’ll need an Aavegotchi. You can accomplish this by purchasing one from the marketplace or by purchasing a portal that includes ten Aavagotchis to choose from.
How can one make money on Aavegotchi?
When it comes to making money with your Aavegotchi, you have several alternatives. Your pixelated pal is actually DeFi-powered, so when you stake cryptocurrency with your Aavegotchi, you will earn interest.
under addition, you can sell and trade Aavegotchis and Portal NFTs in the marketplace, as well as farm land for tokens (albeit this feature is currently under development).
- Pros: Retro fun and gamified DeFi for beginners.
- Cons: You will need to purchase and spend GHST to begin playing.
4) My Neighbor Alice

If you enjoy Animal Crossing or Minecraft, My Neighbour Alice is likely to appeal to you.
Discover an enchanting metaverse where you can build, innovate, and engage with your neighbors. Similar to many metaverse environments, the majority of elements encountered, such as structures, creatures, apparel, and more, are NFTs that may be constructed and tailored to your preferences, in addition to being available for purchase and sale in the marketplace.
What are the methods to generate income on My Neighbour Alice?
Participation in daily tasks such as fishing, farming, and others will also yield prizes. The game also includes other gamified DeFi alternatives such as staking and NFT lending.
- Advantages: Aesthetically pleasing and well-suited for enthusiasts of Animal Crossing.
- Disadvantages: Land prices may be an entry obstacle.
5) Sandbox

Similar to our initial listing, The Sandbox is a decentralized virtual realm where users can explore and construct anything they envision.
The Sandbox was not originally a blockchain-based metaverse. It began as a game-building simulation on Steam before being acquired by Animoca Brands and transitioned to the Ethereum blockchain.
The game logic and features of The Sandbox far surpass those of numerous other play-to-earn games, as it was established prior to its monetization.
However, if you are inquiring about monetization in The Sandbox, it operates similarly to various other metaverses.
What are ways to generate income in The Sandbox?
In addition to producing and selling Voxel Assets, you can also generate revenue from your property by designing distinctive experiences for users and imposing an admission charge or microtransactions, such as a casino, an art gallery, or an office.
- Advantages: Optimal for artists and makers, with robust game mechanics.
- Disadvantages: The cost of land may impede access.
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6) Valhalla

Valhalla is a turn-based tactical warfare game, and for enthusiasts of memecoins, it represents an optimal choice, as it is among the inaugural initiatives from Floki Inu.
Floki Inu is a multichain token operating on both Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain, which emerged in 2021 following billionaire Elon Musk’s tweet announcing his intention to name his Shiba Inu Floki.
What are the methods for generating income on Valhalla?
Valhalla was among the initial significant initiatives undertaken by the Floki Inu team, offering an expansive metaverse to explore, where users can traverse vast regions, combat monsters, and earn rewards in FLOKI for their efforts. Additionally, you can purchase, exchange, and sell NFTs on the in-game marketplace.
The battles will not require you to vigorously manipulate a controller. Their nature resembles chess maneuvers, emphasizing a strong strategic component. Gamers accustomed to triple-A combat games may find the mechanics lacking in the expected quality. Nonetheless, as Valhalla is entirely free to play, it merits consideration before dismissing it.
- Advantages: Absence of financial entry barriers and the economy operates on the widely favored Floki Inu token.
- Disadvantages: The graphics and gameplay mechanics may not meet the standards of conventional combat games.
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7) DeFi Kingdoms
DeFi Kingdoms is a decentralized exchange, liquidity pool, and gaming platform integrated into a single entity. You can access it on a PC using the MetaMask browser extension or on mobile via the MetaMask mobile browser.
After connecting your MetaMask wallet to the DFK website, establish a profile and access Gaia.
How to generate revenue in DeFi Kingdoms?
The JEWEL functions represent but one facet of the game. The primary gameplay in DeFi Kingdoms revolves around the Heroes function. These Heroes are utility NFTs with a vast array of options available. A Hero can be purchased with JEWEL from the tavern, the in-game marketplace. You can utilize Heroes to summon additional Heroes, list your Heroes for hire, sell your Heroes, and, of course, engage in PVP battles and embark on adventures. You will receive DFKTEARS (Gaia’s tears) tokens for participating in these adventures, which are currently worth at $0.24.
Advantages: Gamified DeFi functionalities and numerous forthcoming features.
Disadvantages: High initial cost and numerous functions remain in BETA.
8) Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity was one of the most popular play-to-earn cryptocurrency games, boasting over 2 million daily players during its zenith. Nevertheless, the game has faced challenges in player retention subsequent to a $620 million breach in May 2022.
The NFT-based platform enables players to engage in gameplay, combat, collection, breeding, and trading of animals referred to as Axies, which are represented as NFTs. Envision blockchain Pokémon, and you are proceeding correctly.
To commence playing Axie Infinity, you must acquire three Axies from the Axie Marketplace. These may range in cost from 0.001 ETH to over 100 ETH. The initial expense to commence playing Axie Infinity may provide a barrier to access for certain individuals.
To circumvent this, one may apply for an Axie Scholarship, wherein a breeder or manager provides a complimentary Axie for you to engage in gameplay and commence earning. Scholarships are available on numerous websites, including a specialized subreddit.
What are the best ways to get income on Axie Infinity?
Nonetheless, you may consider retaining your AXS tokens for potential long-term benefits, as staking AXS tokens can yield rewards from the Axie Community Treasury. The projected rewards are presently at 40% APR.
Positive developments persist, since one of the most effective methods of earning is via the NFT feature in the game. One can breed and sell Axies, which are represented as NFTs. In addition to Axies, the game allows for the purchase and sale of Lunacia land as NFTs. The prices of these NFTs fluctuate according to their in-game location.
9) Splinterlands

Splinterlands is a strategic trading card game in which cards are represented as NFT tokens.
Splinterlands can be played for free; but, to engage with the play-to-earn elements, there exists a cost barrier to entrance, similar to Axie, albeit at a lesser level. A Summoner’s Book must be purchased for $10. Upon acquisition, you can accrue awards, participate in tournaments, and engage in market trading.
How do you generate money in Splinterlands?
Playing also allows you to accumulate Splinterlands credits. Splinterland credits are exclusively redeemable within the game for the acquisition of packs, cards, and additional items.
The significance lies in the NFT trading component, which constitutes the genuine value of the play-to-earn paradigm. The scarcity of the cards directly correlates with their market value for sale or trade. Splinterlands cards can be sold and traded on many NFT marketplaces, including OpenSea.
Owning Splinterlands NFTs entitles you to get SPS tokens, the governance token of Splinterlands. The greater the number of NFTs and rarer cards in your possession, the more SPS tokens you will receive as rewards. SPS tokens are presently worth at approximately $0.02, and they can be sold on various marketplaces or staked to generate more earnings.
Advantages: Minimal initial investment and several play-to-earn options accessible.
Disadvantages: Inferior returns compared to certain other play-to-earn cryptocurrency games available at now.
10) Coinfantasy

Coinfantasy does not conform to conventional blockchain gaming standards. It resembles a gamified investment.
In Coinfantasy, users can select several investing strategies, such as the hodl play for long-term investors or the DeFi twist for those with a greater risk tolerance, and engage in different games aligned with their chosen strategy to gain tokens. Given that Coinfantasy is still nascent in the market, there are alternative strategic games under development, such as Yield Farmers and Meme Riot.
- Advantages: Suitable for novices in cryptocurrency, and presently offers a reward bonus for early registration.
- Disadvantages: CFT tokens have not yet been introduced on prominent exchanges.
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Other play to earn platform options
11) Big Time

Big Time is a multiplayer action role-playing game that integrates conventional gameplay with blockchain technology. Created by Big Time Studios, the game is free-to-play and has play-to-earn principles. Players may select from four unique classes: Time Warrior, Chronomancer, Shadowblade, and Quantum Fixer. These classes facilitate diverse playstyles, and with the distinctive “Pocketwatch” feature, players can transition between classes effortlessly without the necessity of creating new characters.
The game’s universe features an abundance of randomly generated dungeons, guaranteeing that each adventure is unique. These dungeons are essential for acquiring rare loot, such as NFTs and the in-game money, Big Time Tokens. These digital assets are tradable or sellable, rendering the game’s economy predominantly player-driven.
Additionally, the game presents SPACE, a type of virtual territory that players can obtain to enhance their in-game functionalities. This, along with other NFTs, can be traded freely in the game’s marketplace, providing potential real-world profits for players.
12) Illuvium

Illuvium is a top free play-to-earn game that mixes open-world exploration, NFT collection, and strategic auto-battling. Set on the exotic planet Illuvium, players can explore various zones while catching animals known as Illuvials. Each of these species has distinct attributes, classifications, and affinities, necessitating clever teamwork to win conflicts.
The game has several modes, including PvE quests and competitive PvP combat, where you can win rewards in the form of ILV tokens. ILV is an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain. Notably, Illuvium has allotted over 200,000 ILV in prizes for active players, making it an appealing option for those wishing to gain while playing.
In addition to its gameplay, Illuvium has a free-to-play alternative, allowing players to enjoy an immersive experience without making an initial commitment. You can gradually progress through the game, eventually upgrading to paid features that unlock higher-tiered content and valuable NFTs.
Illuvium is currently in open beta and available on PC and Mac, with plans for future expansions including mobile and console releases.
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Sum up…
Play-to-earn (P2E) gaming will rapidly grow, providing a variety of ways to earn cryptocurrency and NFTs while increasing real-world value. Games such as Axie Infinity, The Sandbox, and Illuvium stand out for their unique use of blockchain technology and user-generated content.
Whether you favor complex card games, large virtual worlds, or action-packed RPGs, there is a play-to-earn game to suit your preferences and play style. As the business evolves, users will have more opportunities to mix gaming with financial incentives, making this an exciting time for both gamers and investors.
FAQs
Which is the highest-paying P2E game?
Axie Infinity is now the highest-paying play-to-earn game. It has a large player base and has produced significant cash from the sale of Axies and in-game tokens. According to CryptoSlam, NFT sales totaled more than $4.27 billion.
What are the top play-to-earn games for Android and iOS?
Axie Infinity and Splinterlands are among the best Android and iOS games. Axie Infinity pays you for breeding and battling digital pets, while Splinterlands is a strategic trading card game. Both games are mobile-optimized and offer easy methods to earn cryptocurrency and NFTs while on the go.
Are play-to-earn crypto games legitimate?
Yes, most play-to-earn cryptocurrency games are legitimate. These games leverage blockchain technology to provide true ownership of in-game assets as well as the opportunity to win real prizes. However, there are hazards to every investment, including as potential frauds and market instability. Before participating in a game, always check the credibility of the developers.
What is the greatest cryptocurrency app for gaming and earning money?
Axie Infinity, Splinterlands, and League of Kingdoms are some of the greatest crypto apps to earn money in the form of crypto tokens and NFTs.
Can I play NFTs games for free?
Yes, several NFT games have free-to-play choices. Free crypto games like “Illuvium” offer an initial free experience in which you can explore and interact with the game without spending any money. While you can start for free, there may be possibilities to buy extra features or assets to improve your gaming.
What are the most lucrative play-to-earn games?
The most profitable play-to-earn cryptocurrency and NFT games are Axie Infinity, The Sandbox, and Decentraland.