Play-to-Earn Games: Leading GameFi Projects

Introduction to Play-to-Earn Games

The expansion of the digital asset market has driven explosive growth in the GameFi (gaming finance) sector. This space features innovative play-to-earn games built on blockchain technology, founded on the groundbreaking Play-to-Earn model—where gaming time can be monetized, allowing players to earn real income.

The BeInCrypto editorial team has compiled an up-to-date list of the top play-to-earn games, offering effective ways to monetize your passion and generate stable earnings through immersive gameplay. Each project in our ranking features unique earning mechanics and diverse entry thresholds for newcomers.

Play-to-Earn Games: Selection Criteria

BeInCrypto’s editorial team conducted an in-depth analysis of Play-to-Earn projects and selected the top games most actively discussed within the crypto community. The ranking also includes projects with the highest user engagement, established reputations, and reliable payouts to players.

Our evaluation considered several factors: developer credibility, transparency of the economic model, the number of active users, earning opportunities without upfront investment, and platform security. This allowed us to curate an objective list of projects worthy of attention in today’s market.

1. Hamster Kombat

Description: A popular Telegram tap-to-earn game with millions of users

What is the gameplay? Hamster Kombat is a straightforward yet engaging tap-to-earn experience. Players tap the screen to interact with a virtual hamster, earning in-game coins and bonus rewards. The simple mechanics make it accessible to users of any experience level.

Is investment required? No. You can start playing Hamster Kombat completely free, with no initial investment. If you wish, you may purchase special boosts to speed up your progress and increase coin accumulation, but this is entirely optional.

How do you earn in Hamster Kombat? Earnings come from consistently tapping the hamster. After the project’s cryptocurrency is listed on exchanges, players will be able to convert in-game coins into actual digital assets and cash out.

Hamster Kombat Cryptocurrency: The game features a native token, HMSTR. The developers have announced two major airdrops for active community members, making the project especially attractive for early adopters.

2. OKX Racer

Description: Earn rewards by predicting Bitcoin price movements

What is the gameplay? OKX Racer introduces an innovative mechanic—predicting Bitcoin price movements. Players earn in-game tokens for accurate forecasts. The more correct predictions a player makes, the higher their earning potential. The platform also offers boosters to accelerate progress and a referral program for additional rewards.

Is investment required? No. You can start earning in this crypto market game with zero investment, making it accessible to a broad audience.

How do you earn in OKX Racer? Players earn by making accurate predictions on Bitcoin’s direction. Additional income is available through the referral program by inviting new users.

OKX Racer Cryptocurrency: OKX Racer doesn’t have a traditional native cryptocurrency. Instead, players earn in-game points, which can later be exchanged for actual crypto assets through a dedicated rewards program.

3. The Whale App Bot

Description: Participate in in-app activities and earn rewards

What is the gameplay? The Whale App Bot offers users a unique opportunity to monetize their free time effectively. To earn steady income, you need to actively participate in various in-app activities and refer new players into the project’s ecosystem.

How do you earn in The Whale App Bot? Main earning methods include participating in developer-hosted activities, completing special tasks, and referring new players via the referral program. The more active you are, the greater your potential earnings.

The Whale App Bot Cryptocurrency: The project’s native in-game coin, WXW, is the primary means of payment within the ecosystem and can be converted to other cryptocurrencies.

4. Blum

Description: Multiple earning options through diverse gaming activities

What is the gameplay? Blum stands out for its variety of earning mechanics. Developers offer several types of activities: users can farm in-game coins, earn by completing simple tasks, participate in drop games, and more.

How do you earn in Blum? Players can select the earning method that best fits their style: farm coins through regular activity, complete developer tasks, join drop games with valuable prizes, or take part in other ecosystem activities.

Blum Cryptocurrency: The project’s native BP tokens can be earned, accumulated, and later converted to other cryptocurrencies or used within the game’s ecosystem.

5. Zavod

Description: Build your virtual career by managing a factory

What is the gameplay? Zavod offers a unique opportunity to earn by managing virtual factories. Players can gradually upgrade their enterprises, boosting productivity and profitability. The game also features a career system through unions, adding strategic depth.

How do you earn in Zavod? The main income comes from managing and developing your factory. Players can increase production efficiency, advance their careers, and participate in union activities for additional bonuses.

Zavod Cryptocurrency: Earn the project’s special ZP cryptocurrency at your virtual factory—it’s the primary in-game currency.

6. City Holder

Description: Earn by creating and developing virtual cities

What is the gameplay? City Holder lets players become virtual city builders. Your main goal is to build cities from scratch and attract new users to your neighborhoods. The larger and more developed your city, the higher your income potential.

How do you earn in City Holder? Earn by growing your city, attracting residents, and building comfortable infrastructure. Successful city builders receive rewards for their activity and settlement growth.

City Holder Cryptocurrency: Owners of successful, growing cities earn CITY coins from their settlements, convertible to other cryptocurrencies.

7. Axie Infinity

Description: Collectible strategy NFT game for tactical combat fans

What is the gameplay? Axie Infinity is a Play-to-Earn pioneer. Players collect and upgrade Axies—unique creatures populating the Axie Infinity universe. Using these pets, you can battle in thrilling in-game matches. The stronger and more advanced your Axie, the bigger the rewards in battle.

Is investment required? Yes. To start playing, you must purchase a starter team of Axies. These characters are represented as NFT tokens, with prices starting at just a few dollars depending on their traits and rarity.

How do you earn in Axie Infinity? Players can level-up and resell Axies for profit on the in-game marketplace. You can also earn directly from battles by defeating opponents and completing tasks. Additionally, users can breed unique Axies for further opportunities.

How much can you earn in Axie Infinity? Average earnings depend on your time commitment and skill. Active users can earn several dollars a day, while experienced players with strong teams earn much more.

Axie Infinity Cryptocurrency: The project’s native token, AXS (Axie Infinity Shards), allows holders to earn staking rewards and participate in governance through decentralized voting.

8. SecondLive

Description: Digital metaverse simulator with broad capabilities

What is the gameplay? SecondLive is a full-fledged metaverse, giving users a wide range of activities and social interactions. In this virtual world, you can attend exhibitions and cultural events, connect with people globally, shop virtually, build your own business, and play games.

How do you earn in SecondLive? Monetization options include winning games and prizes, running a virtual business, creating and monetizing content, and selling digital assets on the marketplace. Another popular passive income option is staking BEAN tokens to earn yield.

How much can you earn in SecondLive? Income depends on your activity and initiative. Beginners may earn a few dollars a month, while advanced users with successful businesses and sought-after content can withdraw several hundred dollars monthly.

9. The Sandbox

Description: Leading metaverse with diverse gaming opportunities

What is the gameplay? The Sandbox gives players maximum freedom and creative control. You can build your own virtual reality, launch profitable businesses, network, create games, and join major events and concerts.

How do you earn in The Sandbox? Nearly every activity is monetizable: buy and resell virtual land, construct and sell buildings, create your own games and experiences, or compete for cash prizes in contests.

How much can you earn in The Sandbox? As one of the most established metaverses, active participants can earn from hundreds to thousands of dollars per month with the right strategy.

The Sandbox Cryptocurrency: The native SAND token is the metaverse’s primary currency, required for purchasing land, digital assets, and other in-game items.

10. Army of Fortune

Description: Tactical strategy for dynamic battle enthusiasts

What is the gameplay? Army of Fortune immerses players in tactical battles. The goal is to upgrade unique characters and build a powerful army to fight evil and earn real rewards.

How do you earn in Army of Fortune? Main earnings come from battling other player teams. Players can earn valuable NFT items, which can be sold or exchanged for cryptocurrency. The stronger your army, the greater your earning potential.

11. Valhalla — Floki Inu

Description: Epic strategy for medieval adventure fans

What is the gameplay? Valhalla draws players into the rugged world of resilient Vikings who must constantly battle enemies to survive. Players can explore new lands, mine valuable resources, form clans, and complete a variety of engaging quests.

How do you earn in Valhalla — Floki Inu? Main earning opportunities include winning epic battles, collecting valuable resources, creating and growing your own communities, and earning from reselling rare digital assets on the marketplace.

FLOKI Cryptocurrency: The native FLOKI token powers all transactions in the Valhalla metaverse and can be exchanged for other cryptocurrencies.

12. Illuvium

Description: Expansive open-world RPG metaverse

What is the gameplay? Illuvium casts players as explorers stranded on a mysterious, unknown planet. The main mission is to uncover the world’s secrets and discover what has happened to it.

How do you earn in Illuvium? Earning options include mining rare resources, cultivating exotic plants for sale, capturing native creatures for battle, building a thriving world, and competing against other player teams. Players can earn both Ethereum and native project tokens.

Illuvium Cryptocurrency: Earn native ILV tokens in-game. ILV holders gain the right to participate in decentralized governance and vote on major platform decisions.

13. Pirates of the Arrland

Description: Adventure strategy for treasure hunters

What is the gameplay? Pirates of the Arrland lets users dive into the romantic world of sea pirates, packed with adventure, risk, and earning opportunities.

How do you earn in Pirates of the Arrland? Earn by joining naval battles, searching for hidden treasures, and selling valuable loot for real money. Rewards include NFT items and the in-game RUM and AARC tokens.

What Are Play-to-Earn Games and How Do They Work?

Play-to-earn games are an innovative segment of the gaming industry, going far beyond entertainment. These next-generation projects let players earn real money or crypto by actively participating in gameplay and developing their skills.

Main types of play-to-earn games include:

Play-to-Earn Games: These projects reward users with real money or tokens for completing tasks, competing in battles, or trading NFTs and other virtual items. This includes popular tap-to-earn clickers, where users earn by simply tapping the screen.

Metaverses and Sandboxes: More complex ecosystems where you can earn passively—renting out virtual property, staking tokens, or leasing in-game pets and rare items to earn steady payouts without constant active play.

Modern play-to-earn games leverage cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, ensuring secure asset transfers and transparent transactions for players.

How to Choose a Game for Passive Income

Many blockchain games offer attractive earning opportunities, but not all are equally safe or profitable. Here are the most important factors to consider when selecting a game for passive income:

1. Player Ratings and Reviews

Before investing your time or money, carefully research player reviews on independent platforms and forums. A good reputation and positive feedback reduce the risk of scams or unreliable developers. Pay attention to the project’s history and developer activity.

2. Passive Income Potential

Some games offer attractive passive income through virtual property rentals, token staking, or pet leasing. Realistically assess the profitability and expected return period. If a game offers long-term opportunities with a transparent economic model, it’s a positive sign for reliability.

3. Ease of Withdrawing Funds

Check how fast and easy it is to withdraw your earnings. Many trustworthy games use popular cryptocurrencies and tokens, enabling quick exchanges on crypto markets. Review feedback regarding payout speed and reliability.

How to Minimize Risks in Play-to-Earn Games

Like any investment project, play-to-earn games involve certain risks. To reduce potential losses and protect your assets, follow these best practices:

Diversify Investments: Avoid putting all your funds into one game or project. Spread your capital across several promising projects—and even better, across different types of digital assets—to lower risk and protect your portfolio.

Thorough Risk Assessment: Before committing significant time or money, research the project deeply. Review its development history, study the team’s background, and read real user feedback. Prioritize projects with transparent economic models and audited smart contracts.

Digital Asset Security: Use only reputable platforms and wallets for storing crypto earnings. Implement two-factor authentication for extra security. Never keep large amounts on gaming platforms—regularly transfer funds to secure storage.

Conclusion

Play-to-earn games are among the fastest-growing areas in gaming today. They offer both passive and active earning opportunities, attracting millions of users worldwide. Developers are rapidly adopting “play and earn” mechanics to monetize projects, while gamers can finally earn real income from their favorite hobby.

Play-to-earn blockchain games play a critical role in onboarding new users to crypto and advancing mainstream blockchain adoption. However, potential players must be vigilant and selective, as this rapidly growing sector still contains scams and loss risks. Follow our risk-minimization guidelines and choose reliable projects to make your play-to-earn experience as safe and profitable as possible.

FAQ

What is GameFi? How is it different from traditional games?

GameFi refers to games where you earn cryptocurrency by playing. Unlike traditional games, where you pay to play, GameFi operates on a play-to-earn model—granting you real economic rewards for in-game activity.

What are the most popular GameFi projects and their features?

Top GameFi projects include: Axie Infinity (play-to-earn mechanics), The Sandbox (virtual world creation), Decentraland (metaverse), and Illuvium (RPG with NFTs). Each offers unique gameplay and the ability to monetize digital assets through player engagement.

How do you earn in GameFi games? What are the main profit methods?

In GameFi, the main earning methods are: (1) Play-to-Earn—complete in-game tasks for tokens and NFTs; (2) NFT trading—sell digital assets; (3) token staking—earn yield by locking assets; (4) airdrop participation—receive free token distributions.

What risks should you consider when investing in GameFi projects?

Consider market volatility, intellectual property risks, and regulatory requirements. Before investing, verify project compliance and evaluate the development team’s financial health.

How do you select a reliable GameFi project and avoid scams?

Review the team’s experience, read the whitepaper, analyze trading volumes and community engagement. Avoid projects with promises of quick returns and no transparent roadmap.

How does tokenomics work in GameFi games?

GameFi tokenomics combines equity and utility functions. Tokens represent ownership and in-game value, facilitating economic interactions. Many systems use a two-token structure: a main governance token and a utility token for in-game operations, balancing decentralization, security, and scalability.