Play-to-Earn Games: Leading GameFi Projects for 2025

Introduction to the World of Play-to-Earn Games

The expansion of the digital asset market has driven the surge in popularity of GameFi, or gaming finance. This segment encompasses blockchain-based play-to-earn games, all built around the Play-to-Earn model—playing to generate rewards. These projects allow users to monetize their time and effort, earning real-world income through gaming.

However, not every play-to-earn title is worth a player's attention. The BeInCrypto editorial team conducted a comprehensive market analysis and prepared a current list of projects where users can successfully turn their hobbies into steady income streams.

Legitimate Play-to-Earn Games: Selection Criteria

BeInCrypto’s team reviewed leading play-to-earn projects and highlighted those most actively discussed in the crypto community. The ranking considered the following factors:

• User base activity and community engagement
• Platform stability and frequency of updates
• Transparency in earning mechanics and withdrawal options
• Developer reputation and project history
• Diversity of monetization methods within the game

1. Hamster Kombat: Popular Telegram Clicker Game

Game Concept

Hamster Kombat is a straightforward yet captivating clicker game hosted on Telegram. Players tap the screen—tapping the hamster—to earn in-game coins and unlock additional bonuses. The simple mechanics make it accessible to a broad user base.

Investment Requirements

You can play Hamster Kombat free of charge, with no upfront investment. For those looking to accelerate progress, the game offers paid boosters to speed up advancement and increase returns.

Earning Mechanics

The main earning method is regular tapping to accumulate in-game currency. Once the project’s crypto token becomes listed on exchanges, players can exchange their earned coins for real money by trading them for other cryptocurrencies.

Earning Potential

The project does not set strict earning limits. Income depends on user activity, the number of referrals, and booster usage.

Project Cryptocurrency

The game’s native token is HMSTR. Developers have planned two airdrop rounds for active players. The first distribution occurred in September 2024, drawing significant attention from the crypto community.

2. OKX Racer: Earn from Bitcoin Price Movements

Game Concept

OKX Racer introduces an innovative approach—users make predictions about Bitcoin’s price movements. Accurate predictions are rewarded with in-game tokens. The more accurate and frequent the predictions, the higher the earning potential.

Beyond the core prediction mechanic, the game features boosters for faster progress and a robust referral program. Inviting friends unlocks additional income streams.

Investment Requirements

You can start making predictions and earning without any upfront investment. The platform offers equal starting opportunities to all new users.

Earning Mechanics

To earn, simply join the OKX Racer bot and make your first Bitcoin price prediction. The system automatically tracks prediction accuracy and issues rewards accordingly.

Earning Potential

The project sets no upper limit on earnings. Profit depends on prediction accuracy, user engagement, and effectiveness in the referral program.

Reward System

OKX Racer doesn’t have a traditional cryptocurrency. Instead, it uses an in-game points system, which users can convert to real cryptocurrencies via a built-in exchange system.

3. The Whale App Bot: Engage in In-App Activities

Game Concept

The Whale App Bot is a platform designed for users to monetize their time through active participation in various in-app activities and recruitment of new players. Participants gain access to exclusive airdrops and special bonus programs.

Investment Requirements

The platform is entirely free to use, removing any entry barriers and making it accessible to a wide audience.

Earning Mechanics

The main earning avenues include taking part in developer-driven activities, completing special assignments, and bringing in new users via the referral system. Each activity yields a specified amount of in-game rewards.

Earning Potential

There are no limits on maximum earnings. Profitability is determined by user activity level and referral effectiveness.

Project Cryptocurrency

The developers have issued a native in-game coin, WXW, which is used for all transactions within the ecosystem and can be converted to other cryptocurrencies.

4. Blum: A Multitude of Activity Options

Game Concept

Blum offers users a variety of gaming activities, including coin farming, quest-based rewards, drop games, and other earning mechanics. This range allows each user to choose the most suitable way to monetize their time.

Investment Requirements

The platform can be accessed and used without any financial investment. All basic functions are available at no cost.

Earning Mechanics

Users can earn by farming in-game coins, completing various quests, participating in drop games, and more. Each earning method comes with its own features and profitability level.

Earning Potential

The platform does not impose any earning caps. Final income depends on monetization methods chosen and user activity level.

Project Cryptocurrency

The platform’s native BP tokens are used for all in-game transactions and can be withdrawn to external crypto exchanges.

5. Zavod: Build Your Career

Game Concept

Zavod introduces a unique model where players manage virtual factories. Players can grow their businesses, increase efficiency and profitability, and leverage a career system through union creation and participation.

Investment Requirements

You can start playing and earning without any initial investment. All new users receive starter resources.

Earning Mechanics

Main income sources include working at the virtual factory, upgrading production facilities, and forming unions for collective earnings. Each action yields in-game currency.

Earning Potential

There are no hard caps on user earnings. Profitability grows as your business develops and your career progresses.

Project Cryptocurrency

Players earn ZP cryptocurrency at the virtual factory, which can be used for in-game upgrades or converted into other digital assets.

6. City Holder: Earn by Building New Worlds

Game Concept

City Holder lets players design virtual cities. The main objective is to build attractive cities and create comfortable conditions for virtual residents, drawing new users to your settlements.

Investment Requirements

Building your virtual city is entirely free to start. The platform provides all necessary starter resources.

Earning Mechanics

Income comes from creating competitive cities and offering residents superior living conditions. The more appealing the city and the larger the population, the higher the owner’s returns.

Earning Potential

There are no maximum earning limits. Profit depends on city management effectiveness and the number of recruited residents.

Project Cryptocurrency

Successful city owners receive CITY coins, which can be used to develop infrastructure or exchanged for other cryptocurrencies.

7. Axie Infinity: Collectible Strategic NFT Game for Battle Fans

Game Concept

Axie Infinity is set in a world of unique NFT creatures called Axies. Players collect and develop Axies to compete in battles. An Axie’s strength directly impacts potential battle rewards.

Investment Requirements

To play, you must purchase at least one Axie NFT via the game’s marketplace. Entry-level Axies start at a few dollars, while rare Axies with unique traits can cost thousands or even millions.

Players can also purchase virtual land, accessories, runes, and other in-game assets to boost their battle competitiveness.

Earning Mechanics

Axie Infinity offers multiple earning paths: grow and resell Axies for profit on the marketplace, win battles for in-game rewards, and breed new Axies by “crossbreeding” existing ones to create unique combinations.

Earning Potential

Average earnings in Axie Infinity vary based on player engagement and success. Community reports suggest daily earnings of a few dollars for most, while skilled players with strong Axie collections can earn much more.

Project Cryptocurrency

The native Axie Infinity (AXS) token powers the ecosystem. AXS holders can earn passive income through staking and take part in project governance via voting, influencing the platform’s development.

8. SecondLive: Digital Reality Simulator

Game Concept

SecondLive is a comprehensive metaverse where users create alternative digital lives. The project goes beyond classic gaming, offering a virtual environment rich in social and earning opportunities.

In SecondLive, users can attend exhibitions, cultural events, network, shop virtually, build businesses, and engage in a variety of games.

Investment Requirements

SecondLive is a blockchain play-to-earn game with no upfront investment required. All core metaverse features are free to access.

Earning Mechanics

The platform supports diverse monetization: users can earn by winning games, managing virtual businesses, creating and monetizing content, and trading digital assets on the built-in marketplace.

Staking BEAN tokens is another way to earn. Developers reward active participants with tokens for contributions like creating unique digital spaces or hosting events.

Earning Potential

Earnings in SecondLive depend on user activity, avatar or business popularity, and gaming luck. New users may earn a few dollars a month, while experienced entrepreneurs can withdraw several hundred dollars monthly.

9. The Sandbox: Metaverse with Limitless Opportunity

Game Concept

The Sandbox metaverse gives users maximum creative freedom. Players can build alternate realities, create businesses, network, play, and attend events. The platform’s philosophy is to prove digital worlds can be as rich and vibrant as real life.

The Sandbox has attracted celebrity fans, including Snoop Dogg, who purchased a virtual plot of land—boosting the platform’s prestige.

Investment Requirements

Exploring The Sandbox is free. All core metaverse features are accessible to every user at no cost.

Earning Mechanics

The Sandbox offers numerous monetization models: buy and resell virtual land, build and sell structures, create games, and join contests. Each activity offers unique earning opportunities.

Earning Potential

The Sandbox is among the most popular blockchain metaverses. Successful users can earn from hundreds to thousands of dollars monthly, depending on project scale and success.

Project Cryptocurrency

The native SAND token is used for buying in-game digital assets and serves as the primary reward for user activity and ecosystem contributions.

10. Army of Fortune: Strategy for Combat Enthusiasts

Game Concept

Army of Fortune immerses players in a strategic battle world. Gameplay involves character development, army building, and fighting evil for real money rewards. Players can battle in diverse locations, including historical sites like the Egyptian pyramids.

At review time, the project was in active testing but had already attracted significant crypto community attention. Early-stage blockchain play-to-earn games like this can quickly gain traction, offering early adopters substantial profit opportunities.

Investment Requirements

Participation in testing and later gameplay requires no financial investment.

Earning Mechanics

The main way to earn is by battling other player teams. Players can acquire valuable NFTs, which are then sellable on marketplaces or exchangeable for other digital assets, including cryptocurrencies.

Earning Potential

Testers report strong earning potential for Army of Fortune. Exact figures will be available after full launch.

11. Valhalla — Floki Inu: Strategy for Medieval Adventure Fans

Game Concept

Valhalla by Floki Inu plunges players into the world of Viking explorers and warriors. The game is set on Floki Island, where players explore uncharted lands, gather resources, form clans, and complete quests.

Investment Requirements

At review time, alpha access to Valhalla – Floki Inu on the Optimism Goerli testnet was free. Developers provide test tokens via a faucet for game entry.

After official release, only FLOKI token holders will have access to the metaverse. The token is needed for character viability and game participation.

Earning Mechanics

Players earn by winning battles, collecting resources, and building or expanding communities. Earnings can also be made by reselling digital assets on internal and external marketplaces.

Earning Potential

Active players may earn several dozen dollars monthly, with higher income possible through deeper gameplay engagement.

Project Cryptocurrency

The FLOKI token is used for all settlements within the metaverse. Future plans include expanded token functionality, including maintaining character viability. FLOKI is also the main in-game reward for achievements.

12. Illuvium: RPG Metaverse Game

Game Concept

Illuvium casts players as explorers stranded on a mysterious planet ravaged by unknown disasters. The core goal is to explore and unravel the world’s secrets.

At review time, the game was in open beta, attracting users with its unique environment.

Investment Requirements

Illuvium is a blockchain play-to-earn game with no required investment. All users can access its basic features for free.

Earning Mechanics

Players can earn by mining resources, growing exotic plants, capturing and taming creatures, building new worlds, and battling other teams. There are opportunities to earn both Ethereum and the project’s native tokens.

Earning Potential

Some community members claim that active Illuvium players can earn thousands of dollars monthly, but this requires significant time and gaming skill.

Project Cryptocurrency

In addition to Ethereum earnings, users can earn Illuvium (ILV) tokens. ILV holders can participate in platform governance and influence project direction via voting.

13. Pirates of the Arrland: Strategy for Treasure Hunters

Game Concept

Pirates of the Arrland invites users to a pirate world filled with adventure and peril. Naval battles, ships, cannon fire, and pirate rum—all classic elements are present in this blockchain play-to-earn game.

Investment Requirements

No upfront investment is required. Users can start their pirate journey for free.

Earning Mechanics

Main earning methods include naval battles, treasure hunts, and selling loot for real money. Winnings include valuable NFTs as well as RUM and AARC tokens, both of which can be traded on exchanges for real money.

Earning Potential

Like other quality blockchain play-to-earn titles, Pirates of the Arrland can serve as a secondary income source. Active players report several hundred dollars in monthly earnings with regular participation.

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

Play-to-earn games are a new generation of gaming projects that go beyond traditional entertainment. They enable users to earn real money or crypto by actively playing and contributing to the ecosystem.

Key Categories of Play-to-Earn Games

The blockchain gaming market features several major monetization models:

Play-to-Earn: Players earn real money or tokens by completing quests, reaching goals, or trading digital items such as NFTs. Tap-to-earn clickers, where users are rewarded for simple actions like tapping, are included in this category.

Metaverses and Sandbox Games: These offer complex virtual worlds with passive earning opportunities. Users may earn by renting virtual real estate, characters, or items—earning income without constant active gameplay.

Technological Foundation

Blockchain play-to-earn games typically integrate crypto and blockchain technologies to ensure secure transfers and transparent, verifiable digital asset ownership.

By 2025, the play-to-earn industry continues rapid growth, with new monetization mechanics and passive income options attracting an ever-wider audience.

How to Choose a Passive Income Game in 2025

Many blockchain games offer promising earning potential, but not all are equally safe or profitable. When choosing where to invest your time and money, consider these key factors:

1. Player Ratings and Reviews

Start by studying user feedback and project reputation in the crypto community. A strong reputation reduces risks of scams or unreliable developers. Look for active communities, official channels, and a transparent team.

2. Passive Income Potential

Some games enable passive income through asset rental, token staking, or lending in-game items. Analyze the project’s long-term profitability. Games with sustainable long-term returns are a positive sign.

3. Easy Withdrawals

Prioritize projects with simple, secure crypto/token withdrawal processes. The best games allow quick, safe exchange of earnings for real money—essential if you plan to regularly withdraw instead of reinvesting.

4. Transparent Economic Model

Understand the project’s economic model—how rewards are distributed, where payout funds come from, and how tokens are issued. A sustainable economy is key to project longevity.

5. Developer Activity

Look for frequent updates, a public roadmap, and a track record of delivering on promises. Active development signals project seriousness.

How to Minimize Risk When Earning from Games

Like any investment, blockchain play-to-earn games involve risk. To protect your assets and limit losses, follow these guidelines:

Diversify Investments

Don’t put all your money and time into one project. Spread resources across various games and asset types—including non-gaming cryptocurrencies—for better risk management.

Thorough Risk Assessment

Research the project’s history, check the team, and consult experienced player reviews. Ensure smart contracts are audited and finances are transparent.

Asset Security

Use only trusted, proven platforms for crypto storage. For large sums, use hardware wallets and enable two-factor authentication. Don’t keep significant funds in game accounts—withdraw regularly to secure wallets.

Gradual Investment Increase

Start with minimal or free projects. Only increase investment after gaining experience and understanding game mechanics. This limits early-stage losses.

Market Monitoring

Stay informed about crypto and gaming industry news. Timely updates on project issues or economic changes will help you protect your funds.

Conclusion

In 2025, play-to-earn games are a promising avenue for passive income and a hot trend in gaming. Developers are quickly adopting play-to-earn mechanics, while gamers can turn their hobby into real revenue streams.

Blockchain-based play-to-earn games are key to onboarding new crypto users and driving blockchain adoption. They showcase practical uses of crypto and NFTs, making these technologies more accessible and understandable.

Still, users must be cautious when investing their time and money. The fast-moving sector is rife with scams and questionable projects. Careful research, community review, and gradual engagement will help you minimize risk and enjoy positive experiences in blockchain gaming.

Remember: success in play-to-earn depends on both choosing the right project and your willingness to learn, adapt, and stay active. With a smart approach, play-to-earn games can become a rewarding addition to your income portfolio.

FAQ

What is GameFi? How does it differ from traditional games and DeFi?

GameFi merges blockchain gaming with decentralized finance and NFTs, letting players earn real value through gameplay. Unlike traditional games, GameFi integrates financial infrastructure and in-game asset ownership, combining the best aspects of gaming, NFTs, and DeFi.

Which GameFi projects are worth watching in 2025?

In 2025, IMX (Immutable X) stands out in NFT and blockchain gaming, while GALA (Gala Games) continues to build a decentralized gaming ecosystem. Both projects have demonstrated notable growth in trading volumes and active user bases in the GameFi sector.

How can you earn money in GameFi games? What are the main earning strategies?

The main earning route in GameFi is the Play-to-Earn model. Players receive cryptocurrency for completing tasks, leveling up characters, and trading digital assets. Tokens earned can be converted into real-world money.

What risks are present in GameFi games, and how can they be avoided?

Key GameFi risks include vulnerabilities in smart contracts (ERC-20, NFT), cross-chain bridge attacks, DAO governance exploits, and centralized servers. To protect yourself, choose projects with audited code, verify infrastructure security, and use reputable wallets.

How much initial capital is needed to play GameFi?

Initial investment in GameFi ranges from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the game. Some allow for entry with minimal costs, while others require significant capital to acquire NFTs and tokens. Only invest what you can afford to lose.

What role do tokens and NFTs play in GameFi?

GameFi tokens provide in-game rewards and ecosystem governance, while NFTs represent unique in-game assets that can be traded and used for income generation.