Play-to-Earn Games: Leading GameFi Projects of Recent Years

Introduction to GameFi and Play-to-Earn

The rapid expansion of the digital asset market in recent years has significantly boosted the popularity of GameFi (gaming finance). This sector encompasses innovative blockchain-based play-to-earn games. These projects introduce the groundbreaking Play-to-Earn model, allowing gamers to monetize their time and generate real income through gameplay.

The BeInCrypto editorial team has curated an up-to-date, in-depth list of play-to-earn games that let you effectively monetize your passion and earn real rewards while immersing yourself in engaging gameplay. Each featured project has been thoroughly evaluated for earning potential, security, and user experience.

Top Play-to-Earn Games: Leading Projects

BeInCrypto’s editorial team conducted a comprehensive analysis of available play-to-earn projects, selecting the games most discussed by the crypto community, showing steady user growth, and offering genuine earning opportunities. Each project was assessed across multiple criteria, including platform reliability, economic model transparency, and feedback from real players.

1. Hamster Kombat: Popular Telegram Game

Hamster Kombat is one of the most popular tap games on Telegram within the TON ecosystem. Its simple "tap the hamster to earn" mechanic has attracted millions of users globally, making it a leader in the tap-to-earn segment.

Blockchain: TON OS: Android, iOS, Windows, MAC Release Year: 2024 Investment Required: No

What’s the Game About?

The gameplay is straightforward and accessible to all: players tap the hamster image on their smartphone screens to collect in-game coins and unlock additional bonuses. The more you tap, the more coins you accumulate. The game also features upgrades and boosters to increase the efficiency of each tap.

How to Earn in Hamster Kombat?

The primary earning method is tapping the hamster regularly to accumulate in-game currency. Once the project’s cryptocurrency is listed on exchanges, players will be able to cash out their coins and convert them into real money. The developers have pledged a fair token distribution for active community members.

Hamster Kombat Cryptocurrency

The game features its own native token, HMSTR, forming the backbone of the project’s economy. The developers plan two large-scale airdrops to reward the most active and loyal players, providing extra incentive for consistent participation.

2. Major Platform Game: Bitcoin Prediction

A leading crypto platform has launched an innovative game that lets users earn by predicting bitcoin price movements and monetizing their forecasts for the top cryptocurrency.

Blockchain: — OS: Android, iOS, Windows, MAC Release Year: 2024 Investment Required: No

What’s the Game About?

Players are offered a unique experience—making short-term bitcoin price predictions. Accurate forecasts earn in-game tokens, which can be accumulated and later exchanged. The more correct predictions you make, the higher your earnings and in-game reputation.

The game also includes boosters for faster progress and an attractive referral program that lets you earn by inviting new participants.

How to Earn in This Game?

Join the game bot on Telegram and make your first bitcoin price prediction. Regular participation and forecast accuracy are rewarded with tokens, which can be saved for future conversion.

3. The Whale App Bot: Monetize Your Time

The Whale App Bot introduces an innovative approach—participate in in-app activities and monetize the time you spend using the application.

Blockchain: — OS: Android, iOS, Windows, MAC Release Year: 2024 Investment Required: No

What’s the Game About?

This unique ecosystem enables users to earn real rewards by monetizing their time and activity. To enjoy steady profits, regularly join a variety of in-app activities and attract new players through the referral system, earning a percentage of their activity.

How to Earn in The Whale App Bot?

Take part in the activities provided by the developers, complete daily tasks, and recruit new players through the referral program. The greater your activity and the larger your team, the higher your potential earnings.

4. Blum: Multifunctional Platform

Blum stands out with a wide range of activities and earning opportunities. Farm coins and participate in a diverse set of activities.

Blockchain: — OS: Android, iOS, Windows, MAC Release Year: 2024 Investment Required: No

What’s the Game About?

Blum’s developers provide multiple earning opportunities, from coin farming and simple task completion to exciting drop games and more. The variety ensures every player can find the most suitable way to earn.

How to Earn in Blum?

Farm coins regularly, complete assigned tasks, actively participate in drop games, and join other engaging platform events. Combining these methods helps maximize your earnings.

5. Zavod: Virtual Career

Zavod introduces a unique concept: build a career and work at a virtual factory to earn real income.

Blockchain: — OS: Android, iOS, Windows, MAC Release Year: 2024 Investment Required: No

What’s the Game About?

Zavod gives users an innovative way to earn by managing virtual factories and growing an industrial empire. Enterprises can be systematically upgraded to increase productivity. The game also features a career growth mechanic via union creation and development, adding a social dimension to gameplay.

How to Earn in Zavod?

Work efficiently at your virtual factory, continually upgrade facilities, and form and develop powerful unions. The higher your factory and union levels, the greater your earning opportunities.

6. City Holder: City-Building Simulator

City Holder lets you earn by creating new virtual worlds—build cities and collect income from their development.

Blockchain: — OS: Android, iOS, Windows, MAC Release Year: 2024 Investment Required: No

What’s the Game About?

Your main objective is to build thriving cities and attract new users to your virtual neighborhoods. The more appealing and developed your city, the more residents it draws and the higher your earnings.

How to Earn in City Holder?

Develop competitive, attractive cities and offer optimal living conditions for virtual residents to ensure a steady coin flow. Upgrading infrastructure and city amenities directly boosts your profitability.

7. Axie Infinity: Classic NFT Game

Axie Infinity is a collectible strategy NFT game for fans of tactical battles. Its world is populated by unique creatures—Axies—each represented as an NFT.

Blockchain: Ethereum, Ronin OS: Android, iOS, Windows, MAC Release Year: 2018 Investment Required: Yes

What’s the Game About?

Players build collections and systematically upgrade Axies—unique creatures inhabiting the Axie Infinity universe. Upgraded Axies can compete in thrilling battles, showcasing players’ strategic and tactical skills.

How to Earn in Axie Infinity?

Upgrade your Axies strategically to boost their attributes and value, then earn by reselling them at higher prices on the marketplace. Players can also earn tokens by winning PvP battles. Another way to earn is by breeding unique Axies through a strategic approach to crossbreeding.

Axie Infinity Cryptocurrency

The project’s native token, Axie Infinity (AXS), is central to the game’s ecosystem. AXS holders can earn passive income through staking and actively participate in project governance via decentralized voting.

8. SecondLive: Second Life Metaverse

SecondLive is an advanced digital reality simulator. This metaverse lets users create a full-fledged digital version of their lives, offering countless opportunities for self-expression and earning.

Blockchain: BNB Chain OS: Windows, MAC, Android, iOS Release Year: 2022 Investment Required: No

What’s the Game About?

SecondLive is a vast metaverse offering diverse activities and interactions. Users can participate in cultural exhibitions, attend unique events, connect with people around the world, go virtual shopping, build a digital business, and play engaging mini-games.

How to Earn in SecondLive?

Monetization options include winning games and tournaments, running a virtual business, creating unique content for sale, and earning income by trading digital assets on the built-in marketplace. Another option for passive income is staking BEAN tokens to earn interest.

9. The Sandbox: Metaverse Pioneer

The Sandbox features a wide variety of monetizable activities in its digital world. It’s a leading metaverse, offering nearly limitless opportunities for creativity and income.

Blockchain: Ethereum, Polygon OS: Windows Release Year: 2012 Investment Required: No

What’s the Game About?

The Sandbox lets players build their own alternate reality, create and grow profitable virtual businesses, make new connections, play games, and participate in a broad array of cultural and entertainment events.

How to Earn in The Sandbox?

Nearly every activity in this metaverse can be monetized. Buy and resell virtual land, construct and sell unique buildings, design engaging games, and compete in prize contests.

The Sandbox Cryptocurrency

The native token, The Sandbox (SAND), is the main currency in the ecosystem. SAND is required to purchase digital assets in-game, including land, items, and other NFTs.

10. Army of Fortune: Tactical Strategy

Army of Fortune is a compelling strategy game for fans of tactical battles. Choose your hero, build a formidable army, and earn real money through your victories.

Blockchain: Ethereum OS: Android, iOS Release Year: 2023 Investment Required: No

What’s the Game About?

Players systematically upgrade their characters’ abilities and build an unbeatable army to defeat evil forces and earn real rewards. The game emphasizes strategic thinking and tactical planning.

How to Earn in Army of Fortune?

Compete against other players in PvP mode, demonstrating tactical mastery. Earn valuable NFT assets that can be sold on marketplaces or exchanged for other sought-after digital assets.

11. Valhalla — Floki Inu: Viking World

Valhalla — Floki Inu is a strategy game for medieval adventure fans. Immerse yourself in the world of brave Vikings as they explore new lands and battle countless foes.

Blockchain: Ethereum, BNB Chain OS: Browser version Release Year: 2021 Investment Required: No

What’s the Game About?

Players dive into the atmospheric world of strong-willed Vikings who must constantly fight dangerous enemies for survival and prosperity. Explore fertile lands, mine valuable resources, form powerful clans, and complete a variety of quests.

How to Earn in Valhalla — Floki Inu?

Win epic battles, collect valuable in-game resources, form influential Viking communities, and earn a steady income by trading rare digital assets on the internal marketplace.

12. Illuvium: Sci-Fi RPG

Illuvium is a large-scale RPG metaverse adventure for sci-fi enthusiasts and fans of stunning extraterrestrial landscapes.

Blockchain: Ethereum OS: Windows, MAC, Android Release Year: 2022 Investment Required: No

What’s the Game About?

Players assume the role of a daring explorer stranded on a mysterious, uncharted planet full of dangers and opportunities. Your mission is to explore and survive in this new world.

How to Earn in Illuvium?

Mine rare resources, grow exotic plants for sale, capture and tame unique creatures, build a thriving new world, and compete in battles against other teams for territory control.

Illuvium Cryptocurrency

Earn Illuvium’s native token (ILV) in game, which has actual value on the crypto market. Holders can participate in decentralized platform governance through voting, directly influencing the project’s future.

13. Pirates of the Arrland: Pirate Adventures

Pirates of the Arrland is a fast-paced strategy game for true treasure hunters. Engage in thrilling sea battles and collect valuable prizes.

Blockchain: Ethereum, Polygon, Immutable-X OS: Windows, web version Release Year: 2022 Investment Required: No

What’s the Game About?

The game immerses users in a vibrant world of bold pirates, filled with adventure, danger, and opportunities to amass wealth.

How to Earn in Pirates of the Arrland?

Join naval battles against other pirates, hunt legendary treasure, and sell your loot for real money on the marketplace. Earnings include rare NFT assets and in-game tokens RUM and AARC, both convertible to cryptocurrency.

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

Play-to-earn games are innovative projects where users earn real money or crypto simply by actively participating in engaging gameplay. This concept is transforming the gaming industry by letting gamers monetize their hobby.

Main types of play-to-earn games:

• Play-to-Earn: Games where you earn real money or tokens for completing in-game tasks, participating in battles, or trading virtual items like NFTs. This category also includes popular tap-to-earn clickers, where earnings depend on player activity.

• Metaverses and sandboxes: Expansive games where you can earn even without daily active play. For example, rent out virtual real estate, pets, or rare items to other players for steady passive income without dedicating much time to gameplay.

These games typically leverage crypto elements and advanced blockchain technology, allowing players to transfer and exchange their earnings securely and transparently, without intermediaries.

How to Choose a Game for Passive Income

1. Player Ratings and Reviews

Carefully review player feedback and ratings on independent platforms. A solid reputation and positive reviews from real users greatly reduce the likelihood of fraud or untrustworthy developers. Consider community activity and developer support as well.

2. Passive Income Potential

Some games offer attractive passive income options, such as renting out virtual real estate, pets, or other assets. It’s crucial to fully understand and assess the long-term profitability and sustainability of your investment. Transparent long-term opportunities and a clear economic model are signs of a reliable project.

3. Ease of Withdrawal

Make sure it’s easy and fast to withdraw your earnings from the game. Many reputable games use popular cryptocurrencies and tokens, allowing players to convert them to real money quickly and with minimal fees via crypto exchanges.

How to Minimize Risks When Earning in Games

As with any investment, play-to-earn games carry certain risks. To minimize potential losses, follow these proven strategies:

• Diversification: Never put all your capital into a single game or project. It’s much safer to distribute funds among several promising projects with different earning mechanics—or even across different types of digital assets—to maximize protection.

• Risk Assessment: Before investing, do your research. Examine the project’s development history, check the background of the developer team, and read genuine player reviews on independent sites.

• Security: Always use reputable, established platforms and secure crypto wallets for storing your earnings. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.

Conclusion

Play-to-earn games have emerged as a leading way to generate passive income and represent a major trend in today’s gaming industry. Developers are leveraging innovative "play and earn" mechanics to monetize their projects, while gamers finally have the opportunity to earn real income from their favorite pastime.

Blockchain-based play-to-earn games are drawing new users into the crypto sector and accelerating mainstream adoption of blockchain technology. Still, users should choose projects with care and due diligence, as this rapidly growing sector unfortunately contains many scams, and there is a real risk of losing your investment if you’re not vigilant.

FAQ

What is GameFi, and how does it differ from traditional games?

GameFi combines gaming and finance through blockchain, allowing players to own assets and earn income. Unlike traditional games, GameFi features decentralized platforms, cross-game compatibility, and real economic value.

What are the top GameFi projects in 2024?

Top GameFi projects to watch in 2024 include Wreck League, Axie Infinity, and Star Atlas. These projects excel in gameplay, trading volume, and community engagement, with strong development prospects and market appeal.

How do you earn through GameFi games?

GameFi enables players to earn cryptocurrency and NFTs by completing in-game tasks. Players own blockchain-secured in-game assets. The P2E model merges gameplay with financial rewards, turning games into income sources.

Do GameFi projects require an initial investment?

Initial investment requirements in GameFi range from a few dollars to several hundred, depending on the project. Some games are free-to-play, while others require NFT purchases. Always review a project’s requirements before investing.

What are the key risks and security threats in GameFi?

Key risks in GameFi include poor token issuance management and vulnerabilities such as reentrancy attacks. Attackers may exploit contract logic for repeated transactions, leading to asset losses and compromised security.

How do you choose a reliable GameFi project for investment and play?

Consider the developers’ track record, the project’s whitepaper, and community engagement. Select projects with a proven history and growing user base. Check technical solutions, asset trading volumes, and project partnerships.