The 10 Best Play-to-Earn NFT Games for Earning Rewards

NFT Games: Exploring New Business Opportunities

In traditional games, players purchased in-game items through microtransactions to enhance their experience. However, these items could only be used within the game and had no real-world economic value. Even fully priced titles often included in-game purchases for character or weapon customization, and such monetization models have historically created a market valued at up to $65 billion.

Free-to-play games issue in-game currencies for monetization. For example, Roblox—with 43 million daily users—uses Robux as its exclusive in-game currency. These virtual currencies have long enabled players to enrich their gameplay.

The rise of NFT games has fundamentally transformed gaming economies. In NFT games, in-game items are issued as NFTs (non-fungible tokens), allowing players to genuinely own, freely trade, and exchange these assets. This innovation introduces the potential for players to earn real economic rewards.

NFT game economies are built on two key components:

Use of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens)

• In-game items are minted as NFTs on the blockchain.
• Players have true ownership of NFTs, with the ability to freely trade or exchange them.
• Highly rare NFTs can sell at premium prices on marketplaces.
• Blockchain technology ensures both authenticity and ownership of assets.

In-Game Token Economy

• Serves as the core currency within the game ecosystem.
• Widely used for purchasing items and earning gameplay rewards.
• Token holders may participate in game operations or influence development decisions.
• Some tokens are redeemable for cash on external exchanges.

NFT games are fundamentally distinct from traditional games. Players are no longer just consumers—they become “owners” within the game economy, contributing to the ecosystem and potentially earning tangible rewards. This new model is driving innovation in the gaming industry and reshaping relationships between players and developers.

Play-to-Earn and Tap-to-Earn

“Play-to-Earn” (Play-to-Earn) and “Tap-to-Earn” are innovative earning models powered by blockchain and NFTs that have attracted significant attention in recent years. These models underpin new economic systems in NFT and blockchain games, making the previously unthinkable concept of “earning while playing” a reality.

How the Play-to-Earn Model Works

Play-to-Earn enables users to earn cryptocurrency or NFTs by playing games. In this system, in-game items and characters can be traded as NFTs and converted into real-world currency.

Examples and Key Features

• In games like Axie Infinity, players earn rewards by raising monsters and battling other players.
• Acquired NFTs can be sold to other players on marketplaces for profit.
• In developing countries, Play-to-Earn games have become a real source of income—many players now rely on them to cover living expenses.
• Players enjoy both entertainment value and tangible income from gaming.
• Skill improvements lead directly to higher earnings, helping sustain player motivation.

Tap-to-Earn: Simplicity and Accessibility

By contrast, Tap-to-Earn offers a simpler, more accessible earning model. Users receive rewards for simply tapping apps or performing easy actions.

Examples and Benefits

• Notcoin is a clicker game on Telegram where users earn crypto by tapping animated coins.
• At its peak, Notcoin attracted over 40 million users worldwide.
• Simple tasks yield rewards, allowing even busy users to participate casually.
• Repeated actions enable steady accumulation of rewards.
• With just a smartphone, users can earn income during commutes or breaks.

These new business models are creating “earning” ecosystems that go beyond traditional games and apps. The appeal of earning rewards while having fun has made Play-to-Earn and Tap-to-Earn popular across diverse demographics and regions. As key concepts in the digital economy, they are expected to see continued growth.

How to Earn in NFT Games

NFT games are fundamentally different from traditional games. Players don’t just play for fun—they have the potential to generate real economic returns through gameplay. This innovation has evolved games from pure entertainment into “income-generating activities.” There are three primary approaches to earning in NFT games:

1. Monetizing NFT Trades

Players can sell in-game NFTs on dedicated marketplaces to receive cryptocurrency or fiat. NFT values fluctuate based on rarity, in-game usefulness, and the game’s overall popularity.

• Rare NFTs can command high prices in marketplaces.
• High-rarity characters and powerful weapons are especially sought after.
• NFT values shift daily according to player numbers and market demand.
• Timing sales well can generate significant profits.

2. Earning Gameplay Rewards

Players can steadily accumulate tokens or NFTs through daily gameplay, building assets while enjoying the experience.

• Completing daily missions yields regular rewards.
• Participating in limited-time events unlocks special rewards and rare items.
• Winning PvP (player vs. player) battles offers extra rewards.
• Earned rewards can be sold on marketplaces or used to upgrade in-game items.
• Consistent play enables multiple streams of revenue.

3. Leveraging the Play-to-Earn (P2E) Model

Many NFT games adopt the Play-to-Earn model, directly linking gameplay with cryptocurrency rewards.

• Often, an initial investment in specific NFTs is required to start playing.
• Cryptocurrency earned through gameplay can be cashed out on exchanges.
• Earned tokens may also be used in other games or on DeFi platforms.
• Some games allow players to rent out NFTs to others for passive income.
• Long-term play can recoup the initial investment and generate steady profits.

NFT games attract global attention as a new genre enabling players to earn while having fun. However, due to risks such as market volatility and upfront investment requirements, it’s critical for participants to thoroughly research and fully understand the landscape before getting involved.

Top NFT Game #1: Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity is a Play-to-Earn (P2E) game inspired by beloved Japanese franchises like Pokémon and Tamagotchi. The metaverse platform runs on the Ethereum blockchain, leveraging NFT technology to represent unique characters, land, and other assets.

Launched in March 2018, Axie Infinity is recognized as a trailblazer that propelled the NFT gaming industry. The Vietnam-based team, led by Trung Nguyen and Sky Mavis, blended addictive gameplay with a robust economic system, making the game a genuine income source for many players.

The core gameplay of Axie Infinity centers on tactical, skill-based battles. Players assemble three fantastical creatures called “Axies” and engage in strategy combat. These Axies are issued as NFTs and can be freely traded on the marketplace.

Winning battles grants players “Smooth Love Potion (SLP),” a vital in-game resource. SLP is a tradable token used to breed and evolve Axies and is available on external exchanges, giving it real-world value.

Game Economy

Axie Infinity’s multi-billion-dollar economy is underpinned by three main digital assets:

Smooth Love Potion (SLP)

• Indispensable for breeding and evolving Axies.
• Players earn SLP by winning daily battles or quests.
• SLP can be traded on external exchanges and provides genuine revenue.

Axie NFTs

• The core of all in-game economic activity.
• Prices on the Axie Infinity NFT marketplace range from $60 to over $300.
• Value varies greatly by rarity and attributes.
• Raising and selling powerful Axies can yield substantial profits.

Axie Infinity (AXS) Token

• Serves as the native governance token for the game.
• Also called the “Axie Infinity Shard Token.”
• Players earn AXS by playing.
• Staking AXS yields additional rewards.
• Token holders have voting rights on game development and fee structures.

Staking works much like a bank deposit—by locking AXS in a liquidity pool, players earn additional AXS rewards and help stabilize the ecosystem.

The total supply of AXS tokens is capped at 270 million, with 21% held by Sky Mavis for fundraising. For Play-to-Earn rewards, 20% of AXS is allocated over 4.5 years.

Top NFT Game #2: The Sandbox

The Sandbox is a user-driven metaverse game platform powered by blockchain. Players purchase virtual land called “LAND” and engage in activities such as game creation, avatar customization, and item sales—playing, creating, and earning in a dynamic ecosystem.

The vast metaverse includes 166,464 LAND parcels, allowing players to interact globally and embark on diverse adventures. LAND owners can create unique games, place avatars, and set up original items to fully express their creativity.

A standout feature is the “Game Maker” tool, which lets anyone build 3D games—no programming required. This has lowered the barrier to game development and empowered more creators to realize their visions in the metaverse.

Main Tool Suite in The Sandbox

VoxEdit

• An intuitive tool for creating voxel-style 3D objects.
• Created objects can be minted as NFTs.
• Creators can monetize their work through the marketplace.

Marketplace

• A venue for trading voxelized or tokenized assets.
• Players and creators can list or purchase unique items.
• Rare items often fetch high prices in active markets.

Game Maker

• Build original games using Sandbox’s rule set.
• No coding needed—create games via drag-and-drop tools.
• Publish games for others to play.

LAND (virtual real estate) is available for purchase using the SAND token or ETH and is actively traded on major exchanges and NFT marketplaces like OpenSea. As blockchain-verified, limited-supply assets, LAND parcels have high scarcity value and are expected to appreciate as the metaverse grows.

Game Economy

SAND is The Sandbox’s native token and the backbone of its metaverse economy. Nearly all transactions between users use SAND.

As a governance token, SAND has several uses:

Buying In-Game Items and Avatars

• Purchase items and avatars from the marketplace.
• Access unique creations by other users.

Buying LAND

• LAND is virtual real estate purchased with SAND tokens.
• Ownership enables users to create their own worlds.

Using Game Creation Tools

• SAND is required for premium Game Maker features.
• Unlock advanced game development tools.

Participating in Governance

• Vote on proposals or operations affecting the platform.
• Help shape The Sandbox’s future as a community member.

Staking for Rewards

• Deposit SAND to earn extra rewards.
• Encourages long-term holding and ecosystem support.

SAND is essential for all economic activities—playing, customizing avatars, acquiring land, or trading assets. The token economy underpins The Sandbox’s sustainable ecosystem.

Top NFT Game #3: Gas Hero

Gas Hero is a social and strategy game developed by Find Satoshi Labs on the Polygon chain. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players control “Gas Heroes” with special abilities to battle an AI bent on humanity’s destruction.

Community-driven elements are central—player cooperation and competition are key. Players train heroes and use strategy to compete against both other players and AI-controlled enemies as they progress.

Core Gameplay

New players start with four free Gas Heroes. These can be used to build a base and engage in battles. As the game advances, players collect more heroes to form stronger teams.

Players battle AI enemies and other players, earning items and resources that can be traded on the marketplace. Each hero has unique rarity and a lifespan—after a certain period, they “die,” supporting a healthy in-game economy and continuous demand for new heroes.

Game Economy

GMT Token Uses and Features

GMT is the main cryptocurrency in Gas Hero and the foundation of its economy.

Native In-Game Token

• GMT is the base currency for all economic activities.

Main Uses

• Purchasing items: weapons, armor, consumables, etc.
• Boosting heroes: temporarily or permanently enhance their abilities.
• Base expansion: build and upgrade defenses.

Exchange Trading

• GMT is tradable on major exchanges and holds real value outside the game.
• Players can cash out their GMT earnings.

Leadership Rewards

• Leaders in guilds or clans receive special rewards and a share of tax revenue in GMT.
• Leadership offers an extra income stream.

Players strategically use Gas Hero NFTs for PvP and PvE battles, strengthening heroes and advancing in the game. The leadership system and rewards further motivate participation.

Top NFT Game #4: Decentraland

Decentraland is a web-based 3D virtual world on Ethereum. Founded by Ariel Meilich and Esteban Ordano, it held its first ICO in 2017 and opened to the public in 2020.

Decentraland offers a comprehensive metaverse experience, not just a gaming platform. It has hosted major virtual events, such as the Metamask party for 10 million users and the Super Bowl at Miller Lite’s Dive Bar “Metaverse.”

Global artists like Ariana Grande, Travis Scott, Marshmello, and Justin Bieber have held virtual concerts here, boosting Decentraland’s prominence and showcasing the potential of metaverse events.

Game Economy

MANA Governance Token is the core of Decentraland’s economic system.

Main Uses of MANA

Purchasing LAND

• Buy LAND (virtual real estate), which is scarce and highly valued.
• LAND ownership allows users to create custom spaces and activities.

Purchasing Items and Avatars

• Buy items and avatars from the marketplace.
• Access unique items made by creators and customize avatars.

Participating in Governance

• Vote on platform proposals and decisions.
• Influence Decentraland’s future and engage in DAO governance.

MANA is used for all transactions—LAND, items, and avatars. The token is listed on major exchanges and underpins Decentraland’s economy.

As a user-driven platform, Decentraland may develop a complete economic system, potentially increasing MANA’s value as the metaverse market grows.

Top NFT Game #5: STEPN

STEPN is a Move-to-Earn (M2E) blockchain game launched in late 2021, merging real-world fitness with blockchain technology for a unique experience.

Users buy NFT sneakers on the STEPN app, and their walking, running, or jogging is automatically recorded. By hitting step targets, users earn GMT or GST tokens.

STEPN’s model—earning crypto by exercising—attracted major attention, capitalizing on rising health trends and blockchain adoption.

STEPN Key Features

• Physical activity translates directly to earnings.
• Uses smartphone GPS to track distance accurately.
• Promotes healthy living while offering real rewards.
• NFT sneaker rarity and stats affect token yield.

Game Economy

STEPN’s economy is built on two tokens: GST and GMT, ensuring stability and sustainability.

GST (Green Satoshi Token)

• The core in-game currency.
• Used for repairing and upgrading sneakers, and for rental fees.

GMT (Green Metaverse Token)

• The governance token for staking, voting, and minting new sneakers.
• Required for high-level upgrades.

How to Earn

Exercise-Based Earnings

• Buy NFT sneakers and earn GMT or GST by walking, running, or jogging.
• Token amounts depend on intensity and distance, and higher rarity yields more tokens.

NFT Sneaker Rental

• Lend sneakers to other players to earn GST and share in their earnings.

Marketplace Trading

• Buy and sell NFT sneakers for GST and GMT; rare or well-leveled sneakers fetch higher prices.
• Market savvy can generate investment returns.

Top NFT Game #6: Illuvium

Illuvium is a fast-rising NFT game that fuses blockchain-based RPG mechanics with DeFi, delivering a next-generation gaming experience.

Players explore a fantasy world, capturing, raising, and battling mystical creatures called Illuvials, which are at the heart of the gameplay.

Illuvium Game System

Players explore vast worlds to collect monsters. Captured Illuvials become NFTs on the blockchain, giving players full digital ownership.

Players battle other users and NPCs, using strategic team building and tactics to win valuable rewards and resources.

Monster collections can be managed and traded on the marketplace. Rare or well-developed Illuvials may command premium prices.

Game Economy

Illuvium’s dual-token system—ILV and sILV—ensures a stable and liquid in-game economy.

ILV (Illuvium Token)

• Governance token with voting rights and staking rewards.
• Used to buy rare Illuvials and items.
• Tradable on major external exchanges.

sILV (Staked ILV)

• In-game currency for boosting Illuvials and buying items.
• Usable only within the game, but has no lockup period.

Token Dynamics

ILV anchors the NFT game economy, offering governance, yield farming, and staking, just like leading DeFi platforms.

sILV is immediately usable in-game, while staked ILV is locked for one year, creating a dynamic, stable, and liquid system that supports both short-term play and long-term investment.

Top NFT Game #7: Shrapnel

Shrapnel is a AAA first-person shooter from Neon Machine in Seattle, blending high-end graphics and Web3 tech. Early access is underway, with a full release planned.

World and Story

Set in a post-apocalyptic future caused by an asteroid strike, players join the Mercenary Extraction Force, fighting for survival in a perilous “Zone.”

Gameplay Highlights

Players gather resources, battle others, and loot enemy gear as NFTs, which are usable in future sessions. Rewards from battles upgrade equipment and unlock harder missions, supporting continuous progression.

Players can also create and mint vanity items as NFTs for marketplace trading, turning creative efforts into income.

Game Economy

About SHRAP Token

SHRAP is an ERC-20 token on Avalanche C-chain, central to Shrapnel’s economy.

Main Uses

Purchasing and Boosting In-Game Items

• Buy weapons, armor, consumables, and boosts to enhance gameplay.

NFT Minting and Marketplace Trading

• Mint and trade vanity NFTs on the marketplace; rare items can fetch high prices.

Governance

• Vote on game content, visibility, and development proposals in a community-driven process.

Tradable on Major Exchanges

Players can cash out SHRAP or purchase it externally for in-game use, adding real-world value to in-game achievements.

Shrapnel combines AAA quality with Web3, letting players trade in-game NFTs for real value—a breakthrough for FPS games.

Top NFT Game #8: Star Atlas

Star Atlas is a next-gen MMORPG built on Unreal Engine 5, boasting cinematic graphics and a massive universe where players compete for territory among various races and factions.

Game Features

Star Atlas offers third-person shooting, spaceship combat, and fleet battles—requiring strategic thinking, collaboration, and competition.

Players explore and mine resources, customize and battle spaceships, and join large-scale fleet wars for territory.

NFT Technology

Players own and trade spaceships, land, and digital assets as NFTs, with full blockchain-backed ownership. Value varies by rarity and customization, and land ownership grants resource mining and construction rights for long-term earnings.

Game Economy

Star Atlas uses a dual-token system:

ATLAS—the main in-game currency for:

• Purchasing items, ship repairs, fuel, staking, and trading resources.

POLIS—the governance token for:

• DAO voting, proposing new features, territory governance, and long-term investment.

Ways to Earn

• Exploring, mining, building, trading, and winning battles to collect ATLAS tokens.

Star Atlas stands out for its deep gameplay, advanced graphics, and blockchain integration.

Top NFT Game #9: SYMBIOGENESIS

SYMBIOGENESIS is Square Enix’s debut NFT game, set on a floating continent with collectible character NFTs and strategic, narrative-driven gameplay.

The project offers 10,000 unique NFT artworks, with game features released in six chapters. Character NFTs are designed for PFP use and will be released and sold in stages.

Key Appeal

SYMBIOGENESIS emphasizes player interaction and collaborative storytelling. Players work together to overcome powerful enemies and unravel intricate narrative mysteries.

Player choices directly affect the story’s outcome, letting the community shape an epic narrative through their NFTs.

Game Economy

SYMBIOGENESIS does not issue its own token. Instead, gameplay focuses on unlocking the main story and individual character arcs through item discovery and narrative exploration.

How to Play

Two main play styles:

1. Main Story and Missions

• Clear six chapters of the story, completing missions to advance the plot and reveal secrets.
• Player choices can alter the narrative’s direction.

2. Exploring for Hidden Items

• Tap locations to find hidden items, clear quests, and uncover world lore.

Ways to Acquire Items

• Explore the map, use in-game hints and player exchanges, or purchase directly from NFT marketplaces.

SYMBIOGENESIS merges Square Enix’s storytelling with NFT technology for a new entertainment experience.

Top NFT Game #10: Heroes of Mavia

Heroes of Mavia is a multiplayer strategy game from Skrice Studios, built on Base chain. Players build cities, train armies, and expand their empires through war and resource management.

This city-building game requires strategic placement of defenses, efficient resource mining, and tactical planning. An NFT marketplace is planned, allowing players to freely trade assets—rare items and developed land may fetch high prices.

In-Game NFTs

Key NFT assets include land (with resources), decorations, monuments, skins, weapons, and construction tools.

Gameplay Features

Players must strategically place defenses, efficiently mine resources, and manage long-term growth. A marketplace will allow trading of rare and developed assets.

Heroes of Mavia is available on mobile via app stores for on-the-go play.

Game Economy

Three tokens:

Ruby

• Earned through gameplay, used for tournaments, legendary items, and trading.

Sapphire

• Premium, cash-purchasable token for instant builds, extra builders, and boosts.

MAVIA Token

• The only tradable and governance token; holders vote on game improvements and policies. Tradable on major exchanges.

Heroes of Mavia stands out for its blend of city-building, strategy, NFT asset trading, and governance—delivering a rich, long-term gaming experience.

Future Outlook for NFT Games

Industry experts and market research organizations offer a positive forecast:

Market Growth

• The NFT game market could reach $260 billion in the coming years.
• Growth is fueled by blockchain adoption and the expanding metaverse.
• NFT games are set to become a major driver of gaming industry revenue.

New Forms of Entertainment

• NFT games may redefine entertainment, education, and engagement.
• Gamification can promote learning, while virtual events and concerts in the metaverse will become more common.

New Revenue Streams for Developers and Creators

NFT games offer ongoing fees from NFT sales and marketplace transactions, supporting continuous development. Creators can monetize original items and artwork, earning royalties on secondary sales.

A comprehensive ecosystem benefits players, creators, and developers alike, sustaining NFT game growth.

Technology and Usability Advances

• Lower gas fees and faster transactions improve user experience.
• User-friendly wallets make NFT gaming accessible to beginners.
• Cross-chain technology is simplifying asset transfers across blockchains.

Legal and Regulatory Progress

Governments and regulators are establishing NFT and blockchain laws, improving transparency and safety. Legal frameworks will encourage investment and healthy market growth.

Overall, NFT games have a bright future, driven by technological evolution, market expansion, and innovative business models.

FAQ

What Are Play-to-Earn (P2E) NFT Games?

Play-to-Earn (P2E) NFT games let players monetize in-game achievements as crypto assets or NFTs. Players earn rewards with real value by completing missions or acquiring items.

How Do NFT Games Generate Earnings?

Players earn by collecting tokens through Play-to-Earn models or selling in-game NFTs. Tokens and NFTs can be sold on marketplaces, with earnings tied directly to playtime and market demand.

How Much Initial Investment Is Required to Start Earning in NFT Games?

Initial investment varies by game and platform. Most require at least several thousand to tens of thousands of yen, and in Axie Infinity, players can expect to earn about 4,500 yen per month. Some games are free to start, but meaningful earnings typically require an upfront investment.

What Are the Main Income Sources in NFT Games?

Main income sources are in-game tokens and selling NFT assets. The Play-to-Earn model rewards players with tokens and NFTs that can be sold to others on marketplaces for profit.

What Are Popular Play-to-Earn Games?

Axie Infinity, The Sandbox, Decentraland, Splinterlands, and Alien Worlds are leading examples. Players profit by selling assets or earning staking rewards.

What Are the Risks or Precautions When Earning in NFT Games?

If a game shuts down, item value may be lost. Prices are volatile, and reliance on new players can cause token values to crash. Beware of scams and counterfeit NFTs. Legal ownership is limited to usage rights, not property rights.

Which NFT Games Are Beginner-Friendly for Earning?

Gods Unchained and Crypto Spells are recommended. Both are free-to-play trading card games, easy for newcomers, and allow players to profit from card trading.

Is NFT Game Profitability Sustainable?

NFT game earning can be sustainable. The Play-to-Earn model enables trading NFT items and characters for profit. As the market matures and major companies join, long-term growth looks promising.

How Do NFT Games Differ from Traditional Games?

NFT games give users direct control over in-game assets, while traditional games’ assets are lost if the service ends. Blockchain technology ensures secure transactions, resists cheating, and allows players to earn through gameplay.

How Much Can You Realistically Earn per Month with NFT Games?

With the right skills and effort, earning around 100,000 yen per month is realistic. Choosing the right games and managing playtime can further boost earnings.