Crypto and Competition: Top 5 play-to-earn Games in 2025

Play-to-earn games have significantly changed how gamers and developers alike approach the game. The increasing popularity of NFTs and blockchain technology has vastly influenced the course, especially the p2e games, are taking.

The rising fame of digital assets like cryptocurrencies and NFTs has fueled the growth of play-to-earn games. It had a market size of $3292.73 million in 2022 and has only continued to grow. The market projection is to reach more than $8800 million by 2028. 

How do P2E games work?
P2e games have brought about dramatic changes in the gaming industry. It has created an innovative economy that goes beyond the gameplay. Players can earn cryptocurrencies as they climb up the levels in the game. 

The idea behind these games is to empower gamers by enabling them to earn tangible rewards. Now, let us comprehend how the earning mechanism in the game works. 

Tokenising In-Game Items 

• The games utilise blockchain technology to tokenise assets. 

• The tokens are known as NFTs or Non-fungible tokens. 

• Each token has a unique digital signature. 

• Players will have complete ownership, which gives a sense of rarity. 

The Economy surrounding the game

• The game creates a self-sustaining economy. 

• Players can buy, sell and trade tokenised assets. 

• A native cryptocurrency facilitates the transactions. 

Gameplay and Earning

• Players engage in battles, exploration, crafting or trading. 

• They earn in-game items, tokens or cryptocurrency. 

• The rewards enhance the gameplay and can be exchanged for real-world value. 

Blockchain Verifiation 

• All transactions will be recorded on the blockchain immutable ledger. 

• It ensures security and transparency. 

Community Governance 

• The community helps govern the course of the game, development and updates. 

Do you want to try any of the games? We have compiled a list of the best play-to-earn games in 2025. 

1. Alpha Returns 

Alpha Returns is a thrilling crypto game that empowers gamers by allowing them to own the in-game items as NFTs (Non-fungible tokens). The gameplay is highly immersive. The players can engage in exciting PvP battles while exploring visually stunning environments.
The play-to-earn mechanism is straightforward in this game. The Players earn Caesium Gold Coins in Alpha Returns as they climb up the levels in the game. They can later convert the Gold Coins into Caesium token in the wallet. It is the native token powering the self-sustaining ecosystem. It also ensures every transaction is transparent and secure.  

Alpha Returns experiments with a new dimension in gaming. It allows players to tokenise in-game assets as NFTs. Every asset has a unique digital signature, securely recorded on the blockchain. 

Such an innovative approach builds a secure and transparent ecosystem where players can buy, sell and trade digital assets. As the NFTs become scarce, they will increase in value and be highly sought-after collectables. 

Every battle is a battle against Cancer 

Additionally, the gamers play the game for a just cause. Whenever they win epic battles in the game, they win the battles against cancer. Wondering how? Caesium Lab, the brain behind Alpha Returns, has partnered with the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM). 

Whenever a gamer plays the game, a portion of the winnings goes toward supporting NCSM’s endeavour for cancer prevention, early detection and patient care.  

Pros 

• Free play-to-earn game 

• Stunning graphics and maps 

• High earning opportunity 

Cons 

• NFT purchases are essential for competitive gameplay 

• Volatility of the native token 

Android| IOS 

2. Polywin

Polywin has turned the table in online entertainment by perfectly blending crypto trading and exciting gaming. It is a leading play-to-earn platform operating on the Polygon blockchain. The platform gives easy access to a thrilling 45-second round where strategic bets yield the best rewards. 

Polywin allows users to plug into the action by removing the hassles of length registration and deposits. Out of the 30 seconds, the users can place the bet and wait for 15 seconds. Then, there happens a massive revealelation of the rewards.  

Transparency sets Polywin apart from its competitors. The game revolves around player-versus-player dynamics where their predictive skills are in the limelight. Combining real-time crypto-trading and gamified elements gives the users an instant rush by captivating them in the game. 

Pro 

• Players can earn NFTs and cryptocurrencies as rewards for playing the game. 

• Players can monetise their gaming skills, time and dedication. 

• Blockchain technology secures digital assets and makes every transaction transparent. 

Cons 

• The value of NFTs and cryptocurrencies is highly dependent on market volatility. 

•  The players must dedicate a significant amount of time to earn significant rewards. 

• The user interface can be tricky for new users to understand. 

3. Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity is a famous p2e game which allows users to earn crypto while playing a Pokémon-style game. The game requires players to breed and raise Axies, which will be helpful on the battlefield. 

Besides acquiring Axies from the in-game marketplace, players can purchase virtual real estate as NFTs. Robin, a side chain designed by Sky Mavis, facilitates and records transactions. 

As a play-to-earn game, Axis Infinity permits players to sell their in-game assets in the marketplace, including Axies. Another way players can earn rewards is by collecting tokens. The game has two unique crypto tokens: Axie Infinity Shards (AXS) and Small Love Potion (SLP).  

Pros 

• Diverse sources to earn, like SLP, AXS, and Axie trading. 

• Active community with frequent updates and support. 

• Complete ownership of Axies and in-game items.  

Cons  

• High initial investment for buying Axies 

• Market fluctuation determines the value of earnings 

• Highly time-consuming to earn rewards from daily activities.

Android| IOS 

4. The Sandbox 

Sandbox is a metaverse game built on the Ethereum blockchain. The game allows players to explore, purchase and customise the virtual land. The game is the top choice for hosting virtual events. The platform is also very popular, backed by celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Paris Hilton and global brands like Ubisoft, Adidas, and Gucci. They are building in the Sandbox metaverse. 

The blockchain-based game, Sandbox, offers three distinct products: VoxEdit, The Sandbox Marketplace, and The Sandbox Game Maker. 

In VoxEdit, the users can create and animate 3D objects for the Sandbox. The marketplace is where players can sell their digital assets. Finally, the game permits players to develop their 3D games. 

The users will need Sand tokens to purchase assets like lands: digital real estate. They can also use it to buy more SAND. 

Pros 

• The tools within the game create a unique virtual experience 

• Complete ownership and monetisation of digital assets 

• Strong community with collaborative opportunity 

Cons  

• High initial investment may be needed. 

• The users can be easily overwhelmed by the complex tools. 

• Monetisation depends on $SAND and NFT market value

5. Illuvium 

It is one of the best play-to-earn games. Illuvium operates on an interoperable blockchain game (IBG). The game offers an open-world exploration, autobattler and a city builder. They are all based on the Ethereum blockchain. 

The players need not require ILV, as the game offers a free-to-play experience for new users. To experience the game’s full features, you must pay to collect NFTs and explore more regions. 

The game lets you explore seven different landscapes and access Illuvium’s interlinked universe, the Illuvium Overworld, Illuvium Arena, and Illuvium Arena. Each environment offers players unique in-game experiences like capturing 150  Illuvials, building a team and a digital industry complex.  

Pro

• Stunning AAA-quality graphics 

• Long-time monetisation 

• Diverse game modes and interoperability 

Cons 

• Repetitive gameplay 

• High investment for competitive gameplay 

• The market determines the value of ILV tokens. 

Android| IOS 

In conclusion, play-to-earn games are becoming increasingly popular and accessible. As the name suggests, the games let users earn while playing. It transforms into an alternate source of income. The best play-to-earn games are Alpha Returns, Polywin, Axie Infinity, The Sandbox and Illuvium. These games manage to blend fun and earnings.