The NFT gaming space has gone through hype cycles, market crashes, and constant changes. Many projects disappeared, but a small number of NFT games continue to attract players, generate revenue, and operate sustainable in-game economies.
In this article, we look at the NFT games that have managed to survive. We break down how these games make money, how NFTs are used inside their ecosystems, and what helps their models stay alive beyond short-term hype. The goal is to give founders and decision-makers a clearer view of the market, highlight real patterns behind successful projects, and support better decisions before building or investing in an NFT game.
Top 12 best NFT games to make money
While there was a downturn in both the general blockchain industry and NFT games specifically, certain NFT games continued to show steady growth at the market’s forefront. Additionally, new NFT games play to earn made their appearance during this period.
Therefore, the opportunity to earn money through “play-to-earn” NFT games is still promising. With high-profile collaborations and an ongoing expanding market, NFT games are still gaining mainstream recognition and becoming a significant trend in the gaming industry.
Below are the top NFT games play to earn in 2026. The games are arranged according to their potential earnings, ranked from high to low.
| Top new nft games | Genre | Platform | Blockchain | Tokens | Average earnings/month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alien Worlds | Click Miner | Web | WAX/Binance Chain | TLM | $2-$5 per month for active players |
| Axie Infinity | Tactical Battle | PC | Ethereum/Ronin | SLP | $200-$500 per month for active players |
| CryptoMines | Mining, Simulation | PC | Ethereum | MINE | $5-$15 per month for active players |
| Decentraland | Gamefi | Web | Solana | MANA | $50-$200 per month for landowners and creators |
| Gods Unchained | Trading Card Game | PC/Mac | Immutable X/Ethereum | GODS | $50-$100 per month for skilled players |
| Illuvium | Base Building | PC | Ethereum/IMX | ILV | Early development stage |
| My DeFi Pet | Farming | Web | Binance Chain | DPET | $10-$30 per month for active players |
| Nine Chronicles | RPG | PC | Ethereum | NC | Early development stage |
| Pixel | Strategy, Simulation | PC, Mobile (Android, iOS) | Ethereum | PIXL | $10-$20 per month for active players |
| Sorare | Fantasy Football | PC, Mobile | Ethereum | SOR | $1-$3 per month for active players |
| Splinterlands | Trading Card Game/Auto-battler | PC | HIVE/WAX | DEC/SPS | $20-$50 per month for active players |
| The Sandbox | Metaverse | PC/Mac | Ethereum/Polygon | SAND | $100-$300 per month for landowners and creators |
1. Alien Worlds
Alien Worlds is a decentralized metaverse where players explore planets, mine resources, and engage in governance activities. The game incorporates mining, battling, and NFTs.
Key features
- Exploring various planets, mining resources, and participating in governance.
- Utilizing tools and equipment for efficient resource extraction.
- NFT-based assets contributing to the game’s economy and ownership.
Earning potential
- Mining TLM: This is the primary way to earn in Alien Worlds. You can sell your mined TLM on the market for other cryptocurrencies or real-world money.
- Staking TLM: Stake your TLM to earn passive income and participate in governance decisions.
- Land ownership: Owning Land allows you to mine TLM, rent it out for income, and benefit from potential future features like building structures and creating NFTs.
- Trading NFTs: You can buy and sell in-game NFTs (land, tools, and avatars) on the marketplace for profit.
Market status and profitability
Alien Worlds maintains a stable market and attracts new players. Earning TLM tokens through gameplay and NFT sales remains a viable way to generate profits.
2. Axie infinity
Axie Infinity is a turn-based RPG in which players collect, breed, and battle Axies, cute creatures each with unique strengths and abilities. Axies are represented by NFTs that players can own, trade, and battle. The game features a sophisticated economic system where players are rewarded with Smooth Love Potion (SLP) tokens for their in-game activities. These SLP tokens hold real-world value and can be converted into traditional currency. This unique feature allows players to not only enjoy the gameplay but also potentially earn money while doing so.. SLP is used to breed new Axies, and it can also be used to buy in-game items and upgrades.
Key features
- Axie Breeding: Create unique Axies with varying attributes, enhancing their value in the marketplace.
- Strategic Gameplay: Engage in strategic battles, outsmart opponents, and climb the leaderboards.
- Diverse Economy: Earn SLP tokens through various activities, including playing, breeding, and participating in the game’s economy.
Earning money with Axie Infinity
- SLP Rewards: You earn SLP tokens by playing Arena mode and completing daily quests. SLP can be exchanged for other cryptocurrencies or used to breed Axies.
- Breeding: Selling bred Axies on the Marketplace is another way to earn money. The value of an Axie depends on its rarity, genes, and abilities.
- Scholarships: You can lend your Axies to other players, who will use them to earn SLP and share the profits with you. This is a good way to earn passive income.
Market status and profitability
While still popular, Axie Infinity isn’t at its peak anymore. Earning profits is more challenging, requiring a larger investment and long-term commitment.
3. CryptoMines
CryptoMines involves players purchasing, managing, and breeding digital miners called “Mines” to mine various cryptocurrencies. The game revolves around managing mining operations and optimizing returns.
Key features
- Acquiring, breeding, and upgrading Mines for enhanced mining capabilities.
- Strategizing to optimize mining efficiency and profitability.
- Participating in a dynamic mining economy with different cryptocurrency rewards.
How to earn money
- Selling resources: This is the primary way to earn $ETERNAL. The value of resources fluctuates based on market demand.
- Staking $ETERNAL: Earn passive income by staking your tokens.
- Trading NFTs: Buy and sell worker NFTs on the marketplace to potentially profit from price fluctuations.
- Participating in events: CryptoMines occasionally hosts events with exclusive rewards.
Market status and profitability
CryptoMines also shows a decline in popularity with fewer players. Profitability has become more challenging and requires a higher initial investment.
4. Decentraland
Decentraland is a virtual world in which players can explore, buy land, and create their own experiences. Players can earn MANA tokens by participating in various activities, such as completing quests, renting out land, or selling virtual goods. MANA is the game’s native currency, and it can be used to buy in-game items and upgrades.
Key features
- Open-World Exploration: Embark on adventures through the ever-expanding virtual world of Decentraland.
- Land Ownership: Purchase and develop virtual land, expanding your influence within the metaverse.
- Creator Economy: Monetize your creations by selling virtual goods or renting out your land to other players.
Earning opportunities
- LAND Ownership: Get your own piece of virtual land to create cool stuff like games or businesses. Then, charge others to join in on the fun!
- MANA Token: MANA is Decentraland’s special token.
- Content Creation: Let your creativity soar! Make and sell wearables, unique digital creations, or exciting events like art shows and games.
Market status and profitability
Decentraland boasts a relatively stable market, attracting many metaverse projects. It offers high-profit potential through virtual land and NFT investments.
5. Gods Unchained
Gods Unchained is a digital trading card game in which players collect, trade, and battle cards. Each card has unique stats and abilities, and players must carefully consider their team composition before each battle. The game has a turn-based card battle system, and players can earn God’s Token (GODS) tokens by playing the game, which can be sold for real-world currency. GODS is used to buy new cards, and it can also be used to buy in-game items and upgrades.
Key features
- Free-to-Play Access: Eliminates the financial barrier for entry, fostering a broader player base.
- Strategic Card Battles: Engage in intense card battles, strategizing to defeat opponents and gain dominance.
- Earnable Rewards: Accumulate GODS tokens through gameplay, trading, and participating in the game’s economy.
Earning potential
Gods Unchained offers several ways to earn money. The breakdown of the main methods is as follows:
- Open packs and sell cards: As you level up and play, you’ll earn card packs containing tradable cards. You can then sell these cards on the Gods Unchained marketplace for Ethereum.
- Weekend Ranked: Compete in the weekly ranked mode. Top players can win significant amounts of $GODS tokens, the game’s native currency.
- Daily Quests: Complete daily quests to earn Flux, which can be used to forge cards or trade for other items.
- Staking: Hold $GODS tokens and earn passive rewards based on the total amount staked by the community.
Market status and profitability
Gods Unchained maintains its popularity with a strong and engaged gaming community. Earning GODS tokens through victories and NFT sales remains a viable way to profit.
6. Illuvium
Illuvium is a new NFT game with an open-world RPG adventure allowing players to capture, battle, and collect creatures known as Illuvials. The game focuses on turn-based battles and exploration within a decentralized universe.
Key features
- Capturing and battling a diverse range of Illuvials.
- Exploring a visually stunning and immersive open-world environment.
- Strategic gameplay with unique Illuvial abilities and team compositions.
How to earn money
Trading Illuvials:
- Illuvials are NFTs (non-fungible tokens) that can be traded on the Illuvium marketplace and other NFT platforms.
- Rare and powerful Illuvials can fetch significant prices, depending on their stats, abilities, and affinities.
- You can strategically breed and fuse Illuvials to create valuable offspring.
Playing the Arena:
- Earn rewards like ILV tokens and rare items by winning battles and climbing the ranked ladder.
- Participate in tournaments and special events for unique high-value rewards.
Land Ownership (Zero Alpha):
- Landowners can earn income by selling resources extracted from their land, crafting and selling NFT blueprints, and renting out their land to other players.
Market status and profitability
This newly launched game has been drawing in a significant number of new players and presents a high potential for profit through NFT investments.
7. My DeFi Pet
My DeFi Pet is a game centered around collecting, breeding, and battling digital pets called DeFi Pets. Players engage in pet management, battling, and progression within the game.
Key features
- Collecting, breeding, and evolving diverse DeFi Pets with unique traits.
- Battling against other players’ pets in strategic matchups.
- Progressing through various levels and challenges in the game.
Earning potential
- Selling Pets: Breed rare and desirable pets to sell them on the marketplace for DPET.
- Winning Battles: Earn DPET and exclusive rewards by winning battles in tournaments and events.
- Staking DPET: Stake your DPET tokens to earn passive income.
- Participating in DeFi Activities: My DeFi Pet offers various DeFi features like lending and liquidity pools where you can earn interest on your DPET tokens.
Market status
Compared to its peak, My DeFi Pet’s market has cooled down with fewer players. Profitability has become more challenging and requires a higher initial investment.
8. Nine Chronicles
Nine Chronicles is an open-source RPG game where players explore a procedurally generated world, craft items, and engage in combat and questing.
Key features
- Procedurally generated world for exploration and questing.
- Crafting items, gear, and weapons using in-game resources.
- Participating in combat against monsters and enemies.
Earning money
While Nine Chronicles is primarily a free-to-play game, there are ways to earn money:
Mining:
- Mine various resources like gold, gems, and other materials.
- Sell these resources on the in-game market for Nine Chronicles’ native token, NCG.
- NCG can be converted to other cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies on external exchanges.
Trading:
- Craft rare equipment or consumables through advanced crafting systems.
- Trade these items on the in-game market for NCG.
- Invest in promising player-created content like NFTs or in-game assets.
Governance:
- Participate in the game’s decentralized governance system by voting on proposals and shaping the future of the game.
- Earn rewards for active participation, depending on the implemented governance system.
Play-to-earn features:
- Participate in specific events or game modes designed for earning NCG through gameplay.
- Compete in tournaments or leaderboards for high-value rewards.
Market status and profitability
This newly launched game has been attracting new players and shows high potential for profitability with numerous NFT investment opportunities.
9. Pixel
Pixel is a play-to-earn virtual world game where players collect and breed Pixelmons, creatures with unique traits. Gameplay includes creature management, battling, and exploration in a metaverse.
Key Features
- Collecting and breeding diverse Pixelmons with distinct attributes.
- Engaging in battles and quests within an immersive virtual world.
- Crafting and customizing Pixelmons for strategic advantages.
How to earn money
In-game Marketplace:
- Sell your crafted items, agricultural products, and other in-game assets on the marketplace for $PIXEL tokens.
- As the game develops, the marketplace is expected to offer more opportunities for buying, selling, and trading assets.
Land Ownership:
- Owning land allows you to enjoy various benefits like resource generation, building opportunities, and potential future income streams.
- You can rent out your land to other players or utilize it for advanced farming and crafting activities.
Community-driven Initiatives:
- Participate in community-organized events, tournaments, and challenges for exclusive rewards.
- Contribute to the community by creating valuable content, guides, and tutorials to earn recognition and rewards.
Future Development:
- The implementation of the $PIXEL token will unlock additional earning opportunities through:
- Earning tokens through gameplay and activities.
- Staking tokens for passive income.
- Participating in token-based governance and decision-making processes.
Market status and profitability
Pixel’s market has cooled down with a smaller player base. Earning profits has become more difficult and requires a higher initial investment.
10. Sorare
Sorare is a fantasy football game where players collect, trade, and manage digital player cards representing real-life footballers. The game involves building teams and competing in leagues.
Key features
- Collecting and managing digital player cards from real football leagues.
- Forming teams, participating in leagues, and engaging in player card trading.
- Competing against other managers in fantasy football tournaments.
Earning potential
- Winning tournaments: This is the most obvious way to earn money. The prizes for tournaments can range from a few dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
- Selling cards on the transfer market: The value of Sorare cards is based on a number of factors, including the player’s performance, rarity of the card, and the demand for the card. If you can buy cards that you think will increase in value, you can sell them on the transfer market for a profit.
- Playing in private leagues: Private leagues are leagues that are created by individual users. These leagues can have higher entry fees and larger prizes than regular tournaments.
Market status and profitability
Sorare remains popular, attracting many football fans. Earning SOR tokens through victories and NFT sales is a viable profit strategy.
11. Splinterlands
Splinterlands is a digital trading card game in which players collect, trade, and battle cards. Each card has unique stats and abilities, and players must carefully consider their team composition before each battle. The game has a turn-based card battle system, and players can earn Dark Energy Crystals (DEC) tokens by playing the game, which can be sold for real-world currency. DEC is used to buy new cards, and it can also be used to buy in-game items and upgrades.
Key features
- Expansive Collection: Discover a vast library of cards, each with unique attributes and strategies.
- Strategic Deckbuilding: Craft customized decks tailored to your playstyle and battle prowess.
- Lucrative Earning Potential: Earn DEC tokens through battles, quests, and tournaments, convertible into real-world currency.
Earning money with Splinterlands
Splinterlands offers various ways to turn your gameplay into financial rewards. As you progress in ranked battles, you get better seasonal rewards like DEC, cards, and SPS (Splintershards) that make your game better. Winning tournaments also gives you lots of DEC, SPS, and even rare cards. The marketplace lets you trade cards you don’t need for DEC or cryptocurrency; however, be careful and check card values. You can also rent your strong cards to other players for passive income in DEC. And if you stake your DEC tokens, you will earn interest and help make the network secure, unlocking more rewards.
Market status and profitability
Splinterlands remains popular with a large player community. Likewise, earning SPS tokens through wins and NFT sales is a viable profit strategy.
12. The Sandbox
The Sandbox is a 3D voxel-based metaverse where players can create, own, and monetize their gaming experiences. Players use voxel-based tools to build interactive experiences, such as games, quests, and social hubs. They can then rent out their LAND to other players, sell their creations as NFTs, or participate in the game’s economy through other means.
Key features
- Voxel-Based Creation: Utilize voxel-based tools to construct immersive 3D experiences and unleash your creativity.
- Play-to-Earn Model: Earn SAND tokens through various activities, fostering a thriving in-game economy.
- Vibrant Community: Engage with other players, collaborate on projects, and share your creations within the Sandbox metaverse.
Earning opportunities
- Create and sell NFTs: Utilize the VoxEdit software to create 3D assets like avatars, vehicles, and buildings. These can be sold as NFTs on the Sandbox marketplace for SAND tokens.
- Develop and monetize experiences: The Game Maker tool allows you to build your own games and experiences within The Sandbox. These can be free or paid, generating revenue through entry fees, in-game purchases, and NFT sales.
- Land ownership: Owning LAND in The Sandbox allows you to build your own experiences and host others, generating income through various means like advertising, partnerships, and event fees.
- Staking: You can stake your SAND tokens to earn rewards and participate in governance decisions within The Sandbox ecosystem.
Market status and profitability
The Sandbox remains popular and continues to attract new players. It holds a high potential for profitability, offering numerous investment opportunities in virtual land and NFTs.
How can you determine which NFT game is the best fit for you?
With hundreds of NFT games available, choosing the right one can save you money, time, and frustration. Instead of chasing hype, use this quick checklist to find a game that truly matches your goals and play style.
1. What’s your main goal, fun or profit?
If you’re here for enjoyment, start with casual NFT games like Gods Unchained or Blankos Block Party, which don’t require heavy investment. If your priority is earning, you can explore play-to-earn titles like Axie Infinity, but you should be prepared for volatility in crypto prices.
2. How much does it cost to start?
Some games require purchasing NFTs or cryptocurrency upfront. For beginners, pick games with free trials or familiar payment methods (e.g., credit card) before committing funds. Example: Splinterlands lets you start for under $10, while others may need hundreds of dollars in NFTs.
3. Do you care about trading and resale value?
If you enjoy collecting and trading, pick games with active marketplaces like The Sandbox (land plots) or Illuvium (creatures). Just remember that, like any collectibles, some NFTs may gain value, but most will not, so buy because you like them, not just for potential resale.
Play-to-earn NFT games strategies and tips for players
With the P2E landscape constantly evolving, the right strategies can mean the difference between casual play and real earnings. Use these tips to choose wisely, play smarter, and protect your investments.
Game selection & preparation
- Choose the right games: Not all P2E games are created equal.Research titles that align with your interests, skill level, and budget. For example, Gods Unchained is beginner-friendly with low entry costs, while Axie Infinity requires higher investment but offers more earning potential.
- Understand the game economy: Each game has its own currency, tokenomics, and NFT trading rules. Learn how rewards are generated, how tokens circulate, and the role of marketplaces like OpenSea before committing.
- Manage risk and set limits: P2E involves real money and volatile assets. Define your budget , assess your risk tolerance, and avoid investing more than you can afford to lose.
In-game strategies & long-term success
- Master the gameplay: Even in games with passive earning features, consistent rewards usually come from skill. Improve your tactics, complete challenges, and aim for competitive rankings.
- Invest strategically in assets: Focus on NFTs or characters with strong utility and demand. For example, rare land plots in The Sandbox often hold long-term value because of their limited supply and use in events.
- Participate in guilds and communities: Joining guilds and communities can enhance your P2E experience by providing access to valuable information, collaboration opportunities, and shared resources. Engage with other players, learn from their strategies, and contribute to the growth of the community.
- Stay updated on developments: Follow the game’s news channels, patch notes, and community forums. A new feature or tokenomics change can drastically shift earning potential.
- Diversify your portfolio: Spread your efforts across different games or asset types to reduce risk. Just avoid stretching yourself so thin that you can’t excel in any one game.
- Keep it fun and sustainable: Remember: the core of gaming is enjoyment. Pick games you’d play even without rewards, and pace yourself to prevent burnout.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of the best NFT games to earn money represents a captivating fusion of entertainment and lucrative opportunities. As we ventured through the realms of the top-earning NFT games, we uncovered immersive gameplay mechanics, potential earnings, and unique features that define these play-to-earn experiences. From battling mythical creatures to exploring virtual metaverses, each game offered a gateway to both thrilling entertainment and avenues for financial rewards.
The evolution of gaming into a realm where play-to-earn dynamics prevail showcases the transformative power of NFTs, redefining how players engage, earn, and shape the gaming landscape. Embrace these cutting-edge gaming experiences, where every achievement holds the promise of both enjoyment and potential earnings in this dynamic world of NFT gaming.
FAQs about best NFT games
Yes, many NFT games incorporate play-to-earn mechanics, allowing players to earn cryptocurrency or other rewards by participating in various in-game activities. This can include completing quests, winning battles, acquiring rare items, or contributing to the game’s ecosystem in other ways.
It depends on the specific game. Some NFT games may require players to purchase NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) to access certain features, characters, or in-game assets. However, there are also NFT games that offer free-to-play options with the ability to acquire NFTs through gameplay or other means.
The highest-earning play-to-earn NFT games can vary over time and depend on factors such as player participation, tokenomics, and the overall success of the game. As of now, some popular play-to-earn NFT games include Axie Infinity, Splinterlands, and The Sandbox, but it’s essential to research current trends and performance metrics for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there are many free NFT games available in the market. Players can start playing these games by simply connecting their crypto wallet to the platform. These games allow players to win rewards, including NFTs, without any initial investment. Some popular free NFT games include: Gods Unchained, Splinterlands, Chainmonsters, Sorare, Sandbox, …
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