Blockchain technology is changing the gaming sector for good. Games that use non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are offering players fresh new experiences that are impossible with traditional in-game purchases and gameplay elements.
With NFTs, gamers can own virtual items and even trade them on the blockchain. As blockchain technology continues to make inroads into gaming, players will see more innovative NFT games emerge from the space.
NFTs have the potential to change the gaming world as we know it. With the ability to take on more critical roles in the gaming economy and receive rewards for their efforts with the play-to-earn model, players are beginning to see the benefits of this new technology.
Today, game developers are increasingly adopting blockchain technology to give their NFT games an even more immersive experience. In this guide, we will give you a rundown of some of the best NFT games available today.
Table of Contents
What Are NFT Games
With the advent of blockchain technology, a new type of game has emerged: the NFT game. These NFT games use non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, to create unique digital assets that can be traded and sold over the secondary marketplace.
NFT games come in all shapes and sizes but generally fall into one of several categories. Card games like Splinterlands and Gods Unchained allow players to build decks of cards with different abilities, while games like Axis Infinity use characters instead of cards.
Metaverse games like Alien Worlds and Star Atlas allow players to explore virtual worlds and interact with other gamers. No matter what type of NFT game you’re looking for, there’s sure to be something out there that appeals to you.
How NFT Games Work
NFT games are a new breed of video games that allows players to collect and trade digital assets. In these games, players can earn in-game tokens or new NFTs by completing quests or defeating other players.
Some NFT games even have features similar to traditional games. Because items in these games belong to the players, they can be quite rare and valuable. The rarest NFTs can be the most powerful for playing games, so you can decide whether to collect them or sell them.
Play to Earn Games
Online games that allow players to earn real-world rewards by performing tasks, battling other players, and progressing through multiple game levels are known as play-to-earn games.
In-game assets such as crypto tokens, virtual land, skins, weaponry, and other NFTs are among the incentives. Due to the decentralized structure of these games, players can buy, sell, and transfer in-game assets for real money outside of the game’s virtual universe.
There is no other reason to play regular games except for pure delight. The relationship is one-sided: you pay for the game, and you’ll never be able to monetize your time unless you’re a professional esports player or a popular streamer. Blockchain gaming, on the other hand, allows gamers to make real money.
Players can transfer value and be paid to play regardless of who they are or where they are in the world since blockchain technology allows users to transact wherever they are.
An NFT game blends traditional gaming mechanics with novel game mechanics to give players more influence over in-game assets such as skins, characters, weapons, virtual territories, and more. Launching games on blockchains and anchoring them with digital asset-powered economies makes this viable. NFTs are commonly used for these digital assets since they are distinctive and tamper-proof. The implementation of NFT token standards also allows developers to keep certain of these in-game objects rare and distinctive. As a result, some blockchain gaming assets are seen as more valuable than others.
Players can claim ownership of game assets using three basic tactics with this system in place. They could create or breed new characters, buy digital products on native or third-party marketplaces, or earn and unlock additional items. You have exclusive ownership rights to these game assets regardless of how you access them. In essence, you can distribute or sell them and keep all of the profits. This is why the play-to-earn gaming concept is so popular.
Play-to-Earn Model Benefits
In-game items can be quite valuable, but the true ownership lies with the game developers, not the gamers. Many games that claim to be free-to-play are using a ‘freemium’ model, where gamers have to spend money on top of their time and effort to progress through the ranks or obtain rare items. While this may accelerate their gameplay, it ultimately benefits the developers more.
Gamers can now add value to the games they love by spending time and actively participating in in-game economies. This means that gaming businesses are more likely to create enjoyable games and gamers are more likely to hold on to their favorite characters and accessories. The Play To Earn concept could be viewed as a technique that aligns all sides — both gamers and the gaming community.
Can You Make Money Playing NFT Games?
In-game economies have grown exponentially in popularity, and for good reason: They’re fun, competitive, and bring in revenue for players and game developers alike. One of the most popular hubs for crypto NFT gamers — and creators — is Axie Infinity. The platform provides competitive gaming and a marketplace to purchase, trade, and sell NFT items; engaging users with its battles, breeding, and auctions.
Are There Free NFT Games?
While some free-to-play games — such as Gods Unchained and Splinterlands — rely on in-game purchases to generate revenue, most of them are moving towards a pay-once model. There are initiatives like Axie scholarships that allow sponsors to loan their Axies to “scholars” who will then have the opportunity to share in the game’s profits — reportedly 50%-70% of all game earnings.
Crypto Exchange & In-Game Assets
After choosing the NFT gaming platforms they’re interested in, players can sign up to the respective marketplaces and start trading.
It’s also possible to play multiple games while using only one account by accessing a wallet that can be linked to several different games. By doing this, gamers can buy their favorite game’s NFTs on one platform and sell them for another project’s tokens without needing to use multiple accounts.
Crypto.com
In games where you can buy virtual property, it’s important to access your currency before you begin. Crypto.com is the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange and they also offer an online marketplace for buying and selling cryptocurrency.
Most crypto games lack the ability to trade in-game coins. Crypto.com strives to solve this issue with a new platform that enables players to trade crypto coins across different games.
The Best NFT Crypto Games
If you’re looking for the best NFT games, here are some titles that you can start with. These games have a built-in economic system that relies on blockchain technology — and their graphics are designed to take full advantage of the new asset class. They can be played on the Ethereum network, and they use the NFT standard as the backbone of their in-game economy. As such, they provide a fantastic solution for players who get the opportunity to get into NFT games and play some of their favorite game genres.
Lost Relics
Lost Relics is a play-to-earn crypto collectible game that lets players acquire blockchain items and features as a modern-day dungeon crawler. The game makes waves for its unique use of the Enjin Wallet, enabling players to interact with gameplay on blockchains, including Ethereum, Bitcoin, Litecoin, and more. With a simple-to-use interface and intriguing storyline, Lost Relics is an excellent choice for all blockchain enthusiasts.
There’s no shortage of collectible blockchain games, but Lost Relics is truly among the first to offer arguably the most alluring feature: ownership. Items obtained in Lost Relics are stored on the Ethereum blockchain, meaning ownership is guaranteed and fully secure. In other words, you can surely trade the items away, but there’s no way to destroy or steal them. This alone is enough to establish Lost Relics as one of the best crypto games.
The Sandbox Game
The Sandbox Game is an interactive metaverse game where you can bring your A-game. Partnering with several established game providers, you can create every immersive experience that you could imagine, from the block to the metaverse — with new experiences being built every day. As a gamer, you’re not just creating more sandboxes for others to enjoy, but earning in-game items as rewards and crypto along the way!
Sandbox3D also has an in-game token, SAND, which not only will be used for in-game purchases, but also the buying and selling of Dapp-based items. By using their unique technology, players can create items, characters, games, and worlds that can be sold on their in-game marketplace.
Splinterlands
Splinterlands is a trading card game that blends elements from battle royale and collectible trading card games seamlessly. Players are dropped into a battle zone where they must fight other players to the death while scavenging for resources on the map to build their own deck and become the last one standing. You can collect cards across all sorts of different themes, with each type of card having its own unique abilities that you can use in combat.
The game features a variety of different additions besides the typical deathmatches and skirmishes. Each week, players can compete in a tournament-style mode where they fight to be the best in the world and earn new in-game rewards. You can even duel other players in 1 v 1 contests for fame and glory. There’s so much to do in Splinterlands that it’s hard to keep track of it all.
Silks
Silks is an innovative mix between thoroughbred horse racing and the blockchain. With Silks, you can bet on real-world horses and earn tokens that have the potential to win even more real money! Silks provide a tokenized way for actual owners of thoroughbreds to be rewarded for developing and enhancing their horses. By working together with other owners, you can share in the wealth generated by your horses.
When a horse wins a race, there are two possible outcomes — the horse’s owner will either win real cash or in-game digital assets in the form of Silks native transactional token STT. There is no way for race track owners to cheat, as the Silks Blockchain ensures that all transactions are transparent and auditable. The reward system within the platform ensures that loyal gamers can still generate income through their in-game exploits — through staking and breeding.
Battle of Guardians
Battle of Guardians is one of the most visually impressive earnable NFT games running on Solana Blockchain. The Solana GPU has much more power than the standard Ethereum blockchain, allowing for fabulous graphics that make it a unique multiplayer game. The Guardians’ Battle is set in a fantasy world with thousands of different characters — each a guardian — which must fight in every match. It’s akin to Mortal Combat, but with endless options.
In a similar vein to the Cryptokitties, you collect guardians with different attributes and skills, including some special attacks. Guardians’ Battle uses Proof-of-Activity (PoA) to verify the computations made on the blockchain. The Solana blockchain has far more power than Ethereum, so when you trade or battle with a guardian, the transactions are done instantly.
Pirate X Pirate
The play-to-earn, player-vs-player game of pirates and treasure, Pirate X Pirate, has a wide array of benefits. Whether you are looking for a new game to play or want to make money by selling your in-game NFTs, PXP has you covered.
PXP is one of the most fun and dynamic games ever released. The pirate ship is a big part of this — it can be upgraded through unique NFTs like enhanced cannons and better sails.
Pirates at Play is an NFT game that lets players buy and sell digital collectible ships with real-world value. Pirates of all ages love the world of Pirate X Pirate because they can create a crew, complete quests, and upgrade their ship — all while earning in-game currency called PXp. It’s fun to collect powerful pirates that look unique, and there are thousands of PXp out there for you to find.
Axie Infinity
Axie Infinity, another great NFT game, is possibly one of the best play-to-earn games for virtual pets. Users can earn rewards for every battle and breeding session — a valuable reward for every loyal pet owner. Moreover, the Ethereum-based Gameify token lets players explore a limitless world filled with thousands of other Axies, battle them, and even trade pets if they want to.
What’s special about Axie Infinity is the exclusive “Soul Augmentation” feature. It allows players to enhance their pets by manipulating the genes of their Axies. Each pet has a “Soul” that gives it a unique signature, including elements like color, gender, and body shape. Players of the game can also change the pet’s type by transplanting its soul
My Neighbor Alice
My Neighbor Alice is an NFT game that gives you the chance to build a thriving agriculture business from the ground up. With each game offering its own avatar, players can build whatever they choose and customize their farm with in-game assets. As you progress through the game, agriculture techniques will become more advanced and yield bigger profits, making it easier to bring your business to a whole new level!
The number of things you can do in this massive, virtual universe is almost infinite — with the opportunity to adopt, raise, and trade your favorite animals, decorate your own vibrant city, and explore a digital world that’s never-ending. The ALICE token is the native currency of this popular NFT game.
Gods Unchained
Gods Unchained has many unique features, including a fascinating game system, excellent graphics, and an incredibly fast blockchain-based transaction speed — 100x faster than the original CryptoKitties.
In Gods Unchained, players can gain more God cards through their in-game performance and use cards to arrange and play battles with other players around the world.
God Unchained has access to an enormous NFT marketplace where you can purchase and trade unique NFT gaming cards based on your favorite gaming characters. The value of each token is determined by several variables, including their level and elemental tribe affiliation — which gives them extra powers, health, and attack capabilities.
Cryptomines Reborn
CryptoMines Reborn is a blockchain-based game that brings a new dimension to gaming. As opposed to traditional competitors, the use of blockchain technology means that the game has no servers and players can play it from any device, anywhere in the world. As an innovative project, CryptoMines Reborn provides a new gameplay experience with spectacular graphics that will keep players coming back for more.
Recently, CryptoMines Reloaded was updated with the Earnings Calculator, which helps players get the most rewards. It also identifies the safest tactics for moving through the game’s metaverse — and those that might be too dangerous. This is a big step for WCRUX since it’s one of the most sought-after materials on the network.
CryptoKitties
CryptoKitties is the very first virtual kitten breeding mobile game. Unlike other games such as Fish World or Candy Crush, CryptoKitties is built on top of a blockchain system and consequently allows gamers to be a part of the crypto world while playing with their digital animals. Beyond playing with their pets, users can also purchase digital goods, such as rare cat breeds, related merchandise, and accessories using Ethereum.
CryptoKitties were the first game to use blockchain technology. Launched as a fun way to show people how to use the Ethereum network, they became so popular that they clogged up the entire network — and ultimately took on an entirely different function. Now a registered trademark, CryptoKitties are a way for people to invest in crypto games and assets.
Lucky Block
Lucky Block is an exciting new blockchain game that lets you use your phone to play and win cryptocurrency prizes. The ingenious game combines the thrill of a blockchain lottery with the daily excitement of a traditional prize drawing, promising big winners each day.
With their Binance Smart Chain, users can buy and trade tickets at any time — and enjoy a transparent process that could ultimately land them the grand prize. A decentralized platform by nature, users can take part from wherever they are in the world, increasing their chances of being drawn as the lucky winner!
Mines of Dalarnia
Mines of Dalarnia is an exciting non-fungible game that combines the best elements of RPGs and battle strategy games. If you like action-packed battles, NFTs, and RPG elements, then this game is for you. It features two main factions: the landowners and the miners, who wage war against each other to control a magical land known as Dalarnia.
The goal of this game was not to be just another mine-building game. It’s about being a tactician, strategist, an economist at the same time. The player must conquer new lands, counter invading enemies, raise an army (and a few dragons), establish trade routes, and keep his kingdom prosperous. To have more fun, he could also buy some virtual goods on the Binance NFT marketplace.
Star Atlas
Star Atlas is an NFT game that aims to be the world’s first blockchain-based virtual universe. The space-themed metaverse game lets users mine, trade, fight, and even create entire planets. With tons of gameplay options and planned upgrades coming soon, it’s already revolutionizing the gaming industry.
An intergalactic economy is a crazy place, and interstellar traders need to stay on top of the latest trends in technology and gear if they want to keep their edge. In Star Atlas, you’re going to buy, sell, explore, build — and even battle. The game features an in-game market where you can visit different planets to trade or battle with other players.
Sorare Fantasy Football
Fantasy football is an addictive and rewarding pastime that allows fans to feel as if they’re on the field themselves — even if they’re not. Now fans can enjoy fantasy football with Sorare’s Fantasy Football, which features a collection of cards from the world’s greatest football leagues, including the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, and Bundesliga. Players collect these cards, which represent actual players and teams, and then assemble their own decks.
Sorare Fantasy Contest allows you to make a smart investment based on the statistics of your favorite players. The data displayed in the Sorare Fantasy Contest are calculated by our system, but it’s easy to tell how the numbers were computed because they’re displayed.
Alien Worlds
Alien Worlds is a large metaverse set on the surface and in space. Explore it or take part in quests, fight other players, build and manage your own cities, or do all of these things simultaneously! Try to earn enough NanoCoins to travel further in space, orbit over moons, or even land on planets — earning you more in-game currency than ever before.
NFTs are a big part of the game Alien Worlds. You can get them by exploring and purchasing them from other players. They’re used to create governments, which usually require collaboration between multiple parties. Trillium is a token that can be used in the game, and there are dozens of different NFTs to collect.
War Riders
War Riders were inspired by the Mad Max movie and take place in a post-apocalyptic world. Players control vehicles, from cars to trucks to tanks, and have the freedom to explore the open world. While players are free to do whatever they want, the game offers a variety of missions and tasks for players to complete if they are looking for more direction.
The game is being developed by the experienced team behind CryptoRacers — a similar title that has over 5 million downloads. The game’s mechanics are easy to understand: players control vehicles, gear them up, then fight against other players in PvP battles or team up for PvE missions.
Neon District
Mobile NFT games offer the same experience as desktop games with the added bonus of playing on the go. Neon District is playable on either web or mobile browsers and is powered by the Ethereum blockchain. The game has been developed by Blockade Games, a San Diego-based studio, with funding from Sony Pictures Entertainment, TCL, and Jinshan Capital.
Neon District is a blockchain-based RPG that’s evolving with the times. Players can buy, sell and trade their NFTs at their leisure, bringing true ownership and customization to the game.
Built on blockchain technology, Neon District is a completely free NFT game — there are no pay-to-play or pay-to-win elements whatsoever. Your character’s progress is entirely in your control.
9 Lives Arena
Nine Lives Arena is a multiplayer game that lets you become a unique hero, build your abilities and weapons, and fight to defend your home from the encroaching forces of evil. Developed by Touchhour Inc., this fantasy roleplay community lets players explore four different kingdoms, slay bosses, craft new gear and abilities for their unique heroes, and trade their in-game currency for raw materials.
In Nine Lives Arena, you can choose from nine different animal race classes, each with its own playstyle. You can choose to be a powerful bear warrior, a speedy fox assassin, a flexible and crafty wolf mage, or one of the other animal classes. Each character class has its own perks, strengths, weaknesses, and attacks, and you can customize each character with hundreds of items, skills, and abilities.
NFT Casino Games
NFT casinos are massively growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why! They offer such incredible challenges for the player; careening off of obstacles, defying gravity, and pushing the limits of gaming itself.
NFTs are gaining popularity in the blockchain gaming space because of their ability to add an extra layer of value and utility to a game. Many games implement ERC-721 tokens as a currency, allowing you to use your tokens as a means of payment within the game’s ecosystem.
At some NFT casinos, you can use NFTs to earn greater cashback when you’re winning and increased bonuses for holding valuable tokens. Some sites even have a scheme where NFT holders can earn a percentage of their site’s revenue without needing to engage in any real-money gaming — just by investing in the right assets.
Rollbit.com
Rollbit is a multi-functional cryptocurrency exchange that offers a calm, responsive experience designed to make it easy for users to trade crypto or bet on casino games. With easy-to-understand navigation and a slick interface, Rollbit is an excellent way to trade crypto or quickly win big at a casino.
Since its launch, Rollbit has continued to add more casino games, including their own inventions and well-known 3rd party providers. They have also introduced trading options and an NFT marketplace, as well as a case opening feature. Rumors are circulating that they may soon introduce a special sportsbook as well.
Duelbits
Duelbits is an innovative new gambling site with the crypto-gambling community in mind. In most cases, it’s not just about the games, but also about the user experience and the number of tools that a gambling site offers. Instead of overloading its visitors with lots of games and features they might not want or need, Duelbits keeps things simple and sends every deposit directly to FaucetHub.
The site is much more than your average online casino — it’s an online hub for gambling games of all kinds. From slots to table games, sports betting to dice, this casino has something for everyone. And there’s no denying that it’s real-money Blackjack, where you can see other players compete in the same game you’re playing and that are provably fair, are the star of the show.
Trustdice
The Bitcoin-focused casino is a hot new platform that’s winning players over with its coin-mining games and generous bonuses. The platform, based on blockchain technology, debuted in 2018 as one of the new entrants in the booming gaming industry. All the games are powered by blockchain technology, but players can make deposits using other cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin and Tether.
Thunderpick
Thunderpick is a Bitcoin Esports betting platform, bringing casino-style action to your favorite games. With 10+ different betting options, there’s bound to be a type of Esport betting available for you. From the ability to instantly bet on fast-paced games like CSGO and Overwatch, right down to being able to watch the game in real-time, Thunderpick is a one-stop-shop for professional esports betting.
You can find Crash, Roulette (called Spin), and Strike games on Thunderpick. The latter is a new game from the developers, which is very exciting — it has a coinflip mechanic, which is something we’ve never seen before. Also, the CSGO Crash game looks amazing. During Cash Out, planes fly up and move towards the sky. CSGO players jump out of it, and you can see their parachutes opening in the air.
Stake.com
Stake has been an industry leader in the online casino field since its launch. They’ve employed some of the best minds in the sector, using their experience to craft one of the most lucrative and reliable sites around. With the introduction of Evolve, Stake has been able to increase its offerings while providing users with a more secure and transparent betting service.
Upcoming NFT Games For 2022
If you want to make the most of your earnings, it’s a good idea to look for in-game opportunities that will help you maximize your gameplay. The first place to look? New on-chain games. When NFT titles launch, they often coincide with the launch of their own blockchain-based tokens, which can be used to collect bonuses, gain access to additional content, and simply increase overall value.
One of the best ways to get a good deal on an NFT game token is to buy it early on. By being one of the first investors in a new game, you can often get a much lower price than those who invest later. This allows you to get ahead of other players and gives you a better chance to make a profit.
As you progress in your chosen game, it is important to make sure your in-game character is as strong as possible. This will give them the best chance of completing tasks and succeeding. Many great games are scheduled to come out in 2022. Some of these games have incredible graphics and storylines that will keep you hooked for hours on end. However, there are also a few upcoming NFT games that are definitely worth checking out. So, if you’re looking for something new and exciting to play next year, be sure to keep an eye on these NFT games!
RaceFi
RaceFi offers a competitive twist to an otherwise boring task — earning cryptocurrency on the blockchain. To start playing, you simply have to buy a car and race against other players. Every car has its own top speed and acceleration rate, meaning that it’s totally up to the player which vehicle they choose to race with.
Rainmaker
Rainmaker is a game where the more you win, the more you can earn. With regular events and tournaments—each with exclusive rewards—players are encouraged to constantly improve their virtual portfolio and trading skills. Players create and maintain a real-life portfolio, learning in-game about the markets, currencies, and trading that goes into investment success.
STEPN app
The STEPN app is a move-t0-earn game and proof that you can still earn cryptocurrency by doing what you love. Buy NFT sneakers and every time you walk or run, the app will connect your phone with a GPS tracker to count how many steps you take. Afterward, the app will reward you with crypto rewards based on the distance and duration of your fitness activities.
Polygonum
Polygonum is a game that lets players explore the world through NFTs, the player will visit various landmarks and the game will be divided into three game modes. POG Coin will be used in Polygonum as the governance token of the entire ecosystem.
In the first mode, the Farm Zone, you can buy and trade NFTs on the blockchain. You can collect pets and plants, or sell them in a separate marketplace. You can set up your individual farm island — a private building space where you can build your fantasy home. You can even invite your friends to hang out with you there!
Next up is the PVE Zone, which looks like something out of a survival game. Wild animals and zombies roam this area, ready to attack you at any moment. It’s filled with stones, metals, and gold — which you can extract — to craft armor and weapons to make hunting easier. There are also quests available from an NPC that will help you learn more about the world.
The third zone is a dangerous, zombie-filled area filled with rare resources and bounties. Based on how many zombies exist in a given area, the region is divided into two cities: one with a high density of zombies, and another with no zombies at all (for now). Once fully launched, the game will be accessible on PC, mobile, and browser.
Phantom Galaxies
Phantom Galaxies is a blockchain-powered gaming platform that hosts real-time Starfighter battles set against a gripping story. The game combines the best of known genre gameplay with an advanced in-game economy, trading system, and governance model.
Phantom Galaxies allows players to trade and transfer in-game assets instantly and across different blockchains — giving them great power to take care of their virtual holdings.
In Summary
As the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) continues to grow and evolve, so too do the games that are being built on this new technology.
While there are already a handful of great NFT games on the market, many more are currently in development and scheduled for release in 2022.
In this article, we took a detailed look at some of the best NFT games that have either already come out this year or are on their way, discussing their features and why they have such incredible hype surrounding them.
If you are on the hunt for the best NFT game, as always, do your own research before engaging with any new NFT game – especially if you’re thinking about buying the project’s native token.
