10 Best Play-to-Earn Games for Earning Crypto Rewards in 2026

Two strong alternatives are Axie Infinity, a long-running play-to-earn game built around battles and progression, and Pudgy Penguins, a popular NFT brand with a casual, free-to-play party game.

According to DappRadar (Q3 2025), blockchain gaming still averages 4.66M daily active wallets, suggesting solid engagement and room for growth.

Our methodology weighs gameplay quality, user experience, earning sustainability, and security audits to rank titles that deliver fun, fairness, and credible on-chain economies.

Best Play-to-Earn Games to Try in 2026 Reviews

This section features detailed reviews for the best play-to-earn games of 2026, from battle-based brawlers to DeFi-powered RPGs.

1. Axie Infinity – Original Play-to-Earn Game

Axie Infinity is one of the first play-to-earn crypto games. Players collect Axies, build teams, and fight other players or complete quests. What makes the game stand out is its simple turn-based combat and strong focus on breeding and progression.

Chain your Axie cards to win PvP rounds and earn SLP. Source: YouTube

Key Facts:

• Best For: Competitive PvP players
• Skill Level: For all skill levels
• How You Earn: Battles, quests, staking
• Our Rating: ⭐8.3/10

2. PEPENODE – Mine Meme Coins Virtually

PEPENODE is a new mine-to-earn crypto game with a very simple idea. You buy meme nodes, place them in your server room, and then upgrade, combine, and sell them to earn meme coins. The game is not live yet, but presale buyers can already stake their tokens and earn up to 570% APY.

Place Ultra Miner nodes to grow your hashrate and earn PEPENODE. Source: PEPENODE

Key Facts:

• Best For: Players who enjoy mining, PEPE fans
• Skill Level: For all skill levels
• How You Earn: Staking, selling nodes
• Our Rating: ⭐8.3/10

Visit PEPENODE

3. Pudgy Penguins – NFT Gaming Universe

Pudgy Penguins started as a popular NFT collection and later expanded into games and a broader Web3 brand. The main game so far is Pudgy Party, a free-to-play mobile game where players compete in short, fun elimination rounds using Pudgy characters. The game is designed for entertainment and brand growth rather than direct crypto earnings.

Play short party-style matches with Pudgy Penguins characters. Source: YouTube

Key Facts:

• Best For: Casual players, NFT collectors
• Skill Level: Easy for beginners
• How You Earn: NFT trading
• Our Rating: ⭐7.9/10

4. Pixels – Cozy Play-to-Earn Farming Game

Pixels is a relaxed play-to-earn farming game where players grow crops, complete quests, gather resources, and interact with other players. The game focuses on daily progression and social play rather than competition, which makes it stand out from PvP-heavy crypto games.

Cultivate your island plot in Pixels and climb leaderboards for PIXEL rewards. Source: YouTube

Key Facts:

• Best For: Casual progression players
• Skill Level: Easy for beginners
• How You Earn: Quests, farming, events
• Our Rating: ⭐7.8/10

5. Alien Worlds – Sci-Fi Crypto Mining Game

Alien Worlds is a simple play-to-earn game focused on mining. Players choose a planet, equip tools, and mine resources to earn TLM tokens. The game stands out for its very low entry barrier and hands-off gameplay that runs mostly on timers.

Equip NFT tools and avatars to optimize TLM mining in Alien Worlds. Source: YouTube

Key Facts:

• Best For: Casual crypto gamers
• Skill Level: For beginners
• How You Earn: Mining, staking
• Our Rating: ⭐7.5/10

6. Big Time – Action MMORPG with Crypto Rewards

Big Time is a fast-paced action RPG where players fight enemies, clear dungeons, and collect loot. The game plays like a classic MMO, but adds crypto elements through NFTs and tokens. What makes Big Time stand out is that it is free to play and focuses more on gameplay than grinding for rewards.

Dash through Big Time dungeons, crush the boss’s minions, and chase NFT loot. Source: YouTube

Key Facts:

• Best For: Action RPG players
• Skill Level: For all skill levels
• How You Earn: Loot, NFTs, tokens
• Our Rating: ⭐7.4/10

7. Decentraland – DAO-Powered Metaverse Game

Decentraland is a virtual world where players explore, socialize, and build experiences on digital land. Users can create games, events, and spaces, then invite others to visit. What makes Decentraland stand out is full player ownership of land and items, with a strong focus on creativity rather than gameplay loops.

Begin Decentraland’s tutorial: fetch components, craft, and explore the starter island. Source: YouTube

Key Facts:

• Best For: Creative builders, virtual landowners
• Skill Level: For all skill levels
• How You Earn: Land, items, events
• Our Rating: ⭐7.2/10

8. The Sandbox – Build and Earn Metaverse

The Sandbox is a virtual world where players build games, experiences, and worlds using simple tools. Users can own land, create content, and invite others to play. The Sandbox has a strong focus on user-created content and big brand partnerships.

Explore player-built LAND, complete quests, and showcase NFT art in The Sandbox. Source: YouTube

Key Facts:

• Best For: Creative builders, NFT creators
• Skill Level: For all skill levels
• How You Earn: Land, items, experiences
• Our Rating: ⭐7.2/10

9. Gods Unchained – Crypto Trading Card Game

Gods Unchained is a digital card game where players build decks and battle others in turn-based matches. It feels similar to classic card games, but players actually own their cards as NFTs. In this play-to-earn game, skill matters more than spending money.

Curve out and control the board in Gods Unchained to climb ranks for GODS. Source: YouTube

Key Facts:

• Best For: Strategy and card games focused players
• Skill Level: Best for skilled players
• How You Earn: Matches, cards, rewards
• Our Rating: ⭐7.5/10

10. Illuvium – AAA Open-World Crypto Game

Illuvium is a high quality open world RPG where players explore different areas, fight creatures called Illuvials, and build strong teams. The game focuses on visuals and deeper gameplay compared to most crypto games.

Explore Illuvium’s overworld, track wild Illuvials, and gather resources. Source: YouTube

Key Facts:

• Best For: RPG and exploration fans
• Skill Level: Best for skilled players
• How You Earn: PvE, PvP, NFTs
• Our Rating: ⭐7.2/10

Compare the Top Play-to-Earn Games by Features & Earnings

This play-to-earn games list compares the best P2E games across key features like genre, device compatibility, startup costs, and how players earn. Whether you’re looking for a free mobile game or a deep RPG with real token rewards, this quick-glance table helps you choose the right experience based on your time, budget, and goals, and maybe even spot the top new crypto project before it takes off.

P2E Games That Didn’t Make the List

These play-to-earn games are still popular, but they did not make the list because their earning potential or gameplay no longer stand out.

DeFi Kingdoms

DeFi Kingdoms mixes a fantasy-style game with DeFi features. Players use heroes, complete quests, and interact with DEX and liquidity pools inside the game world. At its peak, it was very popular, but activity and rewards have dropped a lot over time.

Our Verdict: Earnings are now inconsistent and tied to DeFi risks. Pixels offers a simpler and more stable play-to-earn experience.

Sorare

Sorare is a fantasy sports game where players collect NFT cards of real athletes and build teams based on real match results. Most value comes from card ownership and trading, not gameplay.

Our Verdict: It is more about collecting than earning. Gods Unchained provides clearer play-to-earn rewards.

STEPN

STEPN is a move-to-earn app where users earn tokens by walking or running with NFT sneakers. Rewards dropped as the user base grew and token prices fell.

Our Verdict: Rewards are no longer attractive. Alien Worlds is a better low-entry play-to-earn option.

How We Rank the Top Play-to-Earn Games (Our Methodology)

With hundreds of P2E games launching each year, knowing which ones are worth your time – and crypto – is more important than ever. That’s why we created a consistent, transparent ranking system for play-to-earn games in 2026. Our goal is to help players cut through the hype and find games that deliver real value: strong gameplay, solid rewards, and lasting ecosystems.

Each game on our P2E games list 2026 is rated across five key categories. Each category receives a score out of 10, and the final rating reflects the average of these scores. Our methodology is inspired by industry best practices and informed by trusted guides like Coinbase’s explainer on play-to-earn games.

Gameplay

We assess mechanics, depth, replayability, and whether the game stays engaging over time. A high score means you’ll likely stick around for more than just the rewards.

User Experience (UX)

How smooth is the onboarding process? Is the interface intuitive? We reward games that are easy to access, whether you’re a crypto-native or a newcomer.

Earnings Potential

This score reflects the structure and sustainability of the game’s reward model, including token emissions, staking APY, NFT value, and real user data. We don’t chase hype; we score what’s proven.

Innovation

We highlight games that bring something new: whether it’s novel blockchain mechanics, unique gameplay loops, or experimental economic systems.

Security & Credibility

We look at team transparency, smart contract audits, DAO governance, and liquidity conditions. A game can’t be great if it isn’t safe or sustainable.

Understanding the Scores

• 8.5–10: Top-tier P2E game – polished, rewarding, and trusted
• 7.0–8.4: Solid project with good fundamentals and minor gaps
• Below 7: May have potential, but needs improvement in key areas

We update scores regularly as games evolve, patch bugs, update reward systems, or grow their communities. Our goal is to provide real, reliable game reviews you can trust in a fast-moving space.

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

Play-to-earn (P2E) games are video games that reward players with cryptocurrency or digital assets for in-game activities. According to our research, these games, unlike traditional ones, where rewards stay locked in the game, allow players to earn, own, and trade assets that have real-world value, often in the form of tokens or NFTs (non-fungible tokens).

So, how do play-to-earn games work? Players complete in-game actions – like winning battles, completing quests, farming resources, or crafting items – to receive crypto rewards. These can include native tokens (like AXS, SAND, or PIXEL) or blockchain-based NFTs that can be traded, sold, or staked for additional income.

Some games are free-to-play, while others require initial purchases (like NFT characters or land). In most cases, earnings depend on your time, skill, and engagement, not just luck or spending power.

Whether you’re a gamer, investor, or crypto newcomer, understanding how P2E games work is essential to navigating this rapidly evolving space.

Popular Types of Play-to-Earn Online Games

The world of play-to-earn games is as diverse as gaming itself, from competitive shooters to passive farming sims, there’s a P2E experience for every type of player. In this section, we break down the most popular genres of P2E games, explain how they work, and offer game recommendations for each. Whether you prefer mobile convenience, NFT ownership, or high-stakes PvP, you’ll find your niche in the growing crypto play-to-earn games ecosystem.

Mobile Play-to-Earn Games

Mobile P2E games bring crypto rewards straight to your pocket. Designed for Android and iOS, these games prioritize accessibility and daily engagement over complexity. Players earn tokens or NFTs through mini-games, farming mechanics, or quick PvP sessions. Many of the most active user bases in Web3 gaming are mobile-first, making this format a favorite for entry-level gamers.

Example Games:

• Harry Hippo – Race-to-earn arcade game with instant rewards on Solana
• Hooked Protocol – Edutainment P2E app with quiz-based token earnings
• Arc8 by GAMEE – Competitive mini-games for token prizes

Best for: Casual players, commuters, and crypto beginners looking for play-to-earn games on Android or iOS.

NFT-Based Play-to-Earn Games

In NFT games that play to earn, the core assets – like characters, items, or land – are tokenized. These NFTs can be upgraded, traded, or used to generate income through in-game actions or passive staking.

Example Games:

• Axie Infinity – Breed and battle collectible NFT creatures
• Pixels – Level up NFT land plots to farm PIXEL
• Illuvium – Capture and evolve NFT monsters in an open-world RPG

Best for: Players who enjoy ownership, collection, and long-term progression in NFT play-to-earn games.

Shooter and PvP Battle Games

Crypto PvP games focus on skill-based combat where players can win tokens through ranked matches, tournaments, or loot drops. These play-to-earn shooter games reward reflexes, strategy, and team coordination.

Example Games:

• Gunz – Hero-based shooter with token rewards and NFT skins
• Shrapnel – AAA extraction shooter with NFT gear and land
• EV.IO – Browser-based FPS where kills earn E tokens

Best for: Competitive gamers, streamers, and esports fans who want to turn wins into real rewards.

Idle and Clicker Games

If grinding isn’t your thing, idle P2E games let you earn passively by automating gameplay or making simple decisions. These easy play-to-earn games appeal to time-conscious players and casual crypto earners.

Example Games:

• Defi Kingdoms (gardening) – Passive LP staking while characters quest
• Cryptoblades Kingdoms – Send characters on idle missions for loot
• Bomb Crypto – Click-to-earn game with retro visuals and NFT characters

Best for: Players who want passive P2P games that don’t require constant attention.

Crypto Casino and Gambling Games

Crypto casino games mimic traditional gambling experiences – slots, roulette, poker – but with crypto tokens and provably fair outcomes. Many offer jackpots, staking pools, or tokenized house profits.

Example Games:

• Rollbit – Slot machines and table games using RLB
• BC.Game – Variety of crypto casino titles with NFT bonuses
• Stake.com – Popular with streamers; large volume and rewards

Best for: Risk-tolerant players looking for casino games to earn money in short bursts. (Note: High volatility; use responsibly.)

Play-to-Earn Games on Mobile vs Desktop

When choosing how to play, your device matters. P2E mobile games on Android and iOS are designed for accessibility – they’re perfect for casual sessions, lighter graphics, and seamless wallet integration through apps like MetaMask Mobile or Trust Wallet. Popular options include Harry Hippo, Arc8 by GAMEE, and Hooked Protocol, all offering fast, low-barrier earning opportunities.

In contrast, desktop play-to-earn games typically deliver deeper mechanics, better visuals, and more complex crypto systems like staking or NFT crafting. Titles like Illuvium, Gods Unchained, and Big Time offer immersive gameplay with higher earning ceilings, but require more time and hardware performance.

There’s no “best app to play games and earn money” for everyone – it comes down to your style. Go mobile if you want to earn on the go. Stick to the desktop for richer experiences and competitive play.

Pros and Cons of Play-to-Earn Games

While legit P2E games offer real earning opportunities and innovative gameplay, they also come with risks, from market volatility to unclear regulation. Here’s a quick look at the play-to-earn benefits and potential downsides every player should know:

Avoiding Scams When Choosing the Best P2E Games

The play-to-earn space is full of innovation, but it’s also a target for scams. From fake NFT drops to wallet-draining smart contracts, players should be cautious, especially when testing new or unverified games. The good news? With a few smart habits, you can enjoy the best P2E games while keeping your crypto safe.

Common P2E Scams and How to Avoid Them

Safety Tips for Navigating the P2E Space:

• Use a burner wallet when testing new games or minting unknown NFTs
• Never share your seed phrase – no game or support team will ask for it
• DYOR (Do Your Own Research) – verify smart contracts, teams, and token utility
• Check token distribution – avoid games where most tokens are held by insiders
• Avoid clicking links in DMs on Discord, Telegram, or Twitter

Staying safe means staying skeptical. If something feels too good to be true in the P2E world, it probably is.

How to Maximize Rewards from the Best Play-to-Earn Games

Earning from play to earn games isn’t just about playing, it’s about playing smart. Whether you’re grinding for tokens, flipping NFTs, or staking assets, these tips will help you secure your P2E journey and earn more from P2E games over time.

Smart Tips to Maximize Play-to-Earn Earnings

• Stake only in verified pools – Avoid shady contracts; look for audited, well-documented staking options within the game or its ecosystem.
• Track token prices and withdrawal fees – Timing matters. Pulling out rewards during high fees or low prices can hurt returns.
• Join time-limited events and seasons – Many P2E games offer bonus rewards, leaderboards, or special NFT drops during limited-time events.
• Use multiple wallets for security – Separate your high-value assets from your experimental or active gameplay accounts.
• Avoid overspending on early NFTs – Let markets stabilize before investing heavily in in-game assets. Early hype doesn’t always mean long-term value.

The key to maximizing P2E earnings is consistency, caution, and community awareness. Follow official channels, stay updated, and never chase returns without doing your own research.

How to Start Playing Play-to-Earn Games

Whether you’re here for fun, rewards, or both, learning how to start play-to-earn can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This quick-start guide walks you through the basics so you can safely jump into beginner play to earn games and start exploring how to play games to earn crypto in just a few steps.

What You Need Before You Start

Before jumping into your first P2E game, make sure you have the essentials:

• A compatible device – a PC for complex games or a mobile for casual ones
• Reliable internet connection – P2E games are usually online and sync to the blockchain
• Crypto wallet – Like MetaMask for Ethereum-based games or Phantom for Solana
• Basic understanding of crypto tokens – How to receive, store, and send tokens like $SAND or AXS

Once you’re set up, explore games that match your style (casual, competitive, creative), start small, and always test with low-risk assets before committing real value.

Conclusion – Find the Best Play-to-Earn Game for Your Style

The world of play-to-earn games in 2026 is more diverse, refined, and rewarding than ever, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best play-to-earn game for beginners might be a mobile farming sim like Pixels, while competitive players may thrive in PvP titles like Gunz or Gods Unchained.

If you’re a crypto investor, look for games with real token utility, staking options, or strong NFT marketplaces like Illuvium or DeFi Kingdoms. Prefer casual, low-risk fun? Stick with free-to-play mobile games that offer consistent (if smaller) rewards.

Whichever path you choose, remember: the most successful players aren’t just early – they’re informed. Stay curious, stay safe, and play the long game. Let your crypto wallet earn, but let your playstyle lead.

FAQ

Otar Topuria

Crypto Editor, 28 posts

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I’m a crypto writer and analyst at Coinspeaker with over three years of experience covering fintech and the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape. My work focuses on market movements, investment trends, and the narratives driving them, helping readers what is happening in the markets and why. In addition to Coinspeaker, my insights and analyses have been featured in other leading crypto and fintech publications, where I’ve built a reputation as a thoughtful and reliable voice in the industry.

My mission is to demystify the crypto markets and help readers navigate the noise, highlighting the stories and trends that truly matter. Before specializing in crypto, I worked in the IT sector, writing technical content on software development, digital innovation, and emerging technologies. That made me something of an expert in breaking down complex systems and explaining them in a clear, accessible way, skills I now find very useful when it comes to unpacking the intricate world of blockchain and digital assets.

I hold a Master’s degree in Comparative Literature, which sharpened my ability to analyze patterns, draw connections across disciplines, and communicate nuanced ideas. I’m particularly passionate about early-stage project discovery and crypto trading, areas where innovation meets opportunity. I enjoy exploring how new protocols, tokens, and DeFi projects aim to disrupt traditional systems, while also evaluating their potential risks and rewards. By combining market analysis with forward-looking research, I strive to provide readers with content that is both informative and actionable.