Top 7 Play-to-Earn NFT Games to Make Money in 2025: Crypto & NFT Rewards

The world of play-to-earn (P2E) games is booming, offering gamers the chance to earn real cryptocurrency and NFT rewards while enjoying immersive gameplay. In 2025, the best P2E games combine entertainment with financial opportunities, allowing players to monetize their skills and time. From battling digital pets in Axie Infinity to building virtual empires in The Sandbox, these blockchain-based games are revolutionizing the gaming industry. Whether you're a casual player or a serious investor, this guide explores the top P2E games, their earning potential, and how to get started.

What Are the Best Play-to-Earn Games for Crypto & NFT Rewards in 2025?

After reviewing over 20 P2E platforms, we’ve narrowed down the top 7 games that offer the best earning potential in 2025:

• Axie Infinity – Collect, breed, and battle unique digital pets for rewards.
• The Sandbox – Build and monetize your virtual world with NFTs.
• Illuvium – Open-world RPG with strategic battling and NFT creature collection.
• Decentraland – Trade virtual land and items in a decentralized metaverse.
• Splinterlands – Blockchain card game with NFT trading and strategic battles.
• Big Time – Multiplayer action RPG with valuable in-game loot and NFTs.
• Alien Worlds – Mine, stake, and trade NFTs in a space exploration-themed game.

1. Axie Infinity: The Leading P2E Game for NFT Collectors

Axie Infinity is a pioneer in the P2E space, allowing players to collect, breed, and battle digital pets called Axies. These Axies are NFTs, giving players full ownership. Launched in 2018, the game runs on Ethereum and its sidechain, Ronin, to reduce transaction costs. Players earn Smooth Love Potion (SLP) for breeding and Axie Infinity Shards (AXS) for governance and staking.

With over 2.8 million daily active users and $4.27 billion in total sales, Axie Infinity remains a top choice for P2E enthusiasts. To start, you’ll need to purchase at least three Axies from the marketplace, with costs varying based on rarity.

2. The Sandbox: Create and Monetize Your Virtual World

The Sandbox is a decentralized metaverse where players can create, own, and monetize gaming experiences. Using tools like VoxEdit and Game Maker, players design 3D assets and games without coding. The in-game currency, SAND, is used for purchases, staking, and governance.

With over 24,000 LAND owners and partnerships with brands like Warner Music Group and Gucci, The Sandbox offers endless creative and earning opportunities.

3. Illuvium: Open-World RPG with NFT Battles

Illuvium combines open-world exploration with strategic auto-battling. Players capture creatures called Illuvials, each with unique stats, and earn ILV tokens through PvE quests and PvP battles. The game offers a free-to-play option, with paid features unlocking higher-tier content.

4. Decentraland: Trade Virtual Land and Items

Decentraland is a decentralized VIRTUAL world where players buy, sell, and develop virtual land (LAND). The economy revolves around MANA, used for transactions and governance. With 90,601 parcels available, players can host events, build structures, and monetize their creations.

5. Splinterlands: Strategic Blockchain Card Game

Splinterlands is a fast-paced trading card game with over 1.5 million users. Players collect NFT cards, battle opponents, and earn Dark Energy Crystals (DEC) and Splintershards (SPS). With starter packs priced at $10, it’s accessible to beginners and seasoned players alike.

6. Big Time: Multiplayer Action RPG with NFT Loot

Big Time is a free-to-play action RPG where players explore procedurally generated dungeons to earn NFTs and Big Time Tokens. With four unique classes and virtual land (SPACE) for sale, the game offers diverse earning opportunities.

7. Alien Worlds: Space Exploration with NFT Mining

Alien Worlds lets players mine Trilium (TLM), stake on planets, and trade NFTs. With over 1 million players, it’s one of the top P2E games on BNB Chain and WAX. Cross-chain functionality and community governance add to its appeal.

How to Make Money with Play-to-Earn NFT Games?

Here are the top ways to earn in P2E games:

• Play and earn in-game rewards like tokens or NFTs.
• Trade valuable in-game assets on marketplaces.
• Stake tokens for passive income.
• Rent out NFTs to other players.
• Participate in tournaments with prize pools.
• Create content or guides for the community.
• Invest early in promising games for asset appreciation.

FAQs

Which is the highest earning P2E game?

Axie Infinity is currently the highest earning play-to-earn game, with over $4.27 billion in total NFT sales.

What are the best play-to-earn games on Android and iOS?

Axie Infinity and Splinterlands are top choices for mobile users, offering optimized gameplay and earning opportunities.

Are play-to-earn crypto games legit?

Yes, most P2E games are legitimate, but always research the developers and avoid scams.

Can I play NFT games for free?

Yes, games like Illuvium offer free-to-play options, though paid features may enhance earnings.

What are the most profitable play-to-earn games?

Axie Infinity, The Sandbox, and Decentraland are among the most profitable P2E games in 2025.