Top 10 Play-to-Earn (P2E) games: Turn playtime into paytime

Imagine turning your gaming passion into earnings – whether it’s cryptocurrency in your wallet or cash in your bank account. In 2025, Play-to-Earn (P2E) games are revolutionizing the way we think about gaming by combining fun with financial rewards. From metaverse battles to casual games on platforms like ySense, you can earn money from gameplay, NFTs, or completing simple tasks. Whether you’re a fan of cryptocurrencies or prefer traditional payouts, addictive P2E games can help you earn extra money.

The Play-to-Earn sector has undergone a tangible transformation over the past few years, from the hype around NFT projects in 2021 to the emergence of more sustainable monetization models and quality gameplay. Despite market volatility and skepticism towards “making money from games,” the ecosystem continues to evolve. For example, according to Cryptorank, from February 2024 to February 2025, the GameFi segment attracted more than $850 million in investments.

In this guide, we will explain what Play-to-Earn is, as well as break down the criteria by which new blockchain games should be evaluated and consider the most promising projects.

Why P2E gaming is changing lifestyles

Play-to-Earn gaming is not just an industry for those who enjoy spending time playing games – it’s a lifestyle revolution. Players can earn tokens, NFTs, or money while enjoying role-playing, strategy, or casual games. Platforms like ySense allow you to play games and earn real money, either for completing surveys or tasks, with payments via Skrill, PayPal, Payoneer, gift cards for stores like Amazon, Ebay, Wallmart, Nike, DoorDash and other, or virtual credit cards for any need. Blockchain-based platforms like BC.GAME offer cryptocurrency rewards that can be exchanged for money. From Telegram mini-apps to addictive metaversions, P2E games are designed for players around the world, making them ideal for digital nomads, students, techno geeks and anyone monetizing their free time.

Key benefits:

• Diverse earnings: Cryptocurrency, NFT or cash via Skrill, PayPal, Payoneer, gift cards or virtual credit cards
• Accessibility: Many games are free or low-cost
• Global reach: Play from anywhere in the world
• Fun factor: Enjoy addictive or casual gameplay while earning money

What is Play-to-Earn?

Play-to-Earn (P2E) are games that allow players to earn real-world rewards, such as money, cryptocurrencies, or digital assets like NFTs, as they play. These games range from blockchain-based projects to traditional user-generated games on mobile devices or desktops. In blockchain P2E games, players earn fungible tokens or NFTs that can be used within the game ecosystem or exchanged on external platforms for financial gain.

In non-blockchain Play-to-Earn games, such as on platforms like ySense, players receive real money via Skrill, PayPal, Payoneer, gift cards to popular stores and services (e.g. Amazon, DoorDash), or virtual credit cards with a balance for any need earned by completing in-game tasks or reaching milestones.

Play-to-Earn mechanics vary widely:

• Classic P2E: Receive rewards for in-game activities such as quests, battles, or puzzles
• In-game economies: Generate profits by trading assets or player interaction in virtual worlds
• Casual games: Simple mechanics with high engagement, such as Telegram mini-apps (e.g. Notcoin, Catizen) or mobile games on ySense

While some blockchain projects rely on speculative hype, others, such as Off the Grid, prioritize gameplay, creating sustainable ecosystems. Non-blockchain P2E games, such as those on ySense, offer direct cash rewards, which attracts players who prefer traditional payouts over cryptocurrency.

Top 10 Play-to-Earn games to play in 2025

1. ySense Games

Genre: Casual, Various
Platform: ySense
Why Play: ySense is a P2E hub where you earn real money playing puzzles, arcade games, or other casual titles, alongside surveys and tasks. Play Monopoly Go!, Game of Vampires, Solitaire King, and easily pocket up to $2500! Perfect for beginners
How to Earn: Play games for cash rewards, similar to completing surveys. No crypto knowledge needed
Payouts: Withdraw to your bank via PayPal, Skrill, Payoneer, use gift cards for Amazon, DoorDash and other services, or get a virtual credit card with cash balance
Referral Program: Earn up to 30% recurring commissions on referrals’ earnings, plus $0.10–$0.30 per signup and $2 after their first $5 earned. Get your referral link at ySense after logging in

Pro tip: Combine game and survey earnings for faster payouts.

2. Alien Worlds

Genre: Metaverse Strategy
Platform: WAX, Ethereum
Why Play: With 380 million transactions in the last 30 days (DappRadar), Alien Worlds is a P2E titan. Mine Trilium (TLM) tokens and trade NFTs
How to Earn: Complete missions or stake TLM
Payouts: Convert TLM to USDT or cash on BC.GAME
Referral Program: Limited referral programs exist; check community channels (Discord, Telegram) for invites

Tip: Secure tokens with Ledger.

3. The Sandbox

Genre: Metaverse Sandbox
Platform: Ethereum, Polygon
Why Play: Create and monetize virtual worlds, with $500M+ in NFT trades in 2025 (DappRadar). Partners include Adidas and Snoop Dogg
How to Earn: Design assets, sell LAND NFTs, or host events. Fund with ySense game rewards
Payouts: Trade SAND tokens on BC.GAME
Referral Program: No direct referral program

Tip: Check DappRadar for SAND marketplaces.

4. Meme Alliance

Genre: Shooter
Platform: Ethereum
Why Play: A meme-inspired FPS with NFT rewards, gaining traction in 2025
How to Earn: Win battles for tokens or trade NFTs
Payouts: Swap tokens for cash on BC.GAME
Referral Program: Check Meme Alliance’s Discord or Telegram for referral campaigns

Tip: Follow PlayToEarn for updates.

5. Pixelverse

Genre: Cyberpunk RPG
Platform: TON Blockchain
Why Play: A vibrant metaverse with low-cost entry and engaging quests. 75M registered users
How to Earn: Complete quests for tokens or sell NFTs.
Payouts: Convert tokens to fiat on BC.GAME
Referral Program: Pixelverse offers referral incentives via Telegram mini-apps or community campaigns. Join their Telegram/Discord for links

Tip: Use DappRadar to track Pixelverse trends.

6. Gods Unchained

Genre: Trading Card Game
Platform: Ethereum
Why Play: A strategic card game with 1M+ players and rare NFT cards
How to Earn: Win matches for GODS tokens or trade cards
Payouts: Trade GODS on BC.GAME
Referral Program: No formal referral program. Use SimpleSwap for GODS conversions

Tip: Secure NFTs with Ledger.

7. Decentraland

Genre: Metaverse
Platform: Ethereum
Why Play: Monetize virtual experiences, with $100M+ in LAND sales in 2024 (DappRadar)
How to Earn: Sell LAND, host events, or create assets. Use ySense game cash for investments
Payouts: Convert MANA to fiat on BC.GAME
Referral Program: No direct referral program. Monetize through BC.GAME for MANA trading

Tip: Explore PlayToEarn for guides.

8. Star Atlas

Genre: Space MMORPG (For PC with graphics card)
Platform: Solana
Why Play: A sci-fi universe with 500k+ active wallets. Control starships and build colonies
How to Earn: Mine resources, trade NFT ships, or complete missions
Payouts: Swap ATLAS tokens on BC.GAME
Referral Program: Limited referral programs; check Star Atlas Discord for invites

Tip: Use DappRadar for analytics.

9. Splinterlands

Genre: Collectible Card Game
Platform: Hive, WAX (https://splinterlands.com)
Why Play: A Hearthstone-inspired game with NFT cards and esports tournaments. Over 1M players
How to Earn: Win battles for tokens or trade cards.
Payouts: Trade tokens on BC.GAME
Referral Program: Splinterlands offers a referral program with rewards for inviting players. Get your link after signing up and confirm your email

Tip: Check DappRadar for card market trends.

10. Ember Sword

Genre: Fantasy MMORPG
Platform: Ethereum
Why Play: A decentralized economy with no initial investment. Explore, craft, and battle in a vibrant world
How to Earn: Trade resources or collectible NFTs
Payouts: Convert earnings to fiat on BC.GAME
Referral Program: No formal referral program yet.

Tip: Follow PlayToEarn for strategies.

How to find the best Play-to-Earn games

Discover promising Play-to-Earn projects on these platforms:

• DappRadar: The leading aggregator analyzing user activity in blockchain games. Filter by active players, trading volume, or popularity to find hits like Alien Worlds or Star Atlas.
• PlayToEarn: GameFi Center with reviews, ratings and news for 2,700+ P2E games. Use filters to select by genre or blockchain to find new releases like Off the Grid.

For non-blockchain P2E games, platforms like ySense offer curated lists of casual games like “Monopoly Go!”, “Vampire Game” and “Solitaire King” with cash rewards via PayPal, Skrill, Payoneer, gift cards or virtual credit cards. Explore Telegram channels, Discord or X servers for community information. These free resources will help you choose games with high earning potential.

How to choose a P2E game: Key criteria

P2E games, whether blockchain-based or traditional, require careful evaluation. Consider these criteria:

1. Quality of the product
The game should be fun not only in terms of making money. If the gameplay is boring, players will farm and leave, destroying the token (in blockchain-based games) or losing interest (in non-blockchain-based games). Look for unique mechanics, eye-catching visuals, or innovative experiences. Off the Grid competes with mainstream games, while ySense games like Monopoly Go! offer simple and addictive entertainment.

2. Economics and reward structure
Understand the sources of payments:

• Blockchain-based games: Rewards come from redistribution (new players fund early adopters) or monetization (fees, purchases, advertising, partnerships). Check for token issuance, burn mechanisms, or restrictions on sales.
• Classic games: Cash rewards are funded by platform revenue (e.g., advertising or partnerships on ySense). Provide stable payouts via Payoneer, gift cards or virtual credit cards.

3. Initial investment
High initial costs increase risks. Blockchain games with large investments can lead to token inflation, while non-blockchain games such as ySense are usually free. Favor games with low or no barriers to entry, such as Ember Sword or ySense.

4. Additional metrics

• Community: Is the project popular and does it have growth potential?
• Team: Do the developers have a proven track record?
• Security: Are smart contracts verified on the blockchain? If non-blockchain, is the platform reputable (e.g., ySense)?
• Partnerships: Are major investors or brands involved in the project?

P2E games with no initial investment

No wallet? No problem. These games will let you make money with no upfront costs:

• Blankos Block Party: Create mini-games and trade NFTs in a colorful sandbox inspired by Fall Guys
• Skyweaver: Win NFT cards in a strategic card game with free-to-play mechanics
• Chainmonsters: Capture and trade NFT creatures on the Flow blockchain with no entry fee
• Lost Relics: Hunt for valuable NFTs in Diablo-style dungeons
• CryptoBlades: Build weapons and fight for tokens on the Binance smartchain with no investment

Blockchain-free options such as ySense games are also free and rewarded with cash for playing puzzles or arcades. These projects attract a wide audience by monetizing participation.

Top mobile P2E games

Mobile Play-to-Earn games target casual and crypto-savvy players, offering easy access:

• Splinterlands (https://splinterlands.com): Collect NFT cards and compete in esports tournaments
• Thetan Arena (https://thetanarena.com): Battle with NFT heroes in a team-based MOBA
• MIR4 (https://mir4global.com): Trade resources in a blockchain MMORPG
• Upland (https://www.upland.me): Buy and sell virtual real estate inspired by Monopoly on the EOS network
• Axie Infinity: Origins (https://axieinfinity.com): Fight free NFT creatures in a mobile-friendly update with 2M+ players

Non-blockchain mobile games on ySense like Monopoly Go! offer cash rewards for casual play, perfect for quick sessions. Mobile P2E blends traditional gaming with earning potential.

Advanced P2E projects to watch

Beyond the top 10, these projects showcase the future of Play-to-Earn with deep gameplay:

• Mirandus (https://mirandus.game): A medieval MMORPG from Gala Games in which players own castles, villages or caravans, creating a rich economic model
• Guild of Guardians (https://www.guildofguardians.com): A mobile cooperative RPG from Immutable with guild-based missions and NFT assets on ImmutableX
• Off the Grid (https://offthegrid.io): A battle royale-style shooter from Polygon that combines high-quality gameplay with blockchain-based rewards

These games prioritize the player experience, making earning a natural part of the journey.

Tips to maximize your P2E earnings

1. Play on ySense: Earn money by playing games like Monopoly Go!, Game of Vampires, or Solitaire King, as well as by completing surveys or tasks
2. Explore BC.GAME: Dive into Play-to-Earn blockchain games and trade tokens on BC.GAME for crypto rewards
3. Secure assets: Secure your blockchain tokens and NFTs with the Ledger wallet
4. Stay Informed: Monitor DappRadar and PlayToEarn for blockchain gaming trends, or check out ySense for new games with cash rewards
5. Increase Earnings: Use Udimi solo ads to attract referrals

Example: A gamer earned $960 in a month playing ySense games (Monopoly Go!, Solitaire King) and The Sandbox. He withdrew $450 through ySense to PayPal and used the gift cards to shop on Amazon, reinvesting the rest into NFTs to double his income.

Risks to watch out for

P2E games are fun, but they come with risks:

• Volatility: Blockchain tokens can fluctuate. Use BC.GAME for smart trading or ySense for stable payouts
• Initial costs: Some blockchain games require investment. Start with free options like ySense or Ember Sword
• Scams: Check blockchain games on DappRadar or PlayToEarn and non-blockchain platforms like ySense for fairness
• Sustainability: Check the blockchain tokenomics or platform revenue models to ensure long-term viability

The Future of P2E in 2025

The Play-to-Earn sector is moving away from speculative models to sustainable ecosystems. Blockchain games like Off the Grid and The Sandbox prioritize gameplay and retention, while non-blockchain platforms like ySense offer reliable cash rewards. Multiplayer RPGs, user-generated metaverses, and mobile Play-to-Earn games will dominate, driven by community engagement and regular updates. Choosing projects with strong economies and quality content is key to long-term success.

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Start your P2E journey today and turn playtime into paytime!