Blockchain video games function almost exactly like traditional games in that they provide a digital game experience for players. They come in a variety of genres from puzzle to RPG to card games and more. With the public blockchain ledger available, every player has proof of ownership over their assets. In addition, the rewards that players earn are available no matter what technical issues the game platform might encounter. 

Many games are available on iOS and Android platforms or in-browser. However, others are available as stand-alone games for the PC or other consoles. So, which games made the big blockchain games list? 

Free to play: Yes

NFT Support: Yes

Play to earn: NFT

Bitcoin Hodler is one of many blockchain video games currently in Early Access, but it entered public beta in 2020. The 2D mobile game combines arcade style and endless runner mechanics to allow players to interface with blockchain-based characters and items in-game.

It derives the term “hodler” from HODL or a simple misspelling of the word “hold”. Crypto enthusiasts adopted it as the concept of “holding on for dear life” to a long-term approach for investing with cryptocurrency.

The main features are the Hodler characters, items, and spacecraft which all feature unique information. You can collect items, of course, but you can also upgrade them or trade those assets across decentralized marketplaces. In fact, the game even includes 24-hour real-world altcoin price tracking as a gameplay mechanic.

Free to play: Yes

NFT Support: Yes

Play to earn: NFT and Crypto

This MMO strategy game has players actually owning the lands where the digital battles occur. LANDs are backed by Ethereum NFTs and now support Binance, as well. But League of Kingdoms took a note from popular free-to-play titles like League of Legends by also offering cosmetics.

Players can purchase Skin NFTs to decorate their kingdoms or provide certain buffs, as well. This not only provides more value from a GameFi perspective, but echoes traditional gaming cosmetic purchases in the “look good, play good” mentality.

Free to play: No; Game purchase required

NFT Support: Yes

Play to earn: NFT

The first-person action/adventure game is very story driven, features puzzles, mech battles, and a dark sci-fi world. It represents one of the most robust blockchain video games out right now with great graphics. Though the base game does not have as much of a “play to earn” focus, it showcases how well blockchain games can compete with traditional video games.

Age of Rust uses the Enjin Platform to offer NFT achievements and supports Multiverse NFTs, too. What’s more, the developer SpacePirate Games and Enjin partnered to launch a $2 million+ cryptocurrency digital treasure hunt. There are other “crypto puzzles”, as well, offering 4 BitCoin (BTC) and 35,000+ ENJ/NFT bounties. Players can enjoy a AAA video game experience while potentially earning serious money.

Free to play: No; Requires NFT purchase

NFT Support: Yes

Play to earn: Crypto

My DeFi Pet leverages DeFi and collectibles in order to offer the user a more varied way to earn. KardiaChain and TopeBox launched this NFT game in 2021 with its self-optimized, decentralized, interoperable blockchain platform and in-game crypto tokens.

You play by completing missions, events, and other tasks, as well as playing against other people. Players purchase an egg NFT to breed more pets, thereby earning more tokens.

Free to play: No; Requires NFT purchase

NFT Support: Yes

Play to earn: NFT and Crypto

This might be the most well-known blockchain video game to date. It is also one of the most lucrative and highest-cost-to-enter options on this list. Though the game features similar mechanics to Pokemon with cute creatures to boot, the cheapest (and worst) Axies cost around $10 US. However, players need a team of 3 Axies to form a team, so starting costs $40 – $50 US minimum.

In order to progress further in the game, you’ll need a balanced team of Axies with the average rate of the NFT being about $355 US. But this also includes the game’s token known as AXS – around 61 million of which are in circulation now. To get started, plan to set aside about $1,500 US and get familiar with Smooth Love Potions (SLPs) as they’re one of the best ways to make money in Axie Infinity.

From a development standpoint, this structure supports whales most.

Free to play: Yes

NFT Support: Yes

Play to earn: NFT

In July of 2021, Horizon Blockchain Games raised an impressive $4.5 million USD for its game SkyWeaver. That brought the total to around $13 million USD for the game about to begin open beta on February 8th. It will be one of the most available games, too, as it accommodates Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux platforms.

But more intriguing is the Ethereum-powered platform they’re constructing known as Sequence. It will handle in-game items by creating specific instance ownership, allowing verifiable trades and sales, as well as gifts from players. Essentially, it streamlines the more complex parts of blockchain technology with an easily integrated wallet system. The plan is to let other developers leverage this platform in the future.

Free to play: Yes

NFT Support: Yes

Play to earn: NFT

The physical card game edition of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) had 35 million players in 2018 while their digital companion MTG Arena had an estimated 3 million consistent players in 2019. That means that an addictive and well-crafted card game is a solid investment – especially with a play-to-earn structure. Gods Unchained offers a similar, card-based gaming experience based in blockchain.

Players sell and trade cards to build their ultimate deck that they own and can make money with. What’s notable about this game is that it has employees from big companies like Riot Games and MTG on its developer team. Their motto is “free to play, not pay to win,” which may make it feel more accessible than something like Axie Infinity for beginners.

Free to play: Yes

NFT Support: Yes

Play to earn: NFT and Crypto

Using the Trilium token (TLM) and NFTs, players mine these assets in-game while also competing for control of in-game resources. Alien Worlds is also metaverse-based which means that the game can be built using many different blockchains from WAX to Ethereum or Binance Smart Chain.

Players can mine TLM tokens for cryptocurrency directly, collect NFTs in the form of game cards and other items, or control land to mine and lease to other miners. Alien Worlds is available for many platforms including in-browser, Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. It is currently the largest decentralized game available according to DappRadar with around 1.1 million users in a month handling ~$360 million USD in transactions with dapp’s smart contracts alone.

Free to play: Yes

NFT Support: Yes

Play to earn: NFT

This 2D action adventure game using the Chromia blockchain is free-to-play. Players mine to collect artifacts and relics to upgrade gear, but also to reveal secrets about Dalarnia. Mines of Dalarnia features the mining gameplay, but also has real-estate gameplay with a management interface that lets players lease and buy plots where other players mine.

This dual gameplay aspect, among other reasons, led to the game raising 2.7 million USD recently. The free-to-play option only lets players upgrade gear to level 3, so the developers do petition players to invest their own funds at some point.

Free to play: Yes

NFT Support: Yes

Play to earn: NFT

Chainmonsters will allow players to create a Pokemon-like experience, but among large numbers of other players. There is no subscription needed as it is a free-to-play game available on Steam, iOS, and Android.

This availability opens the experience up to people outside the cryptocurrency sphere, allowing for small, big, and medium investors alike. Though still in Alpha, some of their assets are selling for more than $600 apiece.

Free to play: Yes

NFT Support: Yes

Play to earn: NFT

Illuvium debuted its trailer on October 30, 2021, to the excitement of many despite not even being in alpha yet. Players use an autobattle system to make their way through the collectible RPG.

The game features collectible NFTs and crypto token assets useful across the DeFi metaverse, but with user-maintained custody. Moreover, the game makes use of Immutable X integration that lets players eliminate gas fees for immediate, secure transactions. It will use Ethereum as its platform with Immutable X being a “second layer” for NFTs that provides additional security while claiming carbon neutrality, as well.

Free to play: Yes

NFT Support: Yes

Play to earn: NFT and Crypto

Ember Sword, with a 2022 Early Access alpha, will be a free-to-play sandbox MMORPG to players with all the hallmarks you’d expect. The developers have plans to ship first to PC and Mac, then develop mobile cross-play to broaden their player base and increase interest.

Like Mines of Dalarnia, players can buy plots of land in Ember Sword, but also settlements, towns, and cities. The blockchain technology comes in here, along with other collectibles in the game. Players can securely trade on secondary markets and rely on smart contracts to prevent hacking.

When it comes to blockchain games, the possibilities are practically endless. They appeal to both the casual and core gamer, offering experiences that rival more traditional video games. Enterprising developers have only just begun to scratch the surface of this exciting new space.

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