9 Best Play-to-Earn Crypto Games for High Rewards in 2024

The best play-to-earn crypto games are transforming the gaming landscape, offering players the unique opportunity to earn cryptocurrency while enjoying their favorite activities.

With over 240 million Web2 gamers worldwide, this market is set to expand significantly, projected to reach a staggering $3.6 billion by 2028.

Developers are innovating rapidly as more players seek ways to monetize their gaming experiences, creating engaging and rewarding environments.

In this article, we’ll explore the top play-to-earn crypto games for 2024, showcasing how they blend entertainment and earning potential, allowing players to turn their passion for gaming into a lucrative endeavor.

Our methodology for selecting the best play to earn games for 2024

We went beyond just rewards to identify our 11 best play-to-earn games.

Our data-driven approach considers factors that translate into long-term value: secure blockchain technology, captivating gameplay, and well-designed in-game economies that let you convert earnings into real money.

Another important determinant is the existence of thriving communities, which signifies both a game’s potential longevity and the passion of its development team.

To ensure the project’s commitment to growth, we investigate smart contract audits, the development team’s experience, and the roadmap.

Top 9 play to earn crypto games of 2024

Reviewing 2024’s best-rated play to earn crypto games

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A detailed review of the top P2E games in today’s markets. We explain how you can earn from playing cryptocurrency games, staking rewards, supply, and games due to launch this year.

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1. Memebet (MEMEBET): Telegram-based casino with play-to-earn rewards for meme coin

Our top play-to-earn game is Memebet Token ($MEMEBET). As the native token of Memebet Casino, $MEMEBET provides play-to-earn (P2E) rewards, airdrops, and exclusive bonuses for community members. The revolutionary platform allows users to wager meme coins anonymously through Telegram.

The ongoing Memebet Presale has already garnered over $200k in just a few days. Early investors who purchased $MEMEBET through the Ethereum network can immediately claim their holdings. When Memebet Casino is released, players who wager $MEMEBET before the end of the presale get to participate in the first launch of airdrops.

70% of the total $MEMEBET token supply will be distributed in the presale, giving users plenty of opportunities to snag the ERC-20 token before launch. At just $0.0251 per token, $MEMEBET can be purchased with ETH, BNB, USDT, MATIC, or a credit card. 

The Memebet Token’s roadmap has five stages, culminating in community events, new meme coin additions, and exclusive competitions. 

Memebet Token gameplay & token utility

• Crypto casino and sportsbook: The Memebet Casino offers players access to a comprehensive library of crypto-native games and a global sportsbook.
• P2E utility: Players who wager $MEMEBET in the casino get exclusive airdrop rewards. Token holders can also gain access to casino bonuses and other community rewards.

For more information, check out the Memebet whitepaper and join the Telegram channel for the latest news.

2. Sponge V2: Meme-inspired P2E game with strong community-driven growth and tokenomics

Sponge ($SPONGE) offers an interactive play-to-earn experience centered around its meme-inspired universe.

Players can immerse themselves in humorous mini-games where earning $SPONGE tokens is tied to completing entertaining challenges and community-driven events.

These games encourage competition and creativity, with players working toward leaderboard positions for even more rewards. The game’s lighthearted nature makes earning crypto fun and accessible to a broad audience.

In addition to its gaming appeal, SPONGEV2 offers significant value through its deflationary and burn mechanisms. With each transaction, tokens are removed from circulation, increasing the token’s scarcity and potential value.

Another key feature is the community-driven model, where its active and vocal holders shape decisions regarding the project’s future. The combination of deflationary economics and democratic philosophy makes $SPONGE a multifaceted project worth watching.

Not to mention its utility in NFTs, whose market is projected to reach US$231.98 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 33.7% from 2022 to 2030, according to Statista.

3. Shiba Shootout (SHIBASHOOT): Community-focused meme coin with generous rewards and utility

Shiba Shootout ($SHIBASHOOT) brings the excitement of Wild West shootouts to the world of crypto gaming.

Players take on rivals in fast-paced duels in a Play-to-Earn (P2E) environment. The more games you win, the more SHIBASHOOT tokens you earn.

High-ranking players and those who complete daily challenges can maximize their crypto rewards, making it an engaging way to grow your portfolio. The mix of competition and earnings provides a satisfying experience, keeping players hooked.

The token offers more than just in-game earnings. Its governance system gives users a say in project decisions, fostering long-term engagement.

Additionally, Posse Rewards and Campfire Stories promote community involvement, while Cactus Staking and Lucky Lasso Lottery provide exciting financial incentives, making Shiba Shootout an attractive investment beyond gaming.

4. Hypeloot ($HPLT): AI-powered crypto casino with P2E gaming rewards

Hypeloot is a next-gen AI-powered crypto casino revolutionizing the Play-to-Earn (P2E) space by offering a unique crypto casino experience.

Players can participate in exciting games such as Crazy Wheel, Plinko, and Dice while earning HPLT tokens. One standout feature is its Mystery Box mechanic, which adds an element of surprise and excitement.

Hypeloot is fun because it focuses on combining traditional casino gameplay with crypto rewards, blurring the lines between gambling and P2E. The more you play, the more HPLT tokens you can earn, giving players a tangible reward for their time.

Beyond the P2E aspect, Hypeloot offers several strong selling points. With over 80M bets placed, token holders are eligible for daily rewards from the casino’s revenue, and a portion of HPLT tokens are burned, ensuring long-term price appreciation.

The platform has raised over $2.1M in its preale with the promise of bringing users exclusive games, over 50,000 sports betting events, and a 50% site credit reward system, making it an attractive investment for crypto enthusiasts.

5. Guild of Guardians ($GOG): Build, battle, and earn crypto in this fantasy RPG

Guild of Guardians ($GOG) is a mobile play-to-earn fantasy RPG available on iOS and Android.

Before launch, the game had over 1M pre-registered users. It allows players to form teams of powerful heroes and compete in exciting dungeon battles, all while earning valuable crypto rewards.

You can craft items, summon heroes, and trade in-game assets for real-world money by completing dungeons and collecting resources. The game’s dynamic environments and blend of rogue-lite mechanics offer a fresh and rewarding experience each time you play.

What sets Guild of Guardians apart is its partnership with Guardians Guild Limited, which powers its in-game economy through the ERC-20 token, Gems. Players can earn Gems for free by playing and using them to mint NFTs or make purchases in the marketplace.

Beyond its play-to-earn features, Guild of Guardians has partnered with Immutable X, offering over $50M to players in a community-driven rewards system, coupled with strategic staking options, and visually engaging design make it a standout for gamers and investors.

Plus, it’s designed to be fair and not pay-to-win, so skill matters most.

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6. Shrapnel ($SHRAP): Intense AAA FPS where players earn crypto through extraction-based gameplay.

Shrapnel is a highly competitive AAA play-to-earn game that blends first-person shooter (FPS) mechanics with blockchain technology.

Players navigate intense environments, battling for valuable resources while trying to extract them safely from “The Zone.” The high-risk, high-reward gameplay keeps users on edge, rewarding both strategic play and combat skills.

Players earn SHRAP tokens by successfully extracting resources or completing missions, which they can use to trade for gear or other in-game assets.

This tense shooter offers endless action while giving players a real stake in the game through its reward system.

What sets Shrapnel apart is its player-driven creation model. Developed by BAFTA and Emmy-winning veterans, Shrapnel empowers players to create content such as custom maps, weapons, and skins, which can be minted and sold as NFTs. 

Beyond its adrenaline-pumping gameplay, Shrapnel offers a moddable environment inspired by games like Tom Clancy’s The Division.

Players have full control over creating and trading NFTs that power the game’s economy. With its advanced blockchain integration and player-driven content, Shrapnel provides a unique investment opportunity in play-to-earn gaming.

7. Star Atlas (ATLAS): Space exploration P2E game with complete on-chain economy

Star Atlas is an expansive multiplayer online game set in a captivating virtual metaverse.

Built on Unreal Engine 5, it immerses players in a stunning, cinematic universe in the year 2620, where three factions—humankind, alien consortiums, and sentient androids—battle for dominance.

What makes Star Atlas enjoyable is the blend of genres; players engage in strategy, exploration, and combat while mining resources and crafting items.

You can earn crypto by mining valuable resources and selling them on the marketplace, with assets represented as NFTs that can be traded for real-world currency, providing tangible value to your in-game efforts.

Beyond its P2E elements, Star Atlas showcases cutting-edge graphics and a fully on-chain economy. The game features diverse gameplay mechanics, including deep space exploration, ship building, and in-game professions.

Players can stake ATLAS tokens for rewards and marketplace discounts, enhancing the overall experience. Notable investments and impressive in-game asset trades further highlight its potential in the blockchain gaming sector.

Despite controversies – Star Atlas is still a noteworthy project for investors and gamers alike. The team recently sold two Titan ships worth $5 million each, which shows massive investor and player support. In March 2024, the in-game Galactic Marketplace saw over $3 million in assets traded.

8. BLOCKLORDS (LRDS): Player-driven medieval MMO strategy game with P2E

BLOCKLORDS offers a rich, player-driven MMO experience where players control every aspect of their journey in a medieval world.

From ruling kingdoms to managing farms, BLOCKLORDS delivers an engaging P2E environment where players earn crypto through a mix of strategic gameplay, resource trading, and combat.

You can build your hero and strengthen them as you progress, which opens more earning opportunities. Whether through peaceful farming or epic battles, there’s always a path to earning crypto.

Its Play-to-Own model makes BLOCKLORDS unique, allowing players to own their in-game assets truly. Built on Immutable X and Polygon, it delivers a smooth, seamless experience.

Backed by some of the biggest names in gaming and crypto, including Jump Crypto and BITKRAFT, BLOCKLORDS offers a well-rounded AAA experience. The game also features live updates, ensuring a constantly evolving world that engages players.

9. Flappy Bird ($FLAPPY): Iconic game returns with a crypto twist, plus tap-to-earn returns

Flappy Bird is back as a tap-to-earn game on Telegram, staying true to its original concept of helping a bird fly through pipes by tapping the screen.

The game rewards players for progressing further through levels, and a new stamina bar adds a strategic layer by limiting playtime. Players can earn in-game points passively by upgrading through ads or referring friends.

While a Flappy Bird token isn’t officially confirmed yet, the Flappy Bird Foundation has plans to introduce one via The Open Network (TON), giving players the potential to earn crypto shortly.

With its nostalgic gameplay and hints of crypto rewards, Flappy Bird’s return is a solid investment opportunity.

The game’s partnership with Notcoin and involvement in the TON ecosystem promises unique token events like “Flap-a-TON,” where players can participate in mining events to secure future token rewards.

P2E crypto games comparison chart

Project	Chain	In-game rewards	Security audit	Phase of development
Memebet	Ton	$Memebet	✔️	Pre-sale
Shiba Shootout	Ethereum	$SHIBASHOOT	✔️	Pre-sale
Sponge V2	Ethereum	Sponge V1	✔️	Pre-sale
Hypeloot	Ethereum	$HPLT/$USDC	✔️	Active
Guild of Guardians	Ethereum	$GOG	✔️	Active
Shrapnel	Avalanche	SHRAP tokens and NFTs	✔️	Alpha
Star Atlas	Solana	$ATLAS	✔️	Active
BLOCKLORDS	Ethereum	$LRDS	✔️	Active
Flappy Bird	Ton	$FLAPPY	✔️	Active

What are play-to-earn crypto games?

Play-to-earn crypto games are more than just a buzzword – they’re a revolutionary fusion of gaming and blockchain technology, reshaping the interactive entertainment landscape.

In these innovative games, players aren’t just passive participants; they’re active contributors and investors, empowered by blockchain’s secure and transparent nature.

Unlike traditional games, where virtual assets vanish along with your character, play-to-earn titles redefine ownership. New crypto games are released frequently as many projects strive to reach the top spot.

Players truly own their in-game items thanks to blockchain-based Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and the principles of Decentralized Finance (DeFi). This opens up a world of possibilities:

• Trade and sell: Treat your virtual assets like real-world possessions. Sell your hard-earned sword to another player, rent out your digital land, or even build a bustling in-game marketplace.
• Dynamic economies: Player-driven economies with real-world value emerge, fostering collaboration and competition.
• Community governance: Many play-to-earn titles leverage blockchain-based governance models, allowing players to vote on features, storylines, and even in-game rules.

If you’re curious about diving into this exciting world, platforms like Star Atlas and Pallarel offer a glimpse into the future of gaming. Each platform presents unique experiences, from building starships to battling with cards.

The rise of play-to-earn crypto games signifies a significant departure from the traditional model. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about creating a more inclusive and economically empowering gaming experience.

As these games evolve, they can reshape how we interact with digital worlds, blurring the lines between play and profit and, ultimately, redefining the concept of what it means to “play a game.”

Types of Play-2-Earn Crypto Games

P2E games come in many forms, catering to different interests and playstyles. Whether you enjoy strategic planning or fast-paced action, P2E games offer something for every player, all with the chance to monetize your efforts.

Note: This list is nowhere near exhaustive.

Role-playing games (RPGs): In P2E RPGs, you become the hero of your own story, embarking on thrilling journeys through immersive virtual landscapes. Conquer challenges, craft unique items, and gain in-game assets that hold real-world value in cryptocurrency.

The most popular games — Illuvium, SERAPH

Strategy games: In these P2E games, players must craft intelligent strategies to manage resources, lead armies, and expand territories. Success is rewarded with crypto earnings, offering a blend of tactical depth and real-world value.

The most popular games — Echoes of Empire, Vulcan Royale

Collectible Card Games (CCGs): P2E CCGs allow players to collect, trade, and battle with blockchain-based digital cards. Each card holds unique attributes, and rare ones can be appreciated, allowing you to earn crypto from gameplay and trading.

The most popular games — Wilder World, Gods Unchained

Virtual real estate games: In blockchain-powered real estate games, players can own, trade, and develop virtual land. Through careful investment and development strategies, these P2E platforms allow players to turn their digital property holdings into real-world cryptocurrency.

The most popular games — Voxels, MetaScapes

Play-to-earn NFT games: NFTs take center stage in these P2E games, allowing players to own and monetize in-game assets. From rare characters to valuable gear, NFTs allow you to earn crypto rewards by trading or selling your digital assets.

The most popular games — Pancake Protectors

Battle royale and PvP games: In battle royale and PvP P2E games, players compete head-to-head in skill-based contests. Success earns players crypto rewards, incentivizing competitive gameplay and mastery of in-game mechanics.

The most popular games — GRIT, Thetan Arena, Dogs of War

Move-to-earn: This concept incentivizes physical activity by rewarding players with cryptocurrency for completing real-world movements. Whether walking, running, or cycling, players can track their activities and convert their fitness achievements into digital assets or tangible rewards.

The most popular games — STEPN, DEFIT

Idle and DeFi games: P2E idle and DeFi games offer passive income opportunities where players can earn rewards over time with minimal interaction. DeFi elements allow players to earn interest or yield from in-game assets tied to blockchain protocols.

The most popular games — Star Atlas, Dogami, Metamon

Adventure and exploration games: Invites players to discover new worlds, solve puzzles, and uncover hidden treasures. Each successful discovery can yield cryptocurrency rewards, making exploration both fun and profitable.

The most popular games — Axie Infinity, Gods of Fire, Pixelmon Hunting Grounds

Social and virtual world games: Social P2E games and virtual worlds offer players the chance to interact with others, attend events, and shape virtual environments. Earn crypto by participating in these social ecosystems, where creativity and engagement are rewarded.

The most popular games — The Sandbox, Voxels, Decentraland

What are the pros and cons of play-to-earn games?

The intersection of gaming and economics has given rise to play-to-earn games, offering a unique opportunity for players to earn real-world income while enjoying their favorite pastime.

But is this industry all it’s cut out to be? Discover the pros and cons of play-to-earn games in the analysis below.

Pros	Cons
Financial independence: Offers a potential source of income, especially in developing countries.	Volatility: The value of in-game tokens can be highly volatile, leading to financial losses.
Skill-based rewards: Players are rewarded based on their abilities, encouraging skill development.	Scams and fraud: Players may be exposed to scams and fraudulent activities.
Accessibility: Anyone with a smartphone can participate, regardless of financial status.	Game quality: Not all play-to-earn games are of high quality, and some may be poorly designed.
Innovative game design: Encourages out-of-the-box game design and mechanics.	Economic manipulation: Developers may manipulate the in-game economy to their advantage.
Increased game revenue: Can generate additional revenue for game developers and publishers.	Limited game variety: The focus on earning rewards may limit the variety and creativity of game design.
Tokenization of assets: Enables the tokenization of in-game assets, creating a new market.	Dependency on token value: The value of in-game assets is often tied to the value of the underlying token, which can be risky.
Real-world value: In-game assets can have real-world value, providing players with tangible benefits.	Loss of control: Players may lose control over their in-game assets due to technical issues or scams.
Investment opportunities: Offers investment opportunities for both players and investors.	Centralized control: Many P2E games are controlled by centralized entities, which limits player autonomy.

Are Play2Earn Crypto Games Safe?

Play-to-Earn (P2E) crypto games present unique safety challenges. While the platforms are built on secure blockchain technology, risks such as hacks, scams, and market volatility persist.

Still, play-to-earn (P2E) crypto games often draw comparisons to pyramid schemes. To earn, players must invest upfront, typically purchasing NFTs, which can lead to a cycle of hype.

As more NFTs flood the market, token values generally decline, reducing earnings. Users frequently feel compelled to promote the game, emphasizing its sustainability and earnings potential.

Unfortunately, many players discover that their initial investment is insufficient, leading to losses as earnings fail to offset decreasing NFT values.

Developers may introduce changes to curb inflation, but these adjustments can exacerbate the situation, benefiting developers more than players in the long run.

How do you pick the best play-to-earn Games?

Choosing the right P2E game involves a mix of gameplay quality, financial potential, and long-term viability.

First, assess the game mechanics. If the game is repetitive or lacks engagement, it won’t hold your attention, even if the earnings seem enticing. Look for titles that offer engaging mechanics and replayability to keep you invested beyond the financial aspects.

Next, dive into the game’s tokenomics and rewards. Investigate how the game distributes tokens and whether it has mechanisms to prevent inflation. Games that mint too many tokens or have poor economic balancing often see their in-game currency lose value quickly. Look for games with a healthy, sustainable economy that ensures steady rewards.

Developer reputation and roadmap also matter. A game with an established development team and a transparent roadmap signals longevity. Without a clear plan for updates, new features, and economic sustainability, even the best P2E games can lose traction.

Finally, consider the game’s NFT and marketplace integration. Many P2E games offer in-game assets as NFTs. The liquidity of these assets — whether they can be easily traded or sold — can significantly impact your earnings. A game with a thriving marketplace adds another layer of earning potential, as players can profit from buying, selling, or trading rare items.

Picking games that balance enjoyment and earnings is the key to getting the most out of your P2E experience.

Gods Unchained is a great example of a well-designed play-to-earn card game. It effectively balances engaging mechanics with a well-thought-out economy, offering consistent earnings without compromising gameplay quality.

Can you earn crypto by playing games?

Yes, you can earn crypto by playing games but don’t expect it to be life-changing. Current P2E games are designed around earning mechanics rather than creating fun, compelling experiences.

Still, good play-to-earn crypto games allow players to earn small rewards—often just a few cents or dollars. For instance, at the time of this article, Gods Unchained offered around $0.20 in daily earnings, compared to around $1 to $3 two years ago.

That said, for people who enjoy grinding, there’s potential to earn crypto by playing games.

A handful of play-to-earn games are starting to introduce more enjoyable gameplay, but they’re in the minority. Tokenized economies are still in their infancy, and developers are learning how to blend earning mechanics with fun.

Until that balance is perfected, expect play to earn crypto to be more about small earnings than a revolutionary gaming experience.

How to buy P2E tokens

Buying your chosen tokens requires completing a few easy steps. To help you get started, here’s a general step-by-step buying guide:

Purchasing P2E tokens on a centralized exchange (CEX)

1. Choose a reputable exchange: Select a reputable centralized exchange such as Binance, Coinbase, or KuCoin that supports the P2E token you’re interested in.
2. Create an account and fund your account: Register for an account on the chosen exchange and fund your account with your preferred currency using methods like bank transfer, credit card, or cryptocurrency.
3. Place an order: Search for the P2E token you want to buy using the exchange’s search bar and decide whether to use a limit order (setting a specific price) or a market order (buying at the current price).

Purchasing P2E tokens directly from a project’s website or decentralized exchange (DEX)

1. Research the project: Thoroughly investigate the P2E game or project to understand its tokenomics and potential – usually from the official website and look for information about token sales or presales.
2. Connect your wallet: If required, register for an account on the project’s platform then set up a compatible wallet, such as MetaMask, to interact with the project’s blockchain and connect your wallet to the project’s platform.
3. Purchase the tokens: Follow the instructions provided on the website to purchase the P2E tokens.

After purchasing, you have the option to store your tokens. Additionally, you can use them for in-game purchases, trade them to profit from price fluctuations, engage in staking and yield farming, and utilize them for NFT purchases.

Which of these play and earn Games are available on mobile?

Project	Token	Available on iOS	Available on Android	Available on Epic Games
Shiba Shootout	SHIBASHOOT	✗	✗	✗
Mega Dice Token	DICE	✗	✗	✗
Sponge	SPONGE	✗	✗	✗
Hypeloot	HPLT	✗	✗	✗
Guild of Guardians	GOG	✔︎	✔︎ (Web)	✗
Shrapnel	SHRAP	✗	✗	✔︎
Star Atlas	ATLAS	✗	✗	✔︎
BLOCKLORDS	LRDS	✗	✗	✔︎
Flappy Bird	FLAPPY	✗	✗ (Web)	✗

Our conclusion on play-to-earn games

The play-to-earn crypto gaming space continues to evolve, blending gaming with real-world value.

While these P2E games offer the excitement of earning crypto while playing, developers must prioritize the balance between gameplay and rewards. As more titles emerge, we see a trend where earning crypto becomes a secondary benefit, rather than the main focus.

Like traditional games, the best play-to-earn crypto games should captivate players with engaging mechanics.

But with the added layer of crypto rewards, players now have something to work towards—whether unlocking new features or growing their assets. After all, the core of any great game is the experience, not just the rewards.

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