14 Best Web3 Games to Play for Crypto Rewards in 2024
As web3 technology advances, a new era of play-to-earn gaming is allowing players to earn crypto rewards from their in-game activities. Beyond entertainment, these web3 games introduce decentralized economies and genuine in-game asset ownership for a more valuable gaming experience.
In this article, we’ll examine the fourteen best web3 games to play in 2024, exploring their gameplay mechanics, token systems and the unique opportunities they offer to players within this rapidly growing gaming sector.
Key Takeaways:
Web3 games are blockchain-based and utilize smart contracts and digital assets to create a decentralized gaming experience.
Some of the best web3 games include Axie Infinity, Off the Grid, Shrapnel, Pixels and Voxie Tactics.
What Are Web3 Games?
Web3 games are blockchain-based games that utilize smart contracts and digital assets to create a decentralized gaming experience. Unlike traditional games, web3 games offer players genuine ownership of in-game items and the ability to earn crypto rewards through play-to-earn mechanics.
How Do Web3 Games Work?
Web3 games operate on blockchain technology, integrating cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) into gameplay mechanics.
Here's an overview of how these games typically function:
Blockchain Integration: Web3 games are built on blockchain networks, such as Ethereum, or purpose-built gaming blockchains. This decentralized infrastructure ensures transaction transparency and immutability.
Tokenization: In-game assets, characters and items are represented as NFTs, which gives players both verifiable ownership and the ability to trade or sell these assets outside the game.
Cryptocurrencies: Games often use native tokens for in-game purchases, rewards and governance decisions within their ecosystem.
Play-to-Earn Mechanics: Players can earn cryptocurrency or valuable NFTs through various in-game activities, such as completing quests, winning battles or participating in the game's economy.
Smart Contracts: Self-executing smart contracts manage each game's rules, reward distribution and asset transfers without intermediaries.
Decentralized Governance: Many web3 games incorporate decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) structures, allowing players to vote on updates and changes.
Interoperability: Some games allow assets to be used across different platforms or games within the same ecosystem, increasing their utility and value.
To sum up, the mechanics of web3 gaming provide players with genuine ownership of assets and opportunities to earn crypto rewards through gameplay. Innovations are constantly being developed, and the mechanics of these games improve every year.
Best Web3 Games
Below are the top blockchain-based games to explore in 2024.
1. Axie Infinity (AXS)
Axie Infinity is a top blockchain-based game whose players collect, breed and battle fantasy creatures called Axies, each represented as a unique NFT on Ethereum. The game operates on a dual-token system: AXS (Axie Infinity Shards) is used for governance and staking, while SLP (Smooth Love Potion) is the primary in-game reward currency.
Players earn SLP by winning battles in both player-vs.-environment (PvE) and player-vs.-player (PvP) modes and completing daily quests. These tokens can be used to breed new Axies, or sold on cryptocurrency exchanges for real-world value. Breeding is a crucial component of the game’s economy, enabling players to create rare Axies with valuable traits to enhance their teams and increase market value.
AXS staking has grown by 11.34% over the past year, with over 58.5 million AXS currently staked, demonstrating strong player confidence in the platform’s nearly six-year run. The Bounty Board (BB) rewards 25,500 AXS weekly, further engaging the community.
2. The Sandbox (LAND)
The Sandbox is a decentralized, blockchain-based virtual world where users can create, own and monetize their gaming experiences. With the SAND token as its primary currency, The Sandbox’s combines decentralized finance (DeFi) elements with user-generated content and virtual real estate.
Users can create voxel-based assets using VoxEdit, and design games without coding via the Game Maker tool. These creations can be tokenized as NFTs and sold in the marketplace. Virtual land, represented as LAND tokens, forms the foundation of the game's economy, with owners able to host and monetize experiences on their plots.
The Sandbox has established partnerships with various brands and celebrities, integrating well-known intellectual properties into its metaverse. This strategy has helped attract users and add value to the platform through themed experiences and exclusive NFTs.
3. Off The Grid
Off The Grid is a third-person battle royale game redefining what’s possible for web3 gaming. Developed by Gunzilla Games, this AAA title has integrated blockchain technology into high-quality gameplay to become the most popular free-to-play game on the Epic Games store.
Set in a cyberpunk future, players form trios and engage in intense battles across a sprawling cityscape. The game’s early access release created major hype online, drawing over 150,000 Twitch viewers shortly after launch. While full launch is expected sometime in 2024, there’s no fixed release date yet.
Built on the GUNZ Avalanche subnet, Off The Grid allows players to mint NFTs representing in-game items, such as weapons and skins. This integration of blockchain technology provides true ownership of digital assets while enhancing the overall gaming experience.
4. Shrapnel (SHRAP)
Shrapnel is an eagerly anticipated AAA first-person shooter (FPS) set to redefine mainstream perceptions of web3 gaming. Developed by Neon, a studio founded by industry veterans from Xbox and Halo, Shrapnel promises to deliver an adrenaline-filled gaming experience with blockchain integration.
Set in a dystopian future where an asteroid strike has created a dangerous no man’s land, players must use tactical gameplay to extract valuable resources. An early access version of Shrapnel has already been released, giving players a glimpse of what's to come when the full PC version launches in early 2025.
Players earn SHRAP tokens by excelling in gameplay, participating in community events or creating popular user-generated content. These tokens can be used to purchase in-game NFT items and upgrade gear, or staked to influence the game’s future development.
5. Voxie Tactics (VOXEL)
Voxie Tactics is an innovative, turn-based tactical role-playing game (RPG) that brings a charming voxel art style to web3 gaming. Developed by AlwaysGeeky Games, It combines nostalgic gameplay with modern blockchain technology to create a uniquely engaging experience.
Set in a colorful, blocky world, players collect and battle with cute voxel characters, each with unique abilities and traits. The game features both PvE and PvP modes, allowing players to embark on quests or compete against each other in strategic combat.
Built on the Ethereum blockchain, Voxie Tactics utilizes the VOXEL token as its primary currency. Players can earn VOXEL through gameplay, tournaments and participation in the game’s evolving ecosystem. These tokens can be used to purchase new characters or upgrade equipment, or traded on cryptocurrency exchanges.
6. Pancake Protectors (CAKE)
Pancake Protectors is a blockchain-based strategy game on BNB Chain. Combining tower defense gameplay with DeFi mechanics, the game allows players to defend their territories against waves of enemies while earning rewards in CAKE tokens.
Players can choose from various hero classes and upgrade their defenses, offering multiple layers of strategic gameplay. Through its PancakeSwap integration, players can stakeCAKEtokens to unlock additional in-game perks and earn yield through DeFi farming.
7. Star Atlas (ATLAS)
Star Atlas is a space-themed strategy game on the Solana blockchain. It features a vast virtual universe and a player-driven economy. The game combines exploration, resource management and combat, with ATLAS tokens powering various in-game activities and transactions.
Players can earn rewards by exploring new territories, mining valuable resources and engaging in battles. In-game assets, such as ships, weapons and resources, are represented as NFTs that players can trade or sell in an open marketplace.
Star Atlas's high-fidelity graphics and intricate economic systems position it as a next-generation blockchain game. With integrated DeFi features like staking and governance, players can influence the game’s development and earn additional rewards.
8. Splinterlands (SPS)
Splinterlands is a digital trading card game that operates on the Hive blockchain and has an in-game Dark Energy Crystals (DEC) currency. Players collect, trade and battle with digital cards, each represented as an NFT on the blockchain.
The game's play-to-earn model allows players to earn rewards by winning battles, completing quests and participating in tournaments. Cards can be leveled up, combined and traded on the marketplace, which creates a dynamic player-driven economy.
Splinterlands has gained popularity among card game enthusiasts for its accessible gameplay and high earnings potential. The game also features a governance token, Splintershards (SPS), which allows players to participate in decision-making processes.
9. Illuvium (ILV)
Illuvium is an Ethereum-based RPG that’s set in a vast open world. Players explore diverse landscapes to capture creatures known as Illuvials, which can be used in battles or traded in the marketplace. Its auto-battler system allows players to assemble teams of Illuvials for strategic competitive combat.
Recently, Illuvium introduced a triple-title ecosystem featuring three interconnected games: Illuvium: Arena, Illuvium: Zero and the original Illuvium. These games focus on exploration, resource harvesting and conquest, with progress and items carried over between them. The ecosystem caters to a growing global audience, with mobile support for Arena and Zero.
Players own in-game assets, which are stored in the Immutable Passport noncustodial wallet for verifiability on the Ethereum blockchain. The ILV token drives decentralized governance, enabling players to participate in decision-making and share revenue distribution and further enriching the play-to-earn model.
10. Alien Worlds (TLM)
Alien Worlds is a metaverse-based game that combines resource management, exploration and governance. Built on multiple blockchains, including WAX, Ethereum and BNB Chain, the game’s economy revolves around the Trilium (TLM) token.
Players can earn TLM by mining resources, staking tokens and completing missions across different planets. The game's DAO allows players to vote on planetary governance decisions and shape its future.
In-game assets, such as tools and land, are represented as NFTs that can be traded on marketplaces. This setup enables players to turn their in-game achievements into real-world value, creating a player-driven economy where strategic decision-making trumps all.
11. Parallel (PRIME)
Parallel is a science fiction–themed collectible card game that leverages blockchain technology to provide verifiable ownership of digital assets. The game revolves around five factions competing in a futuristic universe, each with its unique playstyle and NFT cards.
Through battles and tournaments, players earn PRIME tokens, the game's native currency. These tokens can be used for in-game activities or traded on cryptocurrency exchanges, adding real-world value to in-game achievements.
Parallel is accessible to all types of players, with different game modes catering to various skill levels. Beginners and casual players can enjoy unranked, AI and rookie modes, while competitive players can play in the Ranked Ladder and Tournament Modes to earn exclusive rewards and prizes.
12. Pixels (PIXEL)
Pixels is a social web3 game built on the Ronin network. It offers an open-world experience focused on farming, exploration and creation. Pixels has cultivated a vibrant, active community by blending digital collectibles with in-game currencies.
New players can begin farms on free land, known as Speck Farms, and generate resources. These resources can be sold for Coins, the primary in-game currency used to purchase initial upgrades, lower-tier crafting kits and basic resources.
The PIXEL token allows players to mint NFTs, purchase VIP Battle Passes and unlock exclusive areas via the Pixels VIP membership. It also powers the game's Guild SocialFi feature to encourage collaboration and community interaction.
13. Mines of Dalarnia (DAR)
In Mines of Dalarnia, a thrilling action-adventure game on BNB Chain, players explore procedurally generated mines to extract valuable resources and battle enemies. Players earn the game’s native token, DAR, through mining activities and by completing quests.
A key feature is the player-driven economy that’s based on tradable land plots. Players can buy, sell and develop land, while landowners earn passive income by allowing others to mine on their property, with opportunities for both active players and investors.
14. Gods Unchained (GODS)
Gods Unchained is a tactical trading card game built on the Ethereum blockchain. Players engage in strategic deck-building and intense PvP battles. The game’s native token, GODS, powers the ecosystem, allowing players to create new cards, upgrade existing ones and earn rewards for various in-game achievements.
One of the standout features of Gods Unchained is that it offers true ownership of cards. Each card is an NFT, giving players full control to trade, sell or transfer their assets on secondary markets, thus unlocking real-world value from in-game success.
With a wide variety of cards and evolving strategies, regular expansions introduce fresh content to keep gameplay dynamic. Players can climb the ranked ladder, compete in tournaments or complete daily quests to earn valuable rewards and enhance their collections.
Are Web3 Games Worth Playing?
Web3 games offer a compelling mix of entertainment and financial opportunity, but are they worth your time? Let's break down the key factors to consider.
Benefits of Playing Web3 Games
Real-World Rewards: Earn cryptocurrencies and digital assets with actual monetary value through in-game achievements and activities.
True Ownership of Assets: The use of NFTs grants complete ownership of your in-game items, which you can trade, sell or transfer outside the game's ecosystem.
Decentralized Economies: Participate in player-driven markets whose communities dictate supply and demand.
Innovative Gameplay: Experience new gaming mechanics and features enabled by blockchain technology, such as NFTs and smart contracts, offering a fresh take on traditional gameplay.
Community Engagement: Jump into decision-making processes through governance tokens and participate in the growth of the game's ecosystem.
Considerations Before Diving In
Learning Curve: Understanding blockchain concepts, setting up digital wallets and managing crypto assets can be challenging for newcomers.
Market Volatility: Due to crypto market dynamics, the value of in-game tokens and assets can fluctuate, affecting the real-world value of your rewards.
Game Quality Variation: Not all web3 games offer the same level of polish or depth as traditional games. Some may prioritize blockchain features over gameplay experience.
Web3 games are worth playing if you're interested in combining the fun of gaming with the potential to earn crypto rewards. Thanks to smart contracts, crypto tokens and NFTs, web3 games offer unique experiences that traditional games can't match.
The Bottom Line
The fourteen web3 games detailed above demonstrate how blockchain technology is redefining player experiences through decentralized economies, ownership of digital assets and tangible opportunities toearn crypto rewards. By playing these games, you can be part of the growing shift that’s blending entertainment with real-world financial opportunities in the gaming world.
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