10 Best Play to Earn Crypto Games You Can Try in 2026

Play to earn crypto games started small. Over time the market exploded. Verified Market Reports estimates the P2E gaming industry will reach around 1.5 billion dollars in 2026 and could climb above 8 billion dollars by 2033. Because of this growth, more studios now focus on long term player value instead of short term hype. Many of them also work with specialist crypto marketing companies to build real communities instead of quick cash grabs.

Back in 2021 and 2022, most players only cared about one thing: free tokens. People would jump into a game, farm rewards, dump the token, and move on. That model collapsed. Today, in 2026, the players who stay are here because the games are actually fun. Rewards are now part of the journey, not the only reason to play.

So the big question becomes simple:

Which play to earn games are still worth your time in 2026?

We looked at active players, earning systems, token demand, community engagement, and ongoing development. Based on that research, here are the 10 best play to earn crypto games still going strong this year.

1. Axie Infinity

Blockchain: Ronin
Tokens: AXS, SLP
Genre: Strategy creature battler
Entry Cost: Requires 3 Axies
Players: 100k–130k daily (2025 range)

Axie Infinity is still the most famous P2E crypto game. Players collect and battle Axies, breed new ones, and earn SLP for competing. While player numbers dropped since the peak, the loyal core community remains active. The marketplace is still moving, and new updates like Atia’s Legacy help keep things fresh.

Ways to earn:

• Winning PvP battles

• Daily missions

• Breeding and selling Axies

• Staking AXS

Pros

• Strong brand

• Large marketplace

• Active updates

Cons

• Entry cost required

• Earnings depend on token price

  
  

2. The Sandbox

Blockchain: Ethereum and Polygon
Token: SAND
Genre: Creative metaverse
Entry: Free, LAND optional
Users: 2M+ registered

The Sandbox lets players build worlds, host events, own virtual land, and sell NFT assets. Big brands like Snoop Dogg and Adidas operate inside the game, which keeps visibility high.

Ways to earn:

• Sell NFTs you design

• Charge to access your land

• Rent land

• Stake SAND

Best for creators and builders.

3. Illuvium

Blockchain: Ethereum / Immutable X
Token: ILV
Genre: RPG and Auto Battler
Entry: Free to start

Illuvium brings AAA-style graphics into blockchain gaming. You capture NFT creatures, battle, and compete in tournaments. The game looks and feels closer to traditional polished titles, which is why it attracts serious gamers.

Ways to earn:

• Trading Illuvials

• Staking ILV

• Tournaments

  
  

4. Gods Unchained

Blockchain: Ethereum
Token: GODS
Genre: Trading card game
Entry: Free

Think Hearthstone, but you actually own your cards. Cards can be upgraded, traded, and collected as NFTs. The gameplay is deep and competitive.

Ways to earn:

• Rewards

• Card trading

• Staking GODS

  
  

5. Big Time

Genre: Multiplayer Action RPG
Entry: Free
Economy: Player-driven marketplace

Big Time focuses on gameplay first and rewards second. Players collect materials, craft items, and trade them. The marketplace has strong activity, and crafting economics feel natural instead of forced.

Ways to earn:

• Craft gear

• Sell NFTs

• Farm materials

This is one of the most organic Web3 economies in gaming right now.

6. Decentraland

Blockchain: Ethereum
Token: MANA
Genre: Metaverse world

Players create experiences like casinos, events, art galleries, and games. Land and virtual businesses can generate revenue.

Ways to earn:

• Selling wearables

• Hosting events

• Renting land

It is highly community driven.

7. Gala Games Ecosystem

Token: GALA
Type: Multi-game platform

Gala Games runs several games under one ecosystem. Players can earn by running nodes or simply playing. The ecosystem focuses on long term engagement and multiple revenue models.

8. Alien Worlds

Token: TLM
Genre: Space mining

Alien Worlds records some of the highest transaction volumes in blockchain gaming. Players mine TLM, stake tokens, and participate in planetary governance DAOs.

Very easy to start.

9. Splinterlands

Blockchain: Hive
Tokens: SPS, DEC
Genre: Card battle

One of the most consistent P2E games. Players compete in online matches, rent cards, stake SPS, and join tournaments. Simple to start, deep to master.

10. Star Atlas

Blockchain: Solana
Tokens: POLIS, ATLAS
Genre: Space MMO

Star Atlas aims to be a massive open world sci-fi economy. Still maturing, but visually impressive and packed with potential.

How To Start P2E Gaming Safely

1. Set up a wallet that supports your chosen blockchain

2. Start with free to play games

3. Join Telegram or Discord communities

4. Learn token mechanics before investing

5. Track time vs reward

   
   

The Risks You Should Know

• Many P2E games shut down

• Token prices change daily

• Entry cost does not equal profit

• Returns are not guaranteed

Treat it like gaming first, rewards second.

How Play To Earn Games Help Web3 Marketing

P2E games naturally create deep user engagement. Players spend time in the ecosystem, use tokens, share content, and build communities. When marketing integrates properly into gameplay, users feel part of the journey instead of being sold to.

This is where KOLxGrowth works closely with Web3 gaming projects. We help:

• Build real player communities

• Connect projects with trusted KOLs

• Shape growth strategies

• Position games for long term adoption

The key is simple: players stay where value and experience are real.

Final Thoughts

Play to earn gaming in 2026 is not about farming tokens. It is about games people actually enjoy, supported by real communities and sustainable economics.

If you’re building a Web3 game and want to reach real users at scale, KOLxGrowth helps gaming projects grow through proven KOL and community-driven strategies.

We don’t chase hype. We build traction that lasts.