P2E (Play-to-Earn) games promise the opportunity to earn real money just by playing. The idea sounds tempting: sit at home, complete quests, earn crypto — almost a dream. But how much time does it actually take to make a meaningful income from such games? Let’s break it down.
How Earnings Work in P2E
In most P2E games, players earn:
- Tokens (for example, SLP in Axie Infinity or ILV in Illuvium)
- NFT items or characters that can be resold
- Platform currency for completing tasks, participating in battles, building, etc.
Future income depends on the token’s price, the game’s popularity, and the demand for in-game assets.
Sample Earnings (average figures, vary by project)
| Game | Daily Income | Daily Playtime | ROI Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axie Infinity | $1–5 | 1–3 hours | 1–2 months (at peak times) |
| Gods Unchained | $0.5–3 | 1–2 hours | No upfront investment (slow progress) |
| The Sandbox / Decentraland | Highly variable | Depends on activity | 3 months to indefinite |
| Star Atlas, Illuvium, Big Time | $0 to $10+ | 2–5 hours | Partially depends on NFT drops |
What Affects Income
- Type of Game
Some P2E games require active participation (PvP battles, strategy), others are more passive (farming, staking). Earnings vary accordingly. - Market Conditions
If the in-game token price drops sharply, income drops with it. Players earning $10/day could be down to $0.50/day overnight. - Upfront Investment
Many games require buying NFTs, characters, or items first. The higher the investment, the higher the potential profit — but also the risk. - Skills and Strategy
Experienced players can earn more: winning tournaments, flipping NFTs, or getting in early on new drops.
Case Studies
Axie Infinity (2021–2023):
- An average player with a team of three Axies could earn around $200–400/month by playing 2–3 hours daily.
- After the SLP token price crash in 2022, monthly income fell sharply to $30–50.
Big Time (2024–2025):
- The game offers chances to drop NFTs that can sell for $5–500+. But drops are random. Most players earn $1–3/day with active play.
So, How Much Time Do You Need to Play?
If your goal is to earn at least $300/month, you’ll likely need to:
- Play 2–4 hours per day
- Monitor token prices
- Invest in starting NFTs or items
- Regularly adjust strategies and switch games
- Have some luck — or be an early adopter of a new project
Is It a Job?
In essence, making serious income from P2E requires regular time, knowledge, and sometimes investments. It’s no longer just entertainment — it’s work, often with uncertain results.
Is It Worth It?
Pros:
- Flexible schedule
- Can be combined with other work
- Skills can be monetized
Cons:
- Unstable income
- High risk of losses
- Many “empty” games with poor economies
- Token price crashes can wipe out all progress
Conclusion
Earning money from P2E games is possible — but it requires time, patience, and understanding of market dynamics. On average, to make a noticeable income (say, $300–500/month), you’ll need to play at least 2–4 hours a day, sometimes more. For many, this is comparable to part-time work. There are also risks, including token price drops and games shutting down due to low player activity.
