Play-to-Earn (P2E) — or “play to earn” — is a video game model where players receive real rewards for in-game activities. In 2025, the P2E industry is experiencing a revival: after the speculative project boom of 2021–2022, the market has matured, and games have become more polished and profitable.
We’ve put together a list of the best P2E games of 2025 that combine engaging gameplay, stable economies, and real earning potential.
1. Big Time
Genre: Action RPG
Platform: PC
Earning model: NFT loot, equipment rental, in-game currency $BIGTIME
Big Time is an adventure game featuring thrilling combat, cooperative gameplay, and the ability to acquire NFT items. Players can obtain unique gear, upgrade it, and sell it on the marketplace. The game’s economy remains stable thanks to a limited supply of resources and a well-thought-out tokenomics model.
2. CosmoFox
Genre: RPG with its own Telegram blockchain token
Platform: PC, Mobile
Earning model: Collecting and trading ZYLO tokens
CosmoFox is a new blockchain game using the P2E model. Players complete missions of varying difficulty to earn collectible items, energy, or power. The native token ZYLO will also be used for in-game purchases and trading on exchanges.
3. Illuvium
Genre: Auto-battler / open-world RPG
Platform: PC, consoles
Earning model: Collecting and trading Illuvials (NFTs), $ILV token
Illuvium is one of the most ambitious projects in the P2E space, blending elements of Pokémon, DeFi, and AAA-quality graphics. Players explore an open world, capture and train creatures (Illuvials), battle in arenas, and participate in tournaments with cash prizes.
4. My Pet Hooligan
Genre: GTA-style PvP shooter
Platform: PC
Earning model: NFT characters, in-game events
One of the most dynamic and “game-focused” P2E titles. While it lacks a complex DeFi economy, it delivers exciting gameplay, humor, and earning opportunities through tournaments, skins, and in-game rewards. Perfect for those tired of clickers and craving real action.
5. Pixels
Genre: 2D farming and social simulator
Platform: Browser
Earning model: $PIXEL token, NFT land
Pixels is a simple yet surprisingly popular Web3 game where players grow crops, trade, build businesses, and interact with others. Backed by Binance and supported by a strong community, it became one of 2025’s biggest hits.
6. Gods Unchained
Genre: Collectible card game (CCG)
Platform: PC, Mobile
Earning model: Trading cards (NFTs), tournaments, $GODS token
Gods Unchained is the “blockchain equivalent of Hearthstone.” Players build decks, compete in ranked matches, and earn rare cards that can be sold for real money. The game regularly hosts events and maintains a stable $GODS token economy.
7. The Sandbox
Genre: Virtual world / metaverse
Platform: PC
Earning model: Land sales, content creation, $SAND token
In 2025, The Sandbox remains one of the leading metaverse projects. Players can create mini-games, assets, and buildings, selling them as NFTs. Strong brand integrations and creative opportunities make it a favorite among designers, gamers, and investors.
8. Shrapnel
Genre: Tactical shooter
Platform: PC
Earning model: NFT gear, premium battles, $SHRAP token
A 2025 newcomer with top-tier graphics and game design, created by former Halo and Call of Duty developers. Shrapnel offers deep shooter mechanics and a robust in-game economy where every item is an NFT, and victories bring tangible rewards.
How to Choose a P2E Game
Before investing your time (and especially money), consider these factors:
- Gameplay quality — Is the game fun on its own?
- Economic stability — Is there a sustainable earning model?
- Team transparency — Who’s behind the project?
- Liquidity of tokens/NFTs — Can you actually sell what you earn?
Conclusion
In 2025, the P2E market has matured, and the projects have become more refined. Players can now not only earn but also truly enjoy the gaming experience. The key is to choose wisely and remember: the real value of P2E lies not only in tokens but also in its engaged communities, creativity, and new forms of gaming economies.
