Rapid integration of blockchain technology into game development created a new way of gaming experiences. Play-to-earn mechanics give players an opportunity to be rewarded for victories with cryptocurrency, while NFTs give players ownership over unique in-game items.

NFT games have blown up the whole game industry by its merging of virtual experiences and real-world income generation. Only in 2024 the whole NFT gaming market generated over $470 billions, and expected to gain over $940 billion by 2029. They have become an integral part of game development that everyone should be familiar with.

In this article we aim to unveil the top 10 best NFT games that will lock players in 2025 and will explain what NFTs are, what are the key factors and what the influence is on game development. So, get ready, and let’s start to break down the top NFT games 2025!

What Are NFT Games and Why They Become Popular?

Well, simply put, NFT gaming offers players not only an entertaining gaming experience but also the possibility of generating revenue in the form of cryptocurrency and real ownership over in-game items that act as NFT, or Non-fungible tokens.

What is NFT Gaming?

Check out the best NFT games in our article!

What is NFT in gaming? These NFT in games are created by the blockchain smart contracts and are unique items across the web, like a piece of art. NFTs can be in the form of diverse in-game assets, such as weapons, skins, characters, vehicles, virtual land, or even virtual businesses. For insights into the process of creating your own NFTs, explore our guide on how to create NFT collection to learn the essential steps.

NFTs can’t operate without blockchain technology, and therefore, NFTs in video games heavily rely on blockchain, like Ethereum or Binance Smart Chain, which creates a real economy behind the game, ensuring players in clear and secure transactions.

Ultimately, instead of just playing and enjoying fun, through play-to-earn mechanics, players can get NFTs as a reward for winning battles and competitions, successful quest completions, and then trade them in the marketplaces with other players. An additional key element is that these NFTs are compatible not only with the specific game but also across a wide variety of platforms around the ecosystem.

NFT Gaming Market Size 2022 - 2032 (USD Billion)

What NFT types are in games? Explore our article about NFTs!

So, let’s sum up what is an NFT game. Such games are so popular among gamers because of their potential for revenue generation, real ownership over in-game assets, and play-to-earn mechanics that engage players in the game even more than traditional gaming experiences.

Interesting Fact: The first NFT game was released in 2017 and called CryptoKitties. During the playable sessions, players collected, bought and sold virtual cats, and the price of the most expensive one was over $170.000.

Сriteria of Choosing the Best NFT Game in 2025

The market of NFT games is overwhelmed with diverse games of different genres that significantly vary from each other, and selecting the best NFT game can be challenging. However, we’ve prepared for you a list of key factors you should keep in mind when choosing the game.

Gameplay Quality

First things first, since the main thing in the games is their gameplay, look at the quality. Define what you want to receive: a high-fidelity game with AAA-cinematics or, better something more casual and simple?

Look at the gameplay. Is it engaging enough to keep your attention for a long time, needed to collect NFTs? Is the lore of the game interesting for you? Does this game require a significant expertise level in NFT and blockchain to play in? Or does it have a low entry threshold? Additionally, it’ll be wise to pay attention to the replayability of the game—if players return to this game again and again, it speaks for itself.

All these might be important when choosing the game, relying on the gameplay quality.

Relevant Tip Don’t invest a large amount of funds right away if you’re a newcomer to NFT games. Start with free-to-play games or invest small amounts just to explore the game and understand how things operate there.

Earning Potential

Another thing you should keep in mind when choosing the top NFT games 2025 is the potential of earning cryptocurrency. You need to meticulously evaluate the NFT in games and the play-to-earn model of the game and define how efficient the game’s rewards are, whether they are continuous and stable, and how hard or easy they are to convert into cryptocurrency. Also, check the marketplace of the game, as well as its trading volume and liquidity.

Relevant Tip It will be useful to conduct meticulous research about the NFT game’s economy and learn more about their tokens, transactions, marketplace, and community. A strong community and a balanced economy are the green signs of a great game with high potential.

Blockchain Support

Since blockchain technology has become a fundamental basis of the best NFT games, you should carefully evaluate the blockchain system of the game you choose. Whether it’s Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Ronin, or Hive blockchain, it’s crucial to assess the speed, transparency, and security of their transactions. Also, check if they have fees on their transactions and how expensive these fees are.

How Does the Blockchain Work?

Blockchain is a basic technology for NFT games.

Popularity Among Players

Yes, you should pay attention to games that are popular because a strong community around the game ensures its stable and functional economics, a lot of NFTs, and, consequently, a lot of earnings. The sustainability of the game is guaranteed by players’ love and attention.

To find the most popular NFT games is easy—just check social media, like Twitter, Discord, or Reddit. The game community is always ready to share their most favorite games from beloved and established developers with proven track records.

Interoperability

Another thing important when choosing the best NFT games 2025 is interoperability of its assets across different platforms. It creates an immersive metaverse, where you can trade your NFTs not only in the game, but in the wider ecosystem. With higher interoperability there is a chance of a more sustainable economy of the NFT game and greater community around it.

Sustainability

The final thing you should consider when looking for a top NFT game is sustainability. This means that the game must leverage eco-friendly measures, like Layer 2 (L2) solutions, that increase blockchain efficiency while reducing the pollution caused by blockchain energy utilization.

Also, it will be valuable to check if the economy of the game is balanced enough to prevent inflation of assets and in-game tokens.

Top 10 NFT Games to Follow in 2025

So, relying on these criteria, we’ve assembled a list of the best NFT games 2025. And the first in our list will be:

#1 Shrapnel

This AAA first-person shooter (FPS) that implements NFT features will be the first game you should definitely pay attention to. Developed by Neon Machine, Shrapnel offers players a competitive battlefield where they can fight each other, collect gear in the form of NFTs, and hunt on the pieces of shattered Moon, which, according to the game’s lore, became a priceless resource called shrapnel.

Shrapnel - one of the greatest NFT games in 2025

Shrapnel – one of the greatest NFT games in 2025.

The thing that differentiates Shrapnel from the other games is definitely the impressive graphics, AAA-level of the game, deep lore, and Blockchain integration. Shrapnel is an unusual case in NFT gaming when it’s a fast-paced FPS with astonishing visuals, where players can customize their characters and collect NFTs.

To give players the ability to earn cryptocurrency, Neon implemented Avalanche blockchain into their game and developed an official ERC-20 token named SHRAP. With SHRAP, players can trade NFTs on the Shrapnel marketplace, buy and sell collectibles and enhance features. Additionally, SHRAP allows players to vote on user-generated content and

#2 The Sandbox

The next on our list of NFT video games is The Sandbox, a game combining both play-to-earn (P2E) with user-generated content. A brainchild of the Animoca Brands, this game creates a virtual metaverse where players can create their own experiences, express creativity, trade NFTs, and earn cryptocurrency on the Ethereum blockchain.

The Sandbox NFT game successfully combined P2E with UGC mechanics.

The Sandbox NFT game successfully combined P2E with UGC mechanics.

The wide toolset, such as VoxEdit or Game Maker, offers gamers an opportunity to build their own assets and trade them for in-game currency SAND. It also allows players to purchase virtual land, named LAND NFTs, which in 2024 reached over 20k LAND owners.

The combination of P2E and UGC features made The Sandbox not only a game but a real platform for creativity and income generation. It doesn’t require deep code knowledge for gamers to act like developers. This low entry threshold allows gamers to create their own assets, collaborate with each other, and earn through their content.

The popularity of the Sandbox proved in its partnerships with diverse famous brands, from Ubisoft and to Warner Music Group.

#3 Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity is one of the best play-to-earn games with strategy elements that offer players an in-come generation through gaming experiences. Developed by Sky Mavis, the blockchain-based game shows the Axies—cartoonish creatures with their own powers and characteristics—that players can collect, breed, and engage in combat in the arena. These creatures are actual NFTs that players can also create from scratch and trade with other players on the marketplace.

Explore the world of Axie Infinity! Play, fight and trade NFTs!

Explore the world of Axie Infinity! Play, fight and trade NFTs!

Axie Infinity utilizes Ronin and Ethereum blockchain systems for their transactions with minimum fees. Additionally, developers created for the game Axie Infinity Shards token, which allows players to vote on the development of the game, and Smooth Love Potion token required for breeding their Axies.

According to CryptoSlam, Axie Infinity earned over $4.28 billion and there is a reason for that. Axie Infinity built a robust community around their game and seamlessly implemented blockchain technology into the game. Additionally, their blockchain system is really easy-to-understand and accessible for everyone, hence engaging more and more players in it. All these makes Axie Infinity one of the most popular NFT games.

#4 Splinterlands

It’s a collectible card game (CCG) with blockchain integration that earned love from gamers all around the world, gaining over 1.5 million players. Made by a team of Splinterlands, Inc., the game is set in a fantasy realm and utilizes strategy mechanics to earn NFTs through gaming experiences.

Splinterlands, a collectible card game with blockchain elements.

Splinterlands, a collectible card game with blockchain elements.

The gameplay of Splinterlands consists of deck construction by using cards with some powers and creatures with their own characteristics. So, think strategically, build your lineups, and level up your cards through card combinations or earned upgrades.

Built on the Hive blockchain technology, Splinterlands offers players fast and cheap transactions of the earned in-game assets. Inside the game, developers created two versions of tokens, including SPS (Splintershards), which allows players to vote on decisions on the game’s development, and DEC (Dark Energy Crystals), which is the in-game currency earned in battles.

To play Splinterlands you have to purchase a starter pack for around $10, which is quite a low entry threshold across NFT video games.

#5 Illuvium

This open-world role-playing game (RPG) immerses players into the alien planet inhabited by Illuvials—NFT creatures that can be collected and used in battles and trading. Illuvium is a free play-to-earn game with AAA-quality, strategy features and blockchain technology, offering players an immersive gameplay and ownership over in-game items.

Illuvium - blockchain, free play-to-earn RPG game

A blockchain, free play-to-earn RPG with high-fidelity visuals and immersive world.

Combining open-world exploration and auto-battler combat, Illuvium leverages the Ethereum blockchain to create an engaging gaming experience and smooth transactions. All in-game NFTs, including Illuvials, weapons, virtual land, and items, can be owned by players and enhanced by the ILV token.

Illuvium is a great example of the AAA blockchain game with incredible graphic capabilities, interesting lore, and engaging gameplay, which is also accessible to a wide audience.

#6 Alien Worlds

Have you ever wanted to play an NFT game about space and planets? There is your chance! Alien Worlds, developed by Dacoco GmbH, offers players a huge metaverse where you can explore and mine planets, trade NFTs in the form of land, mining tools, and special powers, and even fight in PvP mode.

Alien Worlds - NFT game about the space

Alien Worlds a great example of an NFT game about the space.

The foundation for Alien Worlds was built on the WAX blockchain with Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain features. Combining these technologies allows developers to provide players with decentralization and smooth transactions. Players can use TLM tokens—earned in mining planets—to vote in governance and purchase rewards.

Cross-chain interoperability and decentralized governance systems are the key to Alien Worlds’ success. Additionally, engaging and fun gameplay, play-to-earn features and low entry point make this game a jewel across top NFT games.

#7 Big Time

Developed by Big Time Studios, this MMORPG shows players diverse ages of history and sci-fi, where they can fight each other and collect valuable NFTs. Big Time is an immersive gaming experience merged with blockchain technology to provide users with the opportunity to earn cryptocurrency.

BIG TIME - MMORPG to fight and collect valuable NFTs

Explore the incredible NFT world in the Big Times game.

The gameplay of Big Times is an actual adventure with cooperation mechanics that drive players into fast-paced combats, character customization, and looting NFTs. Big Times utilizes Ethereum and Layer-2 blockchain for transactions and offers players a wide range of NFTs in the form of in-game items, cosmetics, weapons, and other attributes that can be bought and sold in the marketplace.

Impressive visuals, blockchain integration, AAA-scale, and gameplay that capture the players’ attention it’s all about Big Time, one of the greatest NFT video games.

#8 Decentraland

Launched by the Decentraland Foundation, this metaverse offers players a platform for expressing creativity and building user-generated areas, and interactions. Community is the key feature of this game that drives players to create, share, and trade their NFTs in the form of everything, starting from businesses and finishing with art.

Decentraland - platform for your creativity and NFT tradings

Decentraland a platform for your creativity and NFT tradings.

Powered by Ethereum blockchain, Decentraland utilizes two types of tokens: MANA, which is responsible for purchasing in-game assets and voting for game’s future, and LAND, which is simply a 3D real estate that players can rent and sell.

Decentraland is a perfect example of decentralized in-game spaces offering players ownership over their user-generated content

#9 Battle of Guardians

This real-time multiplayer fighting game engages in a bright fantasy world filled with various warriors competing with each other. Developed by Battle of Guardians Studios, this game is powered by Solana blockchain and offers players PvP combat experiences.

Battle of Guardians - NFT fighting with PvP combat mechanics

Battle of Guardians is an example of NFT fighting game with PvP combat mechanics.

In the game there are three races: Humans, Demons, and Guardians, and each have their abilities and characteristics. Players arm their characters with unique weapons—which are NFTs—and strengthen them before battles.

Using two types of tokens Battle of Guardians Share and Fighting Points—players can buy and sell their in-game items, enhance their characters and earn cryptocurrency. Blockchain technology improves the traditional fighting game with the ability to earn revenue, which creates an additional layer of players’ engagement.

#10: Idle Cyber

The last one in our list of top NFT games will be Idle Cyber, an idle defense game featured in a post-apocalyptic world full of monsters and robots. Developed by BeeMob Studio, this game combines blockchain technology with strategy mechanics, idle games and interesting lore to create an immersive experience that will lock players in front of the screens.

Idle Cyber - Idle defense NFT game with PvE and PvP mechanics

Idle Cyber is an Idle defense NFT game with PvE and PvP mechanics.

In Idle Cyber, players create cybernetic characters that must defend their fortifications against waves of attacking enemies. Developers successfully blend PvE and PvP modes and enhanced it with play-to-earn mechanics.

Runed on Binance Smart Chain, the game offers players a wide range of NFTs, including customized characters, weapons and other in-game assets that can be traded on the marketplace. The system operates on $IDLE token that players earned through mission completions, winning battles, and events participation.

The Future of NFT Games in 2025 and Beyond

Recent innovations are changing the whole gaming industry and NFT games as well. New trends emerge every year, and new technologies are implemented in games, changing them for good. When we look at 2025 and beyond, we can predict some cutting-edge advancements that will change gaming experiences. Here are some of them:

Cross-Platform Integration

Developers will improve and expand the interoperability of NFTs in video games in order to cover wider areas and offer players asset utilization across different platforms and games. For insights into building games that seamlessly work across multiple platforms, explore our insights about cross platform game development to learn about tools, tips, and best practices. Additionally, blockchains will improve integration between different currencies, allowing players to transit their crypto from one blockchain to another.

AR/VR NFT Games

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technologies have already burst into the game industry, adding a new layer of interaction players with digital worlds. And NFT games are no exception.

AR/VR will continue its expansion, creating immersive worlds for gamers to play, and upgrading NFTs to the whole new level. It will simplify the showcases of NFT collections, and will blend the real world with virtual assets.

Metaverse Gaming

NFTs will continue to expand their virtual worlds to offer players diverse platforms for socialisation, trading and creativity expression. These metaverses will become an even more sophisticated platform for user-generated content that will play the key role in the NFTs. Also, the NFTs will be a perfect mark of virtual identity that players could create for themselves across all the metaverses.

Metaverse gaming

NFTs have paved the way for creating diverse Metaverse runs using blockchain basics.

The rapid integration of blockchain technology into the gaming industry revolutionized the entire approach to how games were built, and how they were played. NFT in games offers players real ownership over digital assets, AR/VR immerses them into the digital worlds, and metaverse and interoperability expand their capabilities to new heights. It’s something that nobody in the game industry can’t ignore and something that all need to pay attention to. Check out our another great insight about 15 best metaverse games in 2024, these titles showcase how virtual worlds are changing player engagement and interaction.

By creating an additional layer of engagement providing players with the opportunity to generate revenue in cryptocurrency, best NFT gaming projects shaped the future of game development. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep up with this advanced technology and utilize it on time, when you’re ready.

Interesting Fact: NFT became so popular that even well-known brands, like Adidas or Nike, started collaborations with top NFT games, producing unique virtual NFT collections.

Explore Fgfactory Expertise in NFT

Developing an NFT game is not a walk in the park. Game developers must be experienced enough with cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Luckily, Fgfactory has an expert team that can develop an NFT game for you from scratch. Across our portfolio, you may find a wide range of top NFT games, such as:

Dark Country is a PvP real-time multiplayer game with blockchain technology and NFT mechanics. For this game, we leveraged Unity to build back-end and front-end gameplay, along with real-time multiplayer features.

Racer Club is a multiplayer racing game for which we’ve developed design, VFX, gameplay, and added multiplayer and AI features.

NFT Islands, a blockchain mobile game, where we were responsible for developing the visual look of the game and NFT assets.

If you have an NFT project in mind, contact us, and we’ll develop the best solution possible for you!

FAQ

NFT games are games in which gamers have an opportunity to purchase and trade their in-game assets in the form of NFTs (non-fungible tokens). It includes weapons, tools, artifacts, skins, characters, and other in-game things. NFTs utilize blockchain to give players real ownership over items they purchase. While in simple games, in-game assets are only connected with this particular game, items in NFT games could be bought, sold or traded in blockchain marketplaces for cryptocurrency.
NFT games heavily rely on blockchain technology, like Ethereum, Solana, or the Binance Smart Chain. Blockchain allows NFTs to create a distributed platform, where players can purchase and trade their in-game items safely. Blockchain provides NFT games with secure transactions and ownership verifications.

What is NFT in gaming? The most interesting thing in NFTs is that they offer real asset ownership for players. So, it’s not only a feature inside the game, it’s a real item that players control and that they can trade on markets and get money for it.

Additionally, there are Play-to-Earn (P2E) games, where players earn cryptocurrency and NFTs for mission completion and winning in battles. It adds an extra layer of engagement for players, and creates for them a source of potential income.

The combination of blockchain, P2E mechanics, and NFT creates immersive games, where players can not only entertain themselves but also earn crypto money and create a real economy around the game.
Sure! There are a lot of free-to-play games with different NFT features, such as:

Chainmonsters is a free MMORPG with a low entry threshold. It’s the best option if you want to play a stunning game with creatures like Pokémon.

Splinterlands is a card trading game that leverages the Hive blockchain for in-game markets. However, newcomers can play for free without worrying about different players’ capabilities and levels.

Gods Unchained is one of the most popular tactical card games, where you can face and fight your opponents with the help of card combinations that you get at the beginning for free.

Coin Hunt World is another free-to-play game where you can play without investment and still earn some crypto in the form of Bitcoin or Ethereum.

These games don’t require significant investments from players, using the model called “freemium”. According to it, players can play without investment, but have to spend more time and effort to achieve in-game results and possess items. However, players still have an opportunity to buy those items and upgrades, and be a participant of the game’s economy.
Contact Us
Let's build something amazing together.
Think we might be the right friends for your next adventure? Take a minute, we’d love to hear about your request.
CONTACT US