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Crypto gaming keeps picking up speed, and 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for games that let players earn while they play. Instead of just collecting points or in-game items, these games reward players with cryptocurrency and digital assets that can actually be traded or sold. Whether you’re a gamer curious about crypto or just looking for something different, there are a few titles worth checking out.
According to a recent industry report, the global crypto gaming market is projected to reach over $65 billion by 2027, more than doubling from its 2023 size. That kind of growth is being driven by easy-to-access games, mobile platforms, and the idea that players should have more control over what they earn and own in-game. Some titles draw users with large player bases, others with novel mechanics or deep economies.
Contents
1. Alien Worlds
Alien Worlds is a Sci‑Fi-themed blockchain game operating on WAX that maintains robust daily activity, often comparable or exceeding that of Axie Infinity. It offers mining, missions, and governance via Trilium (TLM) tokens. Its large active user base and simplified mechanics make it accessible for new players while providing consistent rewards.
2. Crypto Poker
Crypto poker has established a presence in blockchain gaming by offering fast, decentralized gameplay with transparent operations. In this full list for 2025 compiled by Gambling expert Sam Alberti on the top crypto casinos, leading platforms now host integrated poker platforms alongside broader gaming offerings. Players can join real-money tables using Bitcoin or Ethereum, with instant deposits, low fees, generous bonuses, and minimal sign-up requirements. The format supports 24/7 global access to tournaments and cash games without the limitations of traditional payment systems.
Cryptocurrencies are legal in Australia, and crypto mining is also permitted. However, the rules around online gambling haven’t quite caught up. The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 governs the space, but it was introduced long before crypto was mainstream. As a result, there’s still some grey area when it comes to games that let you win or bet with digital coins.
3. Illuvium
Illuvium is a crypto-based game that combines auto-battler mechanics with DeFi and NFT gaming. Players explore an alien planet, capture creatures called Illuvials, and stake ILV tokens. Built on Immutable X and using Unreal Engine 5 visuals, it offers high production value alongside yield farming and decentralized governance capabilities.
4. Axie Infinity
Axie Infinity remains one of the most enduring names in play‑to‑earn. Developed by Sky Mavis and built on the Ronin sidechain, it centers on collecting and battling NFT creatures called “Axies.” Players earn AXS and SLP tokens through PvP battles, daily quests, and breeding Axies. Though its token earnings have declined since early peaks, it still averages around 250,000 daily active users on‑chain and offers a deep strategy economy
5. Lumiterra
One of the fastest-growing games in mid‑2025, Lumiterra saw a spike to over 300,000 daily active users following its “MegaDrop Part 1,” which rewarded asset holders and content creators with LUMI tokens. It now drives over 600,000 of Ronin’s on‑chain daily actions and has overtaken older titles in activity.
6. Gods Unchained
Gods Unchained is a card-based blockchain game where players collect NFT cards and compete in tactical duels. Built on Immutable X for gasless gameplay, it ranks among the top play‑to‑earn titles in 2025, offering token rewards and card markets to buy, trade, and earn through gameplay.
7. Big Time
Big Time is a time‑traveling action RPG that delivers dynamic NFT assets and a craftable economy. With a free‑to‑play model and monetization via collectible drops, it’s gaining traction as a Web3 title designed to onboard both crypto enthusiasts and traditional gamers
8. Crypto: The Game
Crypto: The Game (CTG) offers a unique survival-based format with social competition. Inspired by reality TV series like Survivor and Squid Game, it runs over multi‑day rounds where players pay an NFT entry fee and play browser-based challenges, political voting rounds, and puzzle hunts for prize pools. Season 3 in March 2025 featured 716 players competing for roughly $140,000 in ETH, attracting considerable media attention for its immersive, community-centric design.
What Makes These Games Popular
Most of the top crypto games this year are easy to pick up but offer enough depth to keep players coming back. They reward skill and time spent playing, rather than just how much crypto you already own. Some also have vibrant online communities and regular updates that keep the gameplay fresh.
Another big appeal is ownership. In traditional games, items or characters you unlock stay inside the game. In crypto games, they’re stored on the blockchain, meaning you can sell or trade them just like you would with any other digital asset.
Conclusion
Crypto games are no longer a niche interest. They’re now a growing part of the gaming world, offering new ways to play and earn. Whether you’re into card games, RPGs, battle arenas, or building worlds, there’s a crypto game out there that fits your style. Just be sure to choose a game that’s both fun and fair and keep local rules in mind when it comes to anything that resembles gambling.
