In 2024, Statista revealed that the NFT market is projected to hit $608.6 million in revenue by 2025. Barely two months into the year, blockchain gaming is already driving this growth. As a significant part of the industry, new NFT games are popping up with exciting and rewarding experiences for players. These games combine immersive gameplay with advanced blockchain technologies to deliver an outstanding experience.

In this article, an expert Kate Richardson highlights some of the best NFT games to play in 2025. I’ll also share tips on how to choose right. Let’s get into it!

What Are NFT Games to Play and Why They Become Popular? 

NFT games are video games that allow players to own in-game assets using blockchain technology. These can include items with real value. Although they have been around since 2014, they didn’t become popular until 2021. Why? The COVID-19 lockdowns led many people to seek new forms of entertainment, making blockchain technology more valuable and accessible.

As Kate said, “when I started exploring NFT games, I realized they offer more than just fun. They allow players to earn, trade, and truly own digital items, creating a sense of value and ownership. This unique combination of gaming and investment is why they have become popular globally.”

Сriteria of Choosing the Best NFT Game in 2025

One of the most complex parts of gaming is choosing the right game. To help you avoid mistakes, Kate has created a simple list of things to look out for:

• Gameplay: The game should have an engaging and enjoyable gameplay that aligns with your interest. An overly complicated game will frustrate you and affect the quality of your gaming experience.

• Earning potential: Look for games that offer fair earning opportunities. These should include NFTs or cryptocurrency with real-world value.

• Payment options: Choose games that allow wagers with secure and flexible payment methods. For example, bookmakers with NFT games  that offer Skrill as a payment option should be more considered. Skrill is a trusted platform that makes betting transactions simple and fast, especially for global users. 

• Blockchain: In the words of Ginni Rometty, “Blockchain will do for trusted transactions what the internet did for information.” Thus, choosing a reputable blockchain will guarantee that your digital assets and transactions are safe.

• Developer reputation: Research the developers behind the game. Games built by experienced and reputable developers are more likely to be stable and trustworthy.

• Community: This is particularly helpful for updates, advice, and knowledge about the game. It can also suggest whether the game is trustworthy or not. So, look for an NFT game with an active and supportive community.

Best Upcoming NFT Games to Follow in 2025

The NFT gaming world is expanding quickly, with new games and exciting opportunities to play and earn emerging every day. Hence, the many options may make choosing quite tasking, but don’t worry, we are here to help. Here’s a list of the top seven NFT games you should consider in 2025.

1. Shrapnel

Shrapnel, developed by Neon Machine, is built on the Avalanche blockchain. This AAA first-person shooter lets players extract resources from a deserted area where an asteroid collided with the moon. The game has solo and multiplayer modes, making it more fun. Players can collect NFTs and trade items in the marketplace using SHRAP, the game’s official token. Shrapnel has been in its early access phase since 2024, but it is set to launch on PC this year.

2. Hytopia: Sandbox Game Resembling Minecraft

Hytopia is a free-to-play game inspired by Minecraft. It provides you an opportunity to build, explore, and trade within its Web3-powered world. Unlike traditional sandbox games, it takes advantage of blockchain technology. 

This allows actual ownership of in-game assets. Hytopia empowers creators with tools to design custom environments and allows players to customize avatars, trade items, and join communities. Its economy thrives on user-generated content(UGC) and NFT-driven mechanics, promising an immersive experience for all gamers.

3. Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity is a blockchain-based gaming metaverse developed by Sky Marvis. In this game, you’re to collect and breed pets known as Axies. Axies are digital creatures that come in the form of non-fungible tokens that can be used to compete in a card game. Despite being around for years, this Ronin sidechain-built game remains a leading play-to-earn option for many.

4. Splinterlands

Splinterlands is a Web3 trading card game built on the HIVE blockchain. What can players do with the cards? They can trade, battle for rewards, or even burn them for a more valuable reward. Unlike traditional turn-based games, Splinterlands has fast, action-packed gameplay. It also offers hundreds of unique cards, making every match exciting and rewarding.

5. Illuvium

This game is built on the Ethereum blockchain. It has an interesting storyline where players capture creatures called Illuvials. Each Illuvial is an NFT with unique abilities and rarity. Illuvium promises an immersive, high-quality gaming experience in Web3. It also offers zero gas fees and quick transactions through its integration with Immutable X.

 6. Alien Worlds

If you’re a fan of sci-fi, then this is an option you should try out. Alien Worlds lets you explore a virtual universe and complete missions for rewards. You can collect resources and the game’s native token while building your in-game assets. It features valuable collectibles that make it unique. The game also features Planet DAOs, where you can help shape the metaverse’s future through governance and collaboration. 

7. Big Time

This is another free-play and multiplayer game. In this MMORPG game, you’re a time traveller summoned to the end of the universe. While at it, you experience different times in history. Big Time also has a strong community where players engage with each other regularly.

Conclusion

As Tim Draper said years ago, “Cryptocurrencies are going to change the world.” Today, we are living that reality as we watch blockchain-based games transform the gaming industry. These games offer not just entertainment but also opportunities to own digital assets. Recognizing this shift, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) emphasizes the importance of strong regulations to protect users.