Although the concept is still vague, and there is room to clarify things, the metaverse is stealing the spotlight thanks to its bright features and high potential. Numerous users have already started to play metaverse games, and their number will only keep on increasing.
In this article, we will talk about the top metaverse games that change the face of the gaming industry and set a new trend most of us will embrace and follow.
Thus, let’s dive into the metaverse games list that will surely make you want to join the wave and discover the metaverse.
What Is a Metaverse Game?
First, it feels just fair to give a clear definition of the metaverse. Many experts still believe that the term is abstract, and each definition has some details that are not directly related to the metaverse. However, Investopedia offered a pretty simple definition that makes us understand the core features of the concept:
“The metaverse is a digital reality that combines aspects of social media, online gaming, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and cryptocurrencies to allow users to interact virtually.”
Now, with this definition in mind, it is a little easier to think of what a metaverse game is. Basically, a metaverse game is an application or platform that allows you to interact with others in a metaverse while also offering you the opportunity to earn in-game assets (or digital assets), progress in the game, and interact with various advanced technologies from the metaverse, such as augmented reality and virtual reality.
Top 10 Metaverse Games
1. Axie Infinity
Axie Infinity is one of the most popular play-to-earn games, being available worldwide and gathering millions of users around its story and adorable characters. Axie Infinity was developed by Sky Mavis and released in March 2018.
Axie Infinity welcomes players to a stunning universe with catchy graphics and a story that keeps you playing and playing until you discover more and get more earning opportunities.
In the Axie Infinity world, the characters are called Axies and are very similar to the Pokémons we all are excited about. Axies can have various powers and traits, and users can improve their characters after they start winning battles and earning in-game items. For instance, if you win a battle, you can earn tokens or non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that you can then use to make your Axie better.
Players can collect Axies, raise and breed them, make them compete in battles, and build kingdoms for their characters with the help of the rewards they get when beating other users.
To start playing, users must have at least 3 Axies (NFTs). Once they get them (they are available on various NFT marketplaces), they can download the app and start exploring the Axie Infinity universe.
Axie Infinity is available as a desktop app that can be installed on MacOS and Windows devices. Users have to first download and install Mavis Hub, from where they can access Axie Infinity. They should also set up a compatible crypto wallet to store crypto and NFTs. The game maker recommends Ronin Wallet, as it is compatible with all Axie Infinity-related digital assets.
AXS and SLP
Axie Infinity developed 2 tokens for its game: AXS (Axie Infinity Shards) and SLP (Smooth Love Potion). AXS is the governance token of the game, while SLP is a reward token.
Axie Infinity Shards (AXS) is an ERC-20 token, meaning that it was developed on the Ethereum network. To earn AXS tokens, users have to play games in the Axie Infinity universe. After earning their first tokens, they can start staking them to earn extra rewards. Furthermore, they can participate in key governance votes.
SLP tokens can be earned while playing Axie Infinity in the battle and adventure modes. SLP is also an ERC-20, and it functions like a utility token. Smooth Love Potion tokens can be used to improve your characters by adding new traits.
Why Is Axie Infinity Popular?
Axie Infinity became pretty popular in a short time thanks to its well-developed platform and tokenomics. On Axie Infinity, most things are extremely clear, and users have plenty of activities to choose from.
Furthermore, being a P2E (Play-to-Earn) game, Axie Infinity offers an intriguing earning opportunity, making users consider the game more and more. While its long-term economics can be improved a little to become more sustainable, those looking for short-term profits can download the game and start earning some crypto in a fun and engaging way.
2. The Sandbox
The Sandbox games have been around for over 10 years, the first games being launched around 2011. However, The Sandbox started developing a metaverse game that welcomes users in a virtual world that surprises them with plenty of bright features.
The Sandbox is a multiplayer game that encourages users to compete to earn NFTs. The Sandbox ecosystem is based on user-generated content (UGC), so it encourages players to develop their lands through a process that can be considered similar to Minecraft.
The game developers of The Sandbox worked on 3 main products that contribute to user-generated content production: Voxel Editor, the Marketplace, and the Game Maker.
Voxel Editor (VoxEdit) is a 3D voxel modeling and NFT creation platform available on Windows and MacOS. The tool allows users to create, edit, and animate 3D projects (humans, animals, tools, in-game items, vehicles, etc.). The platform works with voxels, which are 3D pixels similar to building blocks (another Minecraft resemblance).
The Sandbox marketplace is an NFT marketplace where players can upload, sell, purchase, and exchange NFTs created on VoxEdit. The NFTs can then be used to improve your gaming experience on The Sandbox.
The Sandbox Game Market is a platform where users can develop 3D games for free. The tool does not require coding knowledge, as it provides accessible visual scripting tools that contribute to the creation of 3D gaming.
About SAND
SAND is the native token of The Sandbox ecosystem. It is an ERC-20 token, so it was developed and is stored on the Ethereum blockchain.
The Sandbox users must hold SAND tokens if they want to purchase NFTs on The Sandbox marketplace (LAND and ASSET). Furthermore, SAND is required to participate in the governance of The Sandbox metaverse.
Why Is The Sandbox Popular?
Initially, The Sandbox gained popularity thanks to its non-crypto-related games. Afterward, once it entered the blockchain industry, the game gathered increasingly more users around its concept thanks to its similarities with Minecraft.
Minecraft has always been extremely popular all over the world, but The Sandbox has another great advantage – it offers access to the metaverse, the security provided by blockchain technology, and the opportunity to create NFTs and earn crypto along the way.
3. Decentraland
Decentraland is all about socializing in virtual worlds. It is one of the most popular metaverse games, and users usually describe it as a 3D decentralized virtual world where crypto, blockchain, and metaverse enthusiasts can interact with each other while also developing the ecosystem.
Decentraland was developed on the Ethereum blockchain, and it is entirely user-owned, so there is no central authority controlling the activity.
On Decentraland, users can spend their time playing games, simply socializing, or creating, buying, selling, and exchanging digital assets. Furthermore, you can create your own games, environment, or marketplace seamlessly without the need for advanced coding knowledge.
Those using Decentraland can host community events, such as dancing nights, parties, movie screenings, or concerts. The list never ends, as any event you imagine can be created in the Decentraland ecosystem.
For instance, at the moment of writing, considering that we’re only a few days past Valentine’s Day, there is a Valentine’s Day-themed event going on. During the event, anyone can join and collect hearts through various activities, such as fishing, mining, and chopping trees. Those who add their hearts to the Grand Heart can get a ticket for a special limited NFT skin.
About MANA
MANA is the governance token in the Decentraland ecosystem. It is an ERC-20 token and is burned whenever it is used to purchase something in Decentraland. Besides spending it on Decentraland marketplaces, you can also earn MANA.
Decentraland allows users to monetize their in-game creations, such as games, apps, and other tools. Thus, they can earn MANA by charging users to look at, use, or interact with the things they created on the platform.
Decentraland also uses two NFTs (ERC-721 tokens): LAND and Estate. LAND is a 52-foot x 52-foot plot of digital real estate, while an Estate is formed by two or more adjacent plots.
Why Is Decentraland Popular?
Besides its constantly increasing popularity, Decentraland is also one of the oldest metaverse gaming platforms. Although the crypto market is still volatile and unpredictable, and there still is some speculation around crypto, blockchain technology, and the metaverse in general, the wide adoption of these concepts is closer than we think.
The opportunities Decentraland offers are almost endless, and this only intrigues users from all over the world. Furthermore, the opportunity to monetize your creations increases interest even more, and these are just some reasons why Decentraland is popular and will become even more popular in the near future.
4. Illuvium
Illuvium is a metaverse gaming platform offering a fantasy role-playing game (RPG) developed on the Ethereum network. It is often considered the first AAA game on Ethereum and is perfect for both gaming enthusiasts and DeFi fans.
The main characters in the Illuvium universe are called Illuvials and can be captured by players who win the battles and then revive them. Each Illuvial has a range of characteristics used to rank the characters by their rarity, utility, and desirability. The characteristics include:
- Classes: Empath, Fighter, Guardian, Rogue, and Psion;
- Affinities: Air, Earth, Fire, Nature, and Water.
Illuvials also have other attributes that help determine their strength in combat, such as attack damage, savagery, and attack speed. Illuvials are represented by NFTs and can be improved through various in-game assets.
About ILV
ILV is the native token of the Illuvium universe and can be used in many ways in the Illuvium ecosystem. First, it is the token used as a reward for users. Thus, whenever they complete in-game achievements, they can get ILV.
Furthermore, the ILV token entitles players to their share of the Illuvium Vault and also gives them the opportunity to participate in the governance of the Illuvium universe through the Illuvium DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization).
Why Is Illuvium Popular?
Illuvium was built by tens of dedicated developers and artists, and to get a high-quality platform, the team took 2 years to develop the entire project. Thus, Illuvium was designed with a major focus on quality and usability.
Thus, it is no wonder that Illuvium became so popular. Its graphics, gameplay, and the high usability of the ILV token make the game a top choice in the gaming world.
5. Alien Worlds
Alien Worlds is an NFT metaverse game developed on Ethereum, WAX, and BNB Smart Chain. In the Alien Worlds universe, users’ main goal is to compete for scarce resources, such as NFTs and in-game tokens.
In Alien Worlds, players are called Explorers and focus on mining by acquiring and renting lang, as well as voting for Planetary governance.
Alien Worlds is based on 4 main concepts: Trilium (TLM), NFT tools, Planet Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (Planet DAOs), and lands. In what concerns the NFTs, there are several types of such digital collectibles:
- Land – Parcels of land on the planets of Alien Worlds. Users can mine it or charge others to mine it for them and then share the rewards;
- Minions – Characters used in the fighting game model. They can also be used in other Alien Worlds games;
- Tools – Users can get various tools as they progress in the game. When they start playing, they get a free shovel to begin mining;
- Weapons – They are used for fighting against other Explorers;
- Avatars – They are NFT game cards that can be used as your avatar in the game. You can choose from five types of avatars: Greys, Reptiloids, Little Green Persons, Nordics, and Robotrons.
About Trilium
Trilium (or TLM) is the native token of the Alien Worlds ecosystem. Explorers can earn TLM as a reward when playing various games in the Alien Worlds metaverse. Those who hold TLM tokens can participate in the governance of the Planet DAOs.
Trilium is available on Ethereum, WAX, and BNB Smart chain; thus, users can hold it on any of the 3 blockchains. Furthermore, it is essential to note that players can earn more TLM by mining it or renting land to other miners.
Why Is Alien Worlds Popular?
Alien Worlds has always focused on launching new and significant updates, keeping users close and engaged for more time, if not even all the time. Furthermore, the Alien Worlds ecosystem provides many opportunities for its players, from earning opportunities through mining TLM all the way to winning NFTs and participating in the governance of the game.
6. Bloktopia
It is only fair to say that Bloktopia is among those “one-of-a-kind” games. It is a virtual space that focuses on both education and entertainment, being suitable for all crypto enthusiasts, regardless of their crypto experience. It was developed on the Polygon network and is powered by Unity, a cross-platform game engine.
The Bloktopia universe is formed of a decentralized VR skyscraper of 21 floors. The 21 number was not chosen randomly; it represents the total supply of Bitcoin, which is 21 million.
Bloktopia uses various technologies, such as VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), blockchain, and crypto, in order to develop a decentralized ecosystem where entrepreneurs, investors, players, and developers interact freely.
To start playing, users have to create avatars that will help them discover the Bloktopia skyscraper. After creating their avatars, they can enter the 1st level, which is a first-class commercial space, where they can learn more about crypto prices, talk with the support team, and see the agenda of events from the ecosystem.
Along the way, Bloktopians will have many other opportunities to discover the Bloktopia universe, each floor of the 21-story skyscraper having various activities and new places prepared.
About BLOK
BLOK is an ERC-20 token that acts as the utility token of the Bloktopia metaverse. BLOK holders can get access to exclusive events and perks, as well as purchase various assets in the Bloktopia metaverse.
It is essential to note that BLOK is required to purchase customized avatars or lease virtual real estate, which makes the token extremely valuable and highly traded in Bloktopia.
BLOK was launched in 2021 and has a maximum supply of 200 billion. The tokens from real estate purchases are burned, thus decreasing the token supply. Those looking for BLOK tokens can find and purchase them on decentralized exchanges (DEXs).
Why Is Bloktopia Popular?
Bloktopia has thought of a unique and new approach to developing a virtual world, and this has set the project among those epic games everyone wants to try out. The team of developers leveraged multiple advanced technologies, and this led to a better user experience and more immersive gaming experiences.
Furthermore, the use of blockchain technology in the creation of a decentralized virtual world increases security surprisingly, and who does not look for high security these days, right? Besides, the Bloktopia metaverse has numerous interactive features that can contribute to users’ long-term gaming experience.
7. Gods Unchained
Gods Unchained is one of the free-to-play online games, having a unique game model that has intrigued numerous users since its launch. It is a strategy game that focuses on trading cards through fast-paced gameplay. To win the game, users have to align themselves with one of the six gods, build decks of 30 cards, and use their strategies to outsmart their opponents.
When starting to play Gods Unchained, users have to align one of the gods or goddesses of nature, deception, magic, light, death, or war. Each god has various traits and weaknesses and comes with a different set of cards. Thus, it is extremely important to choose your god wisely.
Then, players have to create their decks of cards, with a maximum of 30 cards per deck. Each card must have unique abilities, stats, and artwork. They can combine the cards to build powerful decks to win against their opponents.
The actual game starts when users enter the mulligan phase, where they can reshuffle the cards that are not useful for them. Players have to use their cards to defeat their opponents or their gods by attacking their cards.
About GODS
GODS is the native cryptocurrency of the Gods Unchained universe. It is an ERC-20 token that can be used to purchase in-game assets in the Gods Unchained marketplace, create NFTs, and get rewards. The maximum supply of GODS is 500 million tokens.
GODS also acts as the governance token in Gods Unchained; thus, GODS holders can also vote on various ecosystem matters, making a difference in the decision-making process and contributing to establishing Gods Unchained as a community-driven project.
Why Is Gods Unchained Popular?
Gods Unchained has become one of the top metaverse games thanks to the unique game model brought to the blockchain industry. Unlike other strategy card-based games that promote centralized ecosystems, Gods Unchained comes with a new, safer, and better approach that gives users more power and, most importantly, the concept of ownership.
8. Voxels
Voxels (formerly known as Cryptovoxels) is a metaverse virtual world that can be considered a bit similar to Minecraft. We’re saying “a bit similar” because it might look similar, but the activities differ from one game to another.
Originally launched in 2018 as Cryptovoxels, the game was developed on the Ethereum network, and developers planned to make it part of the larger metaverse. One of the most intriguing concepts in Voxels is the Voxel spaces. Spaces are represented by pieces of land that are not directly accessible by any user. Instead, only the player who initially claimed them can access them. However, the claimers can share access to their spaces by sending a URL to their friends.
The URL can open a teleport link that leads to the claimed space. This process can be completed on a standard browser, and this can make the Voxels universe a little limited compared to other metaverse games.
Voxels also focuses on improving creativity on the platform; thus, it has integrated NFTs into its universe. NFTs can contain many in-game elements, such as land, resources, or even wearables. The Voxels NFTs can be traded on various NFT marketplaces, including OpenSea, which is one of the most popular such platforms.
What Is the Native Token of Voxels?
When talking about Voxels, things get a bit more interesting. When it first launched, the game did not use a native cryptocurrency. Instead, it only focused on NFTs.
However, in 2021, Voxels announced that it started tackling this problem by looking for the best way to develop its governance token, which was called Scarcity Island. The team of developers stated that the token was to be launched in the first half of 2022.
The token was developed and passed through a testing phase, but little is known about its evolution and whether it will become a widely used token in the Voxels world.
Why Is Voxels Popular?
Voxels started gaining remarkable popularity when users realized how easy it was to build spaces on the platform. Furthermore, sharing your space with others is extremely easy, too, and this increases the accessibility of the metaverse and makes increasingly more users interested in the concept.
9. Chain of Alliance
Chain of Alliance is a P2E (Play-to-Earn) fantasy role-playing game developed on the Chromia network. It welcomes users into an amazing universe, offering them an immersive gaming experience and plenty of opportunities.
In the Chain of Alliance universe, users are allowed to form parties of adventurers in order to fight against other parties or AI-controlled monsters that loot points. With each battle they win, users can improve, develop, and customize their characters.
Chain of Alliance primarily focuses on character development, so users can choose from numerous species, classes, and loot to create and improve their characters. All characters take the form of NFTs; thus, users can prove ownership in the game and outside the Chain of Alliance universe.
Currently, Chain of Alliance offers 2 main game modes: PvP (Player vs Player) and PvE (Player vs Environment). Each game mode requires a solid real-time strategy to defeat opponents.
About COA
COA is the governance token in the Chain of Alliance world, the game using a single-token model. COA has numerous use cases, including the fact that it is the main currency in the Chain of Alliance marketplace.
Users can also receive COA when playing in the PvE and PvP game modes, staking their existing COA tokens, and much more. You can use COA to pay for various characters, arenas, and transaction fees and contribute to the governance of the Chain of Alliance universe.
Why Is Chain of Alliance Popular?
Chain of Alliance offers an intriguing back story and comes with stunning graphics that can intrigue and attract plenty of gaming, blockchain, and metaverse enthusiasts.
Furthermore, the game is pretty easy to set up and play, and this can encourage an increasing number of users to try it out. Once they set up their avatar and start playing, the rewards in the form of COA tokens and NFTs can play a major role in keeping them close to the game.
10. Star Atlas
Star Atlas is an RPG focusing on space exploration. It was built on the Solana blockchain, and its story takes place in 2620. In the Star Atlas world, territorial pursuit, political factions, spacecraft, and high-tech weaponry are the main concepts that encourage users to go on with discovering the game.
Star Atlas uses a P2E (Play-to-Earn) game model. Thus, users can earn digital assets by simply playing the game, completing various tasks, and reaching certain levels in the game.
As a Star Atlas player, your main goal is to expand your space empire by getting new land, mining it for resources, and exploring the galaxy to look for ancient artifacts. Each such adventure can get you closer to other users, lost ships, new weapons, and teams of deceased players who also tried to discover the world but did not make it further.
About ATLAS and POLIS
The utility token of Star Atlas is called ATLAS. It can be used to purchase in-game assets like ships, land, weapons, and mining equipment. Each such item is represented by an NFT; thus, it allows users to prove ownership. ATLAS is also part of the in-game economy.
POLIS is the governance token of Star Atlas; thus, it allows token holders to become part of the decision-making process of the game and the DAO governing. Those who hold POLIS can vote on numerous decisions, thus making the Star Atlas as decentralized as possible.
Why Is Star Atlas Popular?
Star Atlas developers have built a complex universe where users have to focus on multiple goals, such as territorial conquest, space exploration, and political domination. Each such pillar is carefully developed and leads to numerous opportunities for players, be they passionate about gaming, blockchain enthusiasts, or eager to discover what the metaverse has to offer.
This, along with solid in-game economics, has made Star Atlas popular in no time, setting it on a path to success, especially considering the constant growth of the metaverse topic.
What Do All These Metaverse Games Have in Common?
All the metaverse games we have talked about, along with many others, aim to change the gaming industry by introducing new advanced technologies. Each such technology has a clear goal, usually focusing on improving a feature that could not be improved before.
Thus, while VR and AR focus on improving the overall gaming experience and creating more immersive virtual worlds, blockchain technology comes to entirely change how we perceive games and how we can contribute to their development.
The metaverse concept comes to prove that virtual interaction can get better, faster, and more detailed, moving it as close as possible to the reality we all experience.
The True Earning Potential
Another concept worth considering when talking about metaverse games is the implication of cryptocurrencies and digital assets in general. Truth be told, you can try out metaverse games to make money. Besides providing higher security and decentralization, in-game digital assets represent the true earning potential that many gamers were looking for.
While in a regular online game, you could win game assets, but you could not say that you actually owned them. They were owned by a central entity that was also the owner of the game.
However, crypto games offer users the opportunity to earn digital assets that they truly own, also offering them a way to prove that ownership, thanks to the fact that both cryptocurrencies and NFTs are stored on the blockchain.
FAQ
Who owns the metaverse?
The metaverse does not have a clear owner. Instead, it is owned by its users and enriched by the UGC (User-Generated Content).
Who is leading in metaverse technology?
One of the most popular companies that contributes to the development of the metaverse is Epic Games, which is the creator of numerous popular games.
What is higher than metaverse?
The metaverse is just a small part of the entire virtual universe. A concept bigger than the metaverse is the multiverse.
Can I enter a Metaverse on my phone?
While entering the metaverse usually requires VR equipment, you can also enter it on your phone, as some games provide such an option. Still, it is essential to note that that version of the metaverse will be somewhat limited due to the limited abilities of smartphones when it comes to this concept.
In Conclusion
The metaverse is the one topic that intrigues so many of us at the moment. The good thing is that it also intrigued game developers, who started thinking of the best ways to combine gaming with the metaverse and other advanced technologies.
Each metaverse game comes with its advantages and special features, and considering the wide variety of such platforms and applications at the moment, it is easy to find the best option for you. We hope that our NFT metaverse games list helped you decide which game you will try out first. Now, we have to get back to improving our Axies!
