Best Games That Earn Money in 2026

Axie Infinity is a blockchain-based game inspired by Pokémon, where players collect, breed, raise, battle, and trade token-based creatures known as Axies. It skyrocketed in popularity as one of the first and most prominent play-to-earn games, allowing players to earn Smooth Love Potion (SLP) by winning battles and completing quests, which can then be sold for real money. The game requires an initial investment to acquire at least three Axies to begin playing, making its accessibility a barrier for some. While its earning potential has seen significant fluctuations with the crypto market, its established user base, active development, and the tangible ownership of NFT assets keep it relevant. The gameplay is strategic but can become a grind for optimal earnings. It's best suited for players willing to invest time and capital, and who understand the inherent risks of crypto market volatility.

Decentraland is a decentralized virtual reality platform powered by the Ethereum blockchain, where users can create, experience, and monetize content and applications. Players can own parcels of virtual land (LAND) as NFTs and use them to build anything they desire, from games and art galleries to advertising spaces and social hubs. The earning potential is diverse: players can sell their created NFTs, rent out their LAND, host events, or generate revenue from advertising within their developed spaces. While the barrier to entry for owning significant land can be substantial, passive users can still participate by attending events or trading wearable NFTs. It appeals to creators, entrepreneurs, and those interested in the long-term vision of the metaverse, offering a more creative and less 'gamey' earning experience than typical P2E titles.

Splinterlands is a popular digital collectible card game (CCG) that runs on the Hive blockchain. Players build collections of monster and summoner cards, each with unique stats and abilities, to battle against other players in strategic turn-based combat. Unlike many other P2E games, Splinterlands boasts a relatively low entry barrier, requiring only the purchase of a 'Summoner's Spellbook' for a small fee to unlock full play-to-earn features. Players earn Dark Energy Crystals (DEC) from winning ranked battles, completing daily quests, and participating in seasonal reward chests. Its fast-paced matches and deep strategic elements make it enjoyable, while the consistent reward structure provides a reliable earning stream, albeit one that is subject to cryptocurrency market fluctuations. It's ideal for CCG enthusiasts looking for a low-cost entry into blockchain gaming with regular earning opportunities.

The Sandbox is another prominent metaverse platform where users can create, play, own, and monetize their virtual experiences using NFTs and its native utility token, SAND. Similar to Decentraland, users can purchase LAND parcels to build diverse experiences, from simple games to elaborate social hubs. The platform distinguishes itself with its voxel-based aesthetic, reminiscent of Minecraft, and powerful creation tools like VoxEdit (for creating ASSET NFTs) and Game Maker (for building playable experiences without coding). Earning potential stems from selling ASSETs on the marketplace, renting out LAND, or monetizing experiences built on their property. Its strong brand partnerships and focus on user-generated content make it attractive for creators and those looking to build their digital presence, though it demands a learning commitment and can require substantial initial capital for prime virtual real estate.

Gods Unchained is a free-to-play tactical card game where players build decks and battle against opponents, similar to Hearthstone or Magic: The Gathering. What sets it apart is that every card in the game is an NFT, meaning players truly own their digital assets and can trade them on marketplaces. Players can earn cards by winning battles, participating in weekend ranked events, and crafting higher-quality cards. These earned cards can then be sold for real money or used to compete for higher rewards. The game's robust competitive scene and the fact that it's genuinely fun to play make it a standout. It offers a low barrier to entry, as you can start earning without any initial investment, but significant earnings require mastering the game's mechanics and investing time to build a valuable card collection. It's perfect for strategic card game fans who want to own their in-game assets and potentially earn from their skill.