10 Must-Play Mobile Play-to-Earn Games You Should Try
Introduction
Looking for mobile games that allow you to actually own your progress—or even earn from it? You’re in the right place. This list runs through 10 standout play-to-earn titles available on iOS and Android, covering genres from tower defense to sports. We’ll keep it straightforward and highlight each game’s strengths and areas you should watch before you decide to jump in.
1. Axie Infinity
Genre: Monster Battler / Card Combat
Axie Infinity is often described as the pioneer of play-to-earn gaming. It turned heads with stories of players making real money by breeding and battling adorable (yet fierce) creatures known as Axies. Over time, the developers have tweaked the gameplay with card-based combat and improved graphics. However, the overall player base has cooled considerably.
Why Play: A legendary name in the play-to-earn space, featuring accessible combat, strong brand recognition, and a history of real-world earnings.
Watch Out For: A much smaller community than in its early days. Some folks wonder if it can regain its former popularity.
2. Gods Unchained
Genre: Strategy Card Battler
Reminiscent of games like Hearthstone, Gods Unchained offers fast-paced, card-centric matches with flashy artwork. It’s free to start, though higher-level play might require some investment. The community has waxed and waned, but dedicated fans keep it going.
Why Play: Polished visuals and competitive card battles that reward clever deck-building.
Watch Out For: Sporadic updates and uncertain player numbers. If you’re new to card battlers, be ready for a learning curve.
3. Thetan Arena
Genre: MOBA / Battle Royale
Thetan Arena feels a bit like Brawl Stars with a crypto twist. This top-down shooter packs game modes ranging from quick-hit Battle Royale to team-based events. It’s been around a while, claiming millions of downloads, and still hosts tournaments with token rewards.
Why Play: Fast battles, varied modes, and minimal onboarding. You can try it for free before deciding if you want to get in deeper.
Watch Out For: Its skill-based gameplay can be tough on newcomers, and tokens can fluctuate in value over time.
4. Splinterlands
Genre: Strategy Card Battler
Another card-based title, Splinterlands, is sometimes compared to Gods Unchained. You collect cards, form decks, and take on other players in fast matches. It has had mixed opinions—some say it’s grindy, while others enjoy its tournament scene.
Why Play: Plenty of card variety, and a loyal community that stands by its unique features.
Watch Out For: Mixed reviews. The economy and user interface might not feel as refined as other card battlers.
5. Crazy Defense Heroes
Genre: Tower Defense
If you grew up enjoying Kingdom Rush or other tower defense classics, this might be your sweet spot. Crazy Defense Heroes packs bright, cartoon-like visuals and a straightforward progression system. It’s easy to learn, and you can earn tokens for building a strong setup and completing events.
Why Play: Simple, charming tower defense with frequent updates and big community events.
Watch Out For: Anyone seeking deep complexity might find it too simple. Still, it’s a fun entry point to web3.
6. League of Kingdoms
Genre: Kingdom Builder / MMO
League of Kingdoms mirrors games like Rise of Kingdoms. Build a city, manage resources, and join alliances to defend your territory. You can earn by owning land or trading. The graphics match what you’d expect from big-name competitors.
Why Play: Anyone who loves the political side of building games will find plenty to do here, and the play-to-earn angle could be a plus.
Watch Out For: Slow developer communication. Progress takes time, so it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
7. Heroes of Mavia
Genre: Base Builder / Strategy
Think Clash of Clans, but with blockchain technology. You clear land, build defenses, and strategize your raids. Heroes of Mavia caught a lot of attention years ago through marketing campaigns, but its long-term potential remains to be seen.
Why Play: It’s basically Clash of Clans with an NFT spin. If you love base-building and tower attacks, this might be your top pick.
Watch Out For: Developer promises have arrived slowly. You’ll want to see updates and community plans before going all-in.
8. Fableborn
Genre: Action RPG / Hack-and-Slash
Fableborn brings casual action RPG combat, letting you stomp through dungeons, slash enemies, and collect loot. It feels light enough for quick sessions, but still has leveling hooks. Some players compare its visuals to Torchlight, with bright, colorful zones and cartoon-like heroes.
Why Play: Short, snappy hack-and-slash segments. Ideal for fans of action games who only have a few minutes here and there.
Watch Out For: Limited modes. It’s not a gigantic open world. Expect bite-sized raids rather than marathon sessions.
9. Plants vs Undead
Genre: Simplified Tower Defense
Don’t confuse it with Plants vs Zombies, but you’ll see a little inspiration here. Place your “plants,” upgrade them, and hold off incoming waves of undead. It uses NFT-based plant ownership as part of its ecosystem.
Why Play: Easy to pick up, requiring less strategic planning than a multi-path tower defense. Good if you want casual fun with a cartoon theme.
Watch Out For: It may feel repetitive if you like complex defense setups. The token aspect can be tricky if you’re just testing the waters.
10. NFL Rivals
Genre: Sports (American Football)
Here’s something different: an officially licensed football game that rivals mainstream sports titles on mobile. Its arcade style and fun visual design have scored positive reviews, with some players preferring it over EA’s Madden on phones.
Why Play: If you want an easy-to-learn football title and the opportunity to collect NFT-based players, this is a unique option in sports gaming.
Watch Out For: It focuses heavily on the NFL brand. If you’re not into American football, it may not be your cup of tea.
Echo’s Top Three
- Heroes of Mavia: Because it brings Clash of Clans style into web3.
- Fableborn: Light hack-and-slash that’s simple yet entertaining.
- Thetan Arena: Snappy arena battles for quick thrills.
Ash’s Picks
- Fableborn: Fits into quick gaming sessions.
- NFL Rivals: Fun alternative to mainstream football games.
- Heroes of Mavia: Familiar base building with a fresh spin.
Final Thoughts
Play-to-earn mobile gaming continues to evolve, but it’s vital to know what you’re getting into. Keep an eye on developer updates, player feedback, and your own interests. If you’re a dedicated card battler fan, dive into Gods Unchained or Splinterlands. If you’d rather jump into short action sessions, Fableborn might be up your alley. Want to scratch that sports itch? NFL Rivals stands ready.
Have you tried any of these titles? Let us know which ones spark your interest and why. Happy mobile gaming!
