The New Era of Web3 Games: From Hype to Real Experience

As Web3 games enter a mature stage, a number of genuinely interesting and substantively valuable blockchain games have begun to emerge. This article will summarize the current Web3 games that deserve attention, covering a variety of types and platforms, from NFT racing to fantasy RPGs, to immersive building and social games. We will delve into their highlights, shortcomings, and future development directions.

Play-to-Own: The Next Generation Web3 Game Model

The new generation of Web3 games is abandoning the extraction-based design of "play-to-earn" and embracing a more sustainable Play-to-Own model. These games allow players to truly "own" the content they earn through an immersive gaming experience using NFTs and digital assets that have real value and functionality.

Here are two Play-to-Own games worth trying:

FIFA Rivals

FIFA Rivals cleverly integrates Web3 mechanisms into sports gaming. Players can collect digital player cards, participate in real-time events, and build exclusive lineups. The game mints players and items as NFTs, but players hardly feel the presence of blockchain. There is no need for a wallet or crypto knowledge to enjoy the game; players' progress and assets are recorded on the chain, no longer relying on centralized accounts.

Although FIFA Rivals is still in its early stages and features such as asset trading have not yet been launched, it offers a promising outlook for a player-centric economy and points Web3 gaming in a more sustainable direction.

Exiled Racers

Exiled Racers is a fast-paced browser-based racing game that emphasizes chaos, competition, and community atmosphere. In the latest Ghost Riders league, players can participate in dynamically changing weekly tournaments, where tracks and rules change in real time. No wallet required, no downloads needed, just register to start racing.

Players receive random racing items every week and have five chances to be officially ranked. The higher the score, the greater the chance of winning. After connecting their wallet, they can also use their own NFTs to compete, accumulate prizes, and retain ownership across seasons.

Exiled Racers showcases the spirit of Web3 without appearing forced, serving as an excellent example of the fusion between Play-to-Own and Play-to-Earn: offering real returns without setting high barriers.

Truly Fun Play-to-Earn Games

Although Play-to-Own is more sustainable, there are also some Play-to-Earn games that have achieved a balance between "making money" and "fun." These games distribute rewards through competition or skill progression, no longer being purely speculative games.

Gods Unchained

Gods Unchained is a strategy card battle game where each card exists in the form of NFTs. The game is fast-paced and gameplay is similar to Hearthstone, supporting asset ownership. Although trading cards and earning ranking rewards require a wallet, the in-game guidance and beginner tutorials are well-developed. With its multi-layered mechanics and high playability, it is one of the few P2E projects that still prioritizes "gameplay."

Aurory

Aurory is an ever-expanding Web3 gaming ecosystem, with the core game being Seekers of Tokane. In this free JRPG game, players can explore procedurally generated maps, collect and train Nefties pets, and participate in turn-based battles. All assets are NFTs and can be used across platforms, blending on-chain and off-chain asset management. Despite integrating Play-to-Own elements, its structured reward mechanism and token system give it a place in the P2E space.

Current Popular Metaverse Games

Open world, user-generated content metaverse games have always been a symbol of Web3. These games value community, creativity, and virtual socializing, showcasing the potential of digital asset ownership and user-driven economies.

The Sandbox

As a well-established project in the metaverse, The Sandbox has gathered a large number of artists, brands, and players. Its creation tools are powerful, but new users may find it slightly difficult to get started. Its highlights include brand collaborations, such as the Jurassic World themed island launched in 2025, which features over 40 mini-games and dinosaur conservation experiences. Past partners have included over 400 brands, including several well-known artists, fashion brands, and gaming companies.

Decentraland

As one of the earliest blockchain game platforms, Decentraland laid the foundation for the metaverse, allowing for game creation, event hosting, and community collaboration in building a virtual world. Although the graphics and interactions appear somewhat outdated, its decentralization and user governance mechanisms are still of benchmark significance. In 2024, it will once again host a virtual fashion week, with participation from several well-known clothing brands, and has previously seen involvement from multiple renowned artists, as well as a DAO funding governance mechanism.

Otherside

Otherside is an in-development metaverse project that combines narrative, exploration, and digital identity. Currently, it is only open to specific NFT holders and has not fully launched yet, but there has been a live demonstration. This is an attempt to make high-priced NFTs "come to life," transitioning from static collectibles to controllable characters.

Other Web3 Games Worth Trying

Some games are hard to categorize, but they also showcase the diversity of Web3 games: from card battles and farm simulations to social stories and clicker mini-games on instant messaging platforms, there is something for everyone, both entertaining and asset-oriented.

Pixels

Pixels is a casual farming and social MMO game where players can complete tasks, craft items, and explore a colorful world. You can start playing without a wallet, and by connecting a wallet, you can own NFTs of characters and items, as well as earn items of real-world value in the game. It is suitable for Web3 newcomers, although some players may find the game loop slightly repetitive.

Shrapnel

Shrapnel is a tactical shooting "extraction-type" game developed by members of the teams behind several well-known FPS games. It supports players in combat, collection, and extraction, and features assets such as skins and equipment. It can be played without a wallet through specific platforms, and after connecting a wallet, players can mint and trade items. Currently in early development, there are plans to link revenue mechanisms with performance and rarity in the future, creating a large-scale game that combines deep gameplay with assets.

The Future of Web3 Games: From Hype to Playability

Many Web3 games are still trapped in the "tokens before the game" dilemma, where speculation dominates and the gaming experience is lackluster. The projects that truly stand out always prioritize "fun," with blockchain elements simply adding extra value.

This is precisely why more and more top-tier Web3 games are starting to build on emerging platforms. They offer a genuine gaming experience, digital ownership, and sustainable reward systems, allowing players to choose whether to participate in monetization, with a focus on long-term value rather than short-term speculation. With continuous technological advancements and innovations in game design, Web3 games are gradually maturing, providing players with a richer, more interesting, and practically valuable gaming experience.