The idea of turning your gaming time into real cash has become a popular trend worldwide. Thanks to the rise of blockchain technology, online gaming platforms, and mobile apps, there are now countless ways to play and earn money—whether through tournaments, rewards, digital assets, or crypto-based economies.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best play-to-earn games and platforms available today, including free-to-play options and those that require initial investment.
How Do Play-to-Earn Games Work?
Play-to-earn (P2E) games allow users to earn real-world rewards through in-game activities. These rewards can include cash payouts, cryptocurrencies, NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), or gift cards and digital items.
Earnings typically come from:
- Winning matches or tournaments
- Completing tasks or missions
- Selling in-game assets or NFTs
- Staking or holding digital tokens
Top Play and Earn Money Games
Axie Infinity
Platform: PC, Mobile
Type: Blockchain, NFT-based
How to earn: Breed, battle, and trade Axies. Earn SLP and AXS tokens.
Note: Requires initial investment in Axies.
PUBG Mobile / BGMI Tournaments
Platform: Mobile
Type: Battle Royale
How to earn: Join competitive tournaments and win prize money. Many platforms offer cash rewards based on rankings.
Free to start: Yes
Swagbucks Live
Platform: Mobile
Type: Live quiz game
How to earn: Answer trivia questions to win real money via PayPal or gift cards.
Free to play: Yes
The Sandbox
Platform: PC
Type: Metaverse, NFT-based
How to earn: Create, own, and monetize virtual experiences. Earn crypto (SAND) by building or playing in the virtual world.
Zed Run
Platform: Web
Type: Virtual horse racing
How to earn: Buy, race, and breed digital horses. Earn from race winnings or horse sales (NFTs).
Blockchain-based: Yes
SkillClash
Platform: Mobile
Type: Casual gaming (Cricket, Carrom, etc.)
How to earn: Compete in tournaments with entry fees. Winners get real cash in Paytm or UPI.
Popular in: India
Dream11 and MPL
Platform: Mobile
Type: Fantasy sports and casual games
How to earn: Create teams, play games, win money through performance or leaderboard placement.
Real money required: Yes (entry fees for cash contests)
Alien Worlds
Platform: Web
Type: Mining and exploration game
How to earn: Mine for Trilium (TLM) tokens, stake in planets, or trade NFTs.
Free to start: Yes, with basic tools
My11Circle
Platform: Mobile
Type: Fantasy cricket
How to earn: Build cricket teams for real matches and earn based on player performance.
Real money option: Yes
Second Life
Platform: PC
Type: Virtual world
How to earn: Trade virtual land, create in-game content, offer services, or sell digital products for Linden dollars (convertible to USD).
Tips for Earning Safely from Games
Do your research. Many play-to-earn games are built on blockchain; check if the token has real value. Start with free options. Platforms like SkillClash, Swagbucks, and MPL offer free-to-join contests. Avoid scams. Be cautious of games promising high returns without solid backing. Check withdrawal options. Make sure your earnings can be withdrawn via PayPal, UPI, bank, or crypto wallets.
Final Thoughts
Earning money through games is no longer a fantasy. Whether you’re casually playing mobile games or diving deep into NFT-based metaverses, there are real opportunities available. The key is to choose games with a trusted ecosystem, low entry barriers, and clear earning models.
