How to Earn with Play-to-Earn Games

Gaming has leveled up — literally.

Once, gaming was just about fun. Hours spent battling bosses, completing quests, or building worlds with nothing to show for it except high scores or bragging rights.

But now? Now gaming can pay the bills.

Play-to-Earn (P2E) games are changing how we think about gaming. You’re not just battling, exploring, or completing quests — you’re earning. Crypto, NFTs, and real money are on the table.

If you’re ready to mix business with pleasure, let’s check out how P2E games work and how you can start earning.

What Are Play-to-Earn Games?

P2E games are exactly what they sound like — games where you earn money just by playing.

Unlike traditional games, where in-game items and currencies only exist within that game, P2E games are built on blockchain technology.

This means the rewards you earn, like cryptocurrencies or NFTs, belong to you. You can trade them, sell them, or use them in other platforms.

It’s like every win in the game comes with a paycheck.

How Do You Earn in P2E Games?

Let’s break down the ways you can turn your gaming skills into earnings:

Complete Quests and Challenges

Most P2E games reward players for completing specific objectives.

• In Axie Infinity, you earn Smooth Love Potion (SLP) tokens by battling Axies.

• In Gods Unchained, winning matches earns you NFT cards that you can sell.

It’s like grinding levels in a game, but instead of XP, you get tokens or assets with real-world value.

Sell In-Game Assets

The items you earn in-game — NFTs, skins, weapons — can be sold on blockchain marketplaces like OpenSea or Rarible.

Some of these assets, especially rare ones, can fetch serious money. Imagine earning a rare sword in a game and flipping it for a couple of hundred dollars.

Staking and Lending

Many games let you stake the tokens you earn to generate passive income. Think of it like a savings account for your gaming rewards.

Some players also lend out their characters or items to other players. It’s a way to earn without actively playing.

Join Tournaments

Are you competitive? Many P2E games host tournaments with cash prizes. The more skilled you are, the more you can earn.

Tournaments often have higher stakes, but they’re a great way to boost your income if you’ve mastered the game.

Top Play-to-Earn Games to Try

Let’s talk about where the money’s at. These games are leading the charge in the P2E world:

1. Axie Infinity

• Collect, battle, and breed Axies. Earn tokens and trade them for cash.

URL- https://axieinfinity.com

2. Gods Unchained

• A card-based game where victories earn you NFTs.

URL- https://godsunchained.com

3. The Sandbox

• Create and sell virtual assets or even entire worlds.

URL- https://www.sandbox.game/en/

4. Illuvium

• Explore a fantasy RPG, capture creatures, and earn ILV tokens.

URL- https://illuvium.io/

5. Decentraland

• Own, develop, and monetize virtual real estate.

URL- https://decentraland.org/

These games have proven track records and active player communities.

How Much Can You Earn?

Now, the big question — how much can you actually make?

It depends. Your earnings will vary based on the game, your skill level, and how much time you’re willing to put in. Here’s a rough idea:

1. Axie Infinity: $5 — $20 per day for average players.

2. Gods Unchained: Up to $50 weekly through NFT sales.

3. The Sandbox: Earnings depend on what you create; it could be hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Some players treat P2E as a side hustle. Others make it a full-time job. It all comes down to your goals.

What You Need to Get Started

Starting with P2E games is simple. Here’s what you need:

1. A Web 3 Wallet: You’ll need a wallet like MetaMask to store your earnings.

2. Some Crypto (Optional): A few games require a small upfront investment to get started.

3. The Game Itself: Download the game and start playing.

That’s it — you’re ready to start earning.

Tips for Maximizing Your Earnings

Here’s how to make the most of your time in P2E games:

- Choose Games Wisely: Research before committing. Focus on games with active communities and proven track records.

- Start Small: Don’t invest more than you’re comfortable losing, especially at the start.

- Learn the Marketplace: Rare NFTs and assets can skyrocket in value. Be strategic about when to sell.

Be Consistent: The more you play and participate, the more you’ll earn.

Why Play-to-Earn Games Matter

P2E games are about more than just making money. They’re about ownership.

In traditional games, you can spend hours grinding, but you don’t own anything you earn. With P2E, everything — from tokens to items — is yours to keep. You decide what to do with it.

This isn’t just a new way to game; it’s a shift in how we think about gaming and value.

Goodbyes aren’t forever… See ya next time👋

Play-to-Earn games are opening up exciting opportunities for gamers everywhere. Whether you’re looking to turn your hobby into a side hustle or just want to earn while having fun, P2E games have something to offer.

Start small, learn the ropes, and see where it takes you. Who knows? Your next big paycheck could come from your favorite game.

What P2E game are you trying first? Let me know — I’d love to hear how you’re earning!

How to Earn with Play-to-Earn Games was originally published in The Capital on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.