6 Best Crypto MMORPG Games to Play in 2024

Muhammad Naeem

Blogger

Blockchain technology has given birth to the next PC gaming revolution, which is blockchain games that reward players for the time they spend playing games, something that was not possible in the last decade. Play-to-earn MMORPG games are gaining huge popularity as players receive cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens, and other valuable in-game assets while playing their favorite games. Players get these rewards by performing different tasks and quests in these games.

MMO vs. MMORPG: the difference

MMO – Massively Multiplayer Online – is a genre of games where players can interact with other players in a shared virtual world. The games may be single or multiplayer. MMORPG is a specific subgenre of MMO games that includes roleplaying elements, character building, quests, and a persistent storyline. We can say that all MMORPGs fall under the umbrella of MMO but not all MMOs are necessarily MMORPGs.

Top Blockchain MMORPG in 2024

In 2024, the market is flooded with thriving MMORPGs. Which one stands out as the best? Here is a list of the top blockchain MMORPGs to keep an eye on. These 6 games are selected based on the following criteria:

1. Blockchain Integration
2. Play-to-Earn Mechanics
3. Quality and Popularity
4. Innovation and Uniqueness
5. Development Status

I. Ember Sword (Polygon)

Developed by Bright Star Studios, Ember Sword is a free-to-play social Sandbox MMORPG. Players have the ability to own and trade in-game assets such as land, items, and cosmetic customizations through blockchain technology.

The game is set in the Thanabus universe, a dystopian moon with four regions: Duskeron, Ediseau, Sevrend, and Solarwood. Players can either explore Thanabus as peaceful foragers to discover food and other treasures or fight with other players for loot while also having to protect themselves from beasts and other dangerous creatures. Unlike Axie Infinity and CryptoBlades, which require players to purchase their NFTs before playing the game, Ember Sword is a completely free-to-play experience. Players can dive into the game and explore its fantastical world as soon as they join. "Ember Sword is more than just a game. It's a community, a world, an economy," said Mark Laursen, the founder and CEO of Amber Swords. Unlike traditional games where in-game assets are limited to the game, Ember Sword gives users the power to truly acquire in-game items that can be sold on exchanges to earn real-world money.

II. KLAYMETA (Klaytn)

Built on the Klaytn blockchain, KLAYMETA is a play-and-earn metaverse game that allows players to immerse themselves in a dynamic virtual world while also earning real rewards for their in-game achievements and contributions.

Players get NFTs and other rewards for performing different activities in the game. Players have true ownership of their in-game assets. KLAYMETA has its own built-in NFT platform where players can create, trade, and exchange their NFTs for other NFTs. Players can also convert their NFT assets into $META, the native token of the KLAYMETA ecosystem. $META has different utilities such as access to exclusive in-game content, special events, and enhanced gameplay features. With the integration of Metaverse technology, KLAYMETA aims to create a seamless and immersive virtual world where players can explore, connect, and interact with other players and virtual experiences through their digital avatars.

III. Axie Infinity (Ethereum)

If you are a fan of blockchain gaming and play-to-earn MMORPGs, you must have heard of Axie Infinity. Launched in 2018, Axie Infinity is a blockchain-based MMORPG developed and published by the Vietnamese studio Sky Mavis that quickly became popular across the world, especially in Southeast Asia.

In Axie Infinity gameplay, each player has to raise and breed special creatures called Axie, Ethereum-minted NFTs that can be used to battle against other players. Players are incentivized with different NFTs and Smooth Love Potion (SLP) that can be exchanged for real-world money on exchanges or alternatively can buy in-game assets. The platform has also helped its players to trade NFTs by launching its own NFT marketplace. Sky Mavis charges a 4.25% fee to players when they trade Axies on its marketplace. Axie Infinity operates on the Ronin Network, a side chain of the Ethereum network. In March 2022, Ronin Network lost about $620 million worth of crypto assets as a result of a hack. One of the best-known NFT games, the game claims to have more than 150,000 active users monthly.

IV. Treeverse (Ethereum)

Treeverse is an open-world MMORPG created by Endless Clouds Studio. Treeverse is set in the city of Elderwall which is protected by the World Tree. The gameplay has a rich narrative and players are presented with a range of challenges and objectives.

Players have to explore different areas and gather materials to build their houses and strengthen their defenses against dangerous beasts.

The platform will initially launch a free-to-play Player-vs-Environment (PVE) version before launching a Player-vs-Player (PVP) version in the future.

V. Outer Ring

A combination of action and fantasy, Outer Ring is a third-person shooting game inspired by the Outer Ring Saga novel. The gameplay revolves around exploring an expansive universe filled with planets, star systems, and cosmic phenomena.

Players can engage in different activities to test their skills such as mining, and crafting to gather resources that can be bought and sold on the in-game marketplace.

VI. Phantom Galaxies

Phantom Galaxies is an open-world mecha space combat game that is currently in its alpha stage; the beta stage is expected soon.

Players have to fight and defend human colonies from mysterious and warlike creatures known as Sha’Har. The game is currently under development and we can expect it to be released soon.

Future of MMORPG blockchain gaming

Play-to-earn MMORPGs are transforming the gaming industry and all of these games are making gaming a more enjoyable experience. Given their popularity, blockchain games are evolving rapidly, and more gaming companies are turning their attention to this sector with the likes of Square Enix and Game Ace among the top contributors. The future of blockchain MMORPGs looks promising and we can expect significant growth in the coming years.