The metaverse is a noble concept of a completely virtual world in which people can interact with one another in the same way that they do in the real world. In many ways, video gaming has been a forerunner of many aspects of the metaverse, such as avatars, virtual currencies, and the trading of virtual items.

Let’s take a look at five exciting metaverse games that you can play this year, starting with the three most popular and two up-and-coming games!

1. Decentraland

Decentraland is a play-to-earn (P2E) game created on the Ethereum (ETH) blockchain that is based on the concept of a virtual world in the metaverse.

In the game, you can buy a variety of items, including parcels of virtual land, which are appropriately named ‘LAND.’ When you purchase these spaces, you will receive the LAND as an ERC-721 token, also known as a non-fungible token (NFT).

You can participate in this game and earn money in a variety of ways. You could, for example, buy a space and charge people to advertise in it. You could also build structures, such as stadiums, for people to hold events in, or you could wait for the LAND’s value to rise and then sell it at a profit.

Decentraland’s MANA has a market capitalization of $1.95 billion at the time of writing.

2. The Sandbox

The Sandbox is another well-known metaverse game that is built on the Ethereum blockchain. Celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, who have successfully held events and owned NFT collections in the game, have contributed to its popularity.

Sandbox is similar to Decentraland in that it offers a virtual blockchain-powered world where players can buy virtual real estate and other items and then sell or rent them for a profit.

In Sandbox, you can buy space, hold events, and trade in a variety of NFTs, giving you the opportunity to earn money while playing. The game’s native token is known as SAND, and it allows you to conduct transactions while playing the game. Sandbox (SAND) currently has a market capitalization of $4 billion.

3. Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity is arguably the most popular metaverse game today!

Axie Infinity, which is built on Ethereum, allows players to buy, breed, and battle with "monsters” known as “Axies,” the game’s main characters. The process also entails gathering various types of Axies, having them fight against other Axies, and even constructing a kingdom for them to live in.

The game is based on the metaverse cryptos SLP and AXS, which are tokens in the game that can be converted to other cryptocurrencies. These tokens allow you to trade and earn money in the game when you purchase new Axies, participate in battles or adventures, and so on. You must have at least AXS 3 to play the game. The market capitalization of Axie Infinity (AXS) is $1.54 billion.

4. Illuvium

Illuvium is an Ethereum-based Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG).

After crashing on the alien world of Illuvium, players must explore a fantasy open world. You play as an explorer, completing quests and fighting monsters and other players, as well as capturing, training, and recruiting Illuvials (the natives of Illuvium) into your army.

All of these aspects of the game allow you to earn ILV, the game’s native token, and spend it within the Illuvium ecosystem. Illuvium (ILV) currently has a market capitalization of $70.3 million.

5. LOST

LOST in the Metaverse is the first escape room game in the Metaverse, created by LOST, a real-life escape game company based in Hong Kong.

The game features immersive adventure challenges that can be accessed both online and offline, allowing you to switch between physical and virtual worlds. While you’re at it, you can also earn Metaverse tokens and limited NFTs.

LOST was inspired by fictional, mythical, and historical events. You solve puzzles and riddles, unlock treasure chests, and discover secrets and hints while playing the game. All of these things help you progress through the escape room.

Furthermore, the game is inclusive because it has a version known as LOST Junior, which is designed for children aged 6 to 14. As they progress through the adventure in LOST Junior, children engage in experiential learning.

Also published here.