Blockchain not only proved to be a game-changer for the traditional internet structure, it practically revolutionized every other industry out there, including the video gaming industry.
Built upon blockchain technology, Web 3 games prioritize interoperability between decentralized platforms as well as boast transparency in how it works. Unlike traditional games, where players have limited ownership over in-game assets, Web 3 games use cryptocurrency tokens and NFTs to ensure that players truly own their digital assets. Being community-driven, this overall democratized approach for video games allows for greater flexibility and creativity in game design, as well as ensures a healthy in-game economic system.
In this article, we present a roundup of the top 7 Web 3 games to play in 2023, each offering a unique and exciting way to experience the future of gaming!
1. Illuvium
Topping our charts, Illuvium consists of 3 distinct online games: Arena, Zero, and Overlord. At the time of writing, these Web 3 games are under active development and soon to be publicly released.
All the 3 Illuvium games showcase high potential since each delivers a unique gameplay experience. Illuvium Arena is a monster-collecting card game where endless epic battles between monsters take place. Illuvium Zero is a 2D RPG game where players get to manage their digital industrial complex. Lastly, Illuvium Overworld puts players in a hostile 3D open world where, in the quest for survival, players mine resources, harvest plants, collect Illuvials, as well as craft powerful weapons! While playing these Web 3 games, players earn IVL tokens as well as NFTs which can be sold to earn real income.
Presently, Illuvium is available to play on PC only.
2. Big Time
Bagging second place, Big Time is a state-of-the-art Web 3 game collectively built by veteran developers from Epic Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Riot Games, and Electronic Arts. It is an open-world RPG game full of action-packed gameplay.
The game takes players on a lifetime adventure through time and space, by making them explore from ancient mysteries to futuristic civilizations. Along the way, players also get to pick up rare digital collectibles and earn TIME tokens as they fight their way by defeating enemies. In the beginning, a player starts by selecting their character from one of the four unique character classes in the game: Time Warrior, Chronomancer, Shadow Break, and Quantum Fixer. Moreover, owing to its limitless environments and adventure instances, Big Time offers players infinite replayability value.
Big Time is currently available to play on PC only.
3. The Harvest
Don’t let this game’s name fool you into thinking it is some kind of a tedious farming simulation game. Securing the third position on our list, The Harvest is a one-of-a-kind MOBA shooter and battle royale web 3 game!
Currently in active development at the time of writing, The Harvest creatively brings together the concepts of the shooter and trading card games. Being a battle royale, the game is played by four teams comprising three heroes each. In The Harvest, each hero has their own capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, as well as lore. The end target in every match is to collect the most essence on the planet O’Ree-Jin while also hindering enemy teams simultaneously. Moreover, cards like Ability and Companion cards are also used to further ramp up the shooter gameplay.
Presently, The Harvest is available to play on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
4. Gods Unchained
Gods Unchained is a competitive visually striking trading card game. Players start by selecting one of the 6 iconic Gods to represent themselves and then build their deck comprising 30 cards. Each card in the game is unique and belongs to one of the 4 different rarities and 6 distinct tribes. Because the game mechanics revolve around strategy, only the players with the best selection of cards and clever sequence of moves will come out at the top.
Also, players familiar with TCG games like Hearthstone and Faeria would find themselves natural at Gods Unchained. As of today, there are approximately 13 million Gods Unchained NFTs and approximately 65,000 unique asset holders. Since launch, users have traded over $25 million worth of assets via the native GODS token in this Web 3 game.
Gods Unchained is currently available to play on PCs only.
5. Axie Infinity
One of the early Web 3 games, Axie Infinity took the gaming world by storm back when it was released. It is a collectible card game that allows players to collect, breed, and battle Axies with each other and earn SLP as well as AXS tokens in return.
Axies are NFT creatures and have their own unique appearance, skills, and stats in the game. Players strategically assemble their team of Axies and compete in battles against other players. As of today, there are about 11.7 million unique axies available. When not competing in PvP arenas, players take on the story campaign against Chimera or dwell in the world of Lunacia and build up their very own Axie village.
Axie Infinity is available to play on PCs as well as mobile platforms.
6. Guild of Guardians
Guild of Guardians is an epic mobile RPG web 3 game set in a dark fantasy. In the game, players choose, build, and customize their characters as well as teams of heroes. Guild of Guardian’s gameplay revolves around cooperative and strategic play. Working together to explore the game’s vast world, players battle dangerous enemies as well as complete challenging quests and difficult dungeons.
Moreover, players also earn GOG tokens by participating in the game’s economy. Your heroes, pets, as well as any other item you own are stored as NFTs which can be traded to earn real money via decentralized marketplaces.
Guild of Guardians will soon be available to play on mobile platforms.
7. CryptoKitties
Responsible for sparking an all-new wave of interest in NFTs, CryptoKitties is a must-play Web 3 game if you are a cat owner. This game makes one of the best uses of human creativity by allowing players to collect and own digital cats as well as experiment with different breeding options. In the process, they also discover rare traits, colors, and patterns unique to their newly found kitty.
Being NFTs, these kitties can be traded on the Ethereum platform and via only ETH tokens. To date, the most expensive cat ever sold was a dragon kitty with rare traits for 600 ETH (about $170,000 at the time) back in 2018. As of today, there are over 2 million unique cats in CryptoKitties, the number which is increasing with each passing day!
Final Thoughts
Admittedly, one of the most lucrative structures of Web 3 games is its Play to Earn (P2E) model. You can literally earn an income by playing games, something gamers have been wishing for so long.
Anyway, what do you think of our list of the top 7 Web 3 games to play in 2023? Share your thoughts with us and let us know in the comments below!
