Tap-to-earn Games in 2025: Time-tested Platforms and Hidden Gems

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As a seasoned crypto investor with a knack for spotting promising blockchain projects and a penchant for casual mobile gaming, I’ve been closely watching the surge of Tap-to-Earn (T2E) games on The Open Network (TON). With my years of experience in the ever-evolving world of crypto, I can confidently say that the growth in metrics like daily trading volume and active users is more than just a fleeting trend.

This year, The Open Network (TON) has seen significant growth across various on-chain metrics, including total value locked, transaction volume, daily transactions, and active users, all showing notable increases. By September 2024, the daily trading volume on the blockchain jumped from $2 million to an impressive $17.2 million, representing a whopping 760% year-to-date growth.

Guide on Three Engaging ‘Tap-to-Earn’ Games Powering TON’s Popularity: An Introductory Look at Entering the Rewarding Gaming Space for Beginners

Just as any environment invites a variety of participants, we’ll be on the lookout for red flags that might indicate poor-quality Play-to-Earn (T2E) games or potential scams.

Catizen

In simpler terms, Catizen is a fun, feline-themed game built on the TON network that blends AI, metaverse aspects, and GameFi. Users acquire virtual felines and execute tapping activities to amass tokens. The game gained traction due to its engaging community features and attractive visuals, enabling players to nurture adorable cats while networking with fellow gamers. Catizen further incentivizes participation through exclusive rewards for attending events and finishing tasks.

By December 2024, Catizen boasted a total of 3.27 million active users on its blockchain, 7.908 million subscribers across all channels, and approximately 296,875 daily players. This data, as per information available on the official website, indicates that the total number of participants within its ecosystem amounts to a staggering 45.34 million individuals.

Investments were made in the seed funding round not just by TON, but additionally by Moon Capital, Mask Network, Y2Z, Web3 Ventures, EMURGO Ventures, and SecondLife as well.

In contrast to numerous other T2E games that have swiftly gained popularity yet eventually lost player interest, this game stands out by maintaining consistent engagement thanks to its unique features, such as creating a city themed around cats, progressing characters, and acquiring tokens through assignments and quests. The integration with TON and the option to either save or trade earned tokens for real-world worth keep players engaged over the long term.

This game appeals to enthusiasts of relaxed mobile gaming and the fusion of blockchain technology. However, it’s received some negative feedback due to its repetitive mechanics and the significant role of in-app purchases that expedite progression.

X Empire

In simpler terms, X Empire is a well-liked clicker game on Telegram that was inspired by Elon Musk. Players earn tokens by tapping their screens, and they can then use these tokens to build and enhance virtual representations of a hectobillionaire. Originally known as Musk Empire, it changed its name to X Empire in September 2024 to set itself apart from content associated with Elon Musk while also enhancing the game’s features and gameplay.

By October 2024, X Empire boasted nearly 50 million players worldwide, with more than 18.5 million TON wallets linked to it, as per various crypto news outlets. The unique T2E model has been instrumental in attracting a dedicated player community. The game is notable for its emphasis on community rewards and strategic gameplay, with the primary objective being to amass coins simply by tapping the screen.

Users have the option to enhance their Musk character, boosting their income possibilities. This allows for passive income over a span of up to three hours, fostering growth even while away from the game. They can also extend invitations to friends, earning extra rewards as they conquer greater in-game hurdles. Daily tournaments and missions offer additional income streams through investments and duties within X Empire’s stock market.

X Empire prioritizes both sustainability and long-term expansion. It offers a tactical richness that attracts individuals with a preference for Web3 innovations, inviting them to engage in gaming experiences blended with economic digital aspects. Although the game is complimentary, it consistently compensates those who have made investments within its system.

It appears that X Empire’s website employs hidden registration details (WHOIS data), making it tricky to confirm who owns it. This anonymity raises doubts about their level of transparency.

Funtico’s Lucky Funatic

Funtico, the creative force behind the T2E game Lucky Funatic, is rapidly becoming the go-to model for Web3 projects centered around gamers. In this platform, players hold ownership of their in-game assets and items, which can be traded on the Funtico marketplace. The forthcoming app, developed on Telegram, is introducing captivating mechanics to outshine popular games such as Notcoin and Hamster Kombat. It offers immersive experiences including collectible cards, income generation through passive means, and milestones for completing quests. Funtico’s ambition is to become a dynamic hub for gaming and entertainment, offering various studios and developers a chance to showcase their games.

Lucky Funatic primarily concentrates on acquiring FUNZ tokens, advancing in-game positions, and accessing level-ups to make headway. Gamers ascend the ranks and utilize FUNZ to purchase power-ups that assist them in earning additional perks. The platform boasts a vibrant community of 28,271 members on Telegram, 23,244 members on Discord, and 2,000 followers on LinkedIn. Lucky Funatic counts approximately 400,000 active monthly players among its enthusiastic user base.

Getting started with T2E

To grasp the basics of the game, newcomers might want to initially focus on playing one or two titles. These games will provide an understanding of the gameplay dynamics. Additionally, it’s beneficial to participate in online communities associated with these specific games. In such groups or forums, more experienced players often share advice and strategies. This guidance can be incredibly valuable for beginners.

It’s recommended to establish a playtime limit to prevent exhaustion, and frequently checking the official website can help stay updated on any developer announcements about new features, updates, or events that might impact the gaming experience.

First and foremost, it’s crucial for newcomers to T2E (Two-for-Eight) games to fully grasp the potential risks associated with investing their funds in such gaming platforms.

How to identify less-than-stellar projects

If a project demands an initial payment, it’s likely a red flag and could be a scam. Genuine projects don’t ask for money. It’s generally risky to invest funds during or post the mining phase in such games. The games showcased here do not make players pay upfront to begin playing. Instead, they prioritize a free-to-play model with Play-to-Earn potential.

Ultimately, certain initiatives aim to encourage involvement through a game-like approach by overloading participants with too many tasks. Instead of providing opportunities for players to build value, these tasks often consume their time and energy.

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2024-12-09 13:37