Immersive virtual worlds are redefining how people interact with digital technology. In these environments, it is possible to socialize, play, and generate income simultaneously, all operating through decentralized blockchain infrastructure. A robust virtual economy, verifiable digital ownership via NFTs, and secure cryptocurrency transactions have created a completely new ecosystem. If you are considering exploring opportunities in this segment in 2025, knowing the main metaverse coins and their associated projects is essential.
The Metaverse Market: Numbers That Impress
Data shows explosive growth in this sector. Projections indicate that the metaverse market could reach USD 2,346.2 billion by 2032, compared to USD 94.1 billion in 2023 — representing an annual growth rate of 44.4%. In May 2024, the combined market value surpassed USD 31.7 billion, with approximately 300 metaverse projects in operation.
Understand the Metaverse and Why Cryptocurrencies Are Crucial
The metaverse functions as a shared digital space where virtual reality, augmented reality, and 3D avatars meet. Users interact in real-time, just as they would in the physical world. Blockchain technology makes everything possible: creating decentralized virtual economies, enabling genuine ownership of digital assets (land, items, identities through NFTs), and facilitating peer-to-peer transactions. Metaverse coins act as the fuel for this entire system.
The Top 10 Metaverse Coins to Watch in 2025
The Sandbox (SAND) - Unleashed Creativity and Monetization
The Sandbox is a virtual world built on the Ethereum blockchain since 2018. It started as a mobile game in 2012, then migrated to blockchain to leverage NFTs and decentralized finance. The project raised USD 3 million in an ICO (2020) and USD 93 million in major investments in 2021. The SAND token is used for transactions, staking, and governance voting.
The platform offers VoxEdit (to create voxel-style NFTs), Game Maker (a 3D game builder without coding), and a robust marketplace. Partnerships with Atari, CryptoKitties, The Walking Dead, and well-known celebrities have significantly expanded its reach. Recently, the platform activated staking on the Polygon network with zero fees and weekly rewards. Its differentiator: user-generated content and large-scale collaborations make The Sandbox a significant player in the crypto gaming space.
Decentraland (MANA) - The Pioneer Still Going Strong
Decentraland is a decentralized virtual world on Ethereum launched in 2017. Users buy digital properties using MANA (ERC-20 token), which also serves for transactions, governance, and virtual goods purchases. Land and item ownership are verified through NFTs (ERC-721 tokens).
MANA - Real-Time Data:
Current Price: $0.12
24h Change: -0.59%
Market Cap: $226.07M
The platform offers virtual games, social experiences, shops, and digital galleries. It hosted the first Metaverse Fashion Week, demonstrating potential for large-scale events. Recent developments include voice chat, improved graphics, and a new desktop client. A DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) governs the project, allowing MANA holders to vote on proposals and influence the platform’s future.
Axie Infinity (AXS) - The Play-to-Earn Phenomenon
Axie Infinity (launched in 2018 by Sky Mavis) is a blockchain-based game where you breed, train, and battle digital creatures called Axies. Inspired by Pokémon and Tamagotchi, it offers a genuine play-to-earn model: earn AXS and SLP tokens that can be used to create new Axies, participate in governance (Axie DAO), or shop within the game.
AXS - Real-Time Data:
Current Price: $0.84
24h Change: +0.15%
Market Cap: $141.49M
The game has attracted millions of users and USD 152 million in investments (led by Andreessen Horowitz). Its NFT marketplace allows buying and selling Axies and virtual land (Lunacia). The Ronin sidechain drastically reduced transaction fees and improved scalability. Major partnerships expanded the ecosystem. Recently, staking for AXS was launched, offering rewards and governance participation. Future features include land gameplay and a decentralized exchange on the Ronin network.
Illuvium (ILV) - The First AAA Blockchain Game
Illuvium is a decentralized RPG/auto-battler game on Ethereum, known as the first AAA blockchain-based game (launched in 2021). It combines exploration of fantastical landscapes, capturing creatures (Illuvials), and strategic battles in a fully 3D environment. Over 100 unique Illuvials with different classes and affinities.
ILV - Real-Time Data:
Current Price: $5.80
24h Change: -0.42%
Market Cap: $55.04M
The ILV token functions as the main currency (for purchasing items), allows staking for yield farming, and governance participation via Illuvium DAO. Notable features include IlluviDEX (NFT trading with zero gas fees) and use of Immutable X for scalability. Recent developments include the mini-game Illuvium: Zero and plans for extensive updates.
Enjin Coin (ENJ) - Infrastructure for Developers
Enjin Coin was launched in 2017 as an ERC-20 token on Ethereum aimed at simplifying creation and management of virtual goods. It provides a platform to mint NFTs and integrate them into gaming ecosystems. In 2023, Enjin announced its own blockchain, migrating ENJ from Ethereum to its own mainnet — a strategic move to improve scalability and reduce costs.
ENJ - Real-Time Data:
Current Price: $0.03
24h Change: -0.76%
Market Cap: $52.14M
ENJ acts as collateral for NFTs (ensuring real value). Developers use it to create tradable in-game items on the marketplace. Key features include the Efinity network (for cross-chain NFT transactions) and Enjin Wallet (asset management). Important partnerships reinforce adoption. Recently, Efinity was integrated as a Polkadot parachain, enhancing interoperability.
OriginTrail (TRAC) - Beyond the Traditional Metaverse
OriginTrail is a decentralized knowledge graph network founded in 2011, launched as a blockchain project in 2018. It enhances transparency and efficiency in supply chains using blockchain and decentralized data management. It operates across multiple blockchains: Ethereum, Polygon, Gnosis, and its Polkadot parachain (NeuroWeb).
The TRAC token is used for staking, data publishing, and node operations. It guarantees data integrity and traceability — especially valuable for industries requiring robust data management. TRAC is used to pay for publishing/updating data, serves as collateral for nodes, and facilitates transactions within the decentralized graph. Partnerships with major organizations (Walmart, Oracle, European Union) expand applications in supply chain, healthcare, and construction. Recent developments include the launch of NeuroWeb, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
Yield Guild Games (YGG) - Investment in Virtual Assets
Yield Guild Games is a DAO founded in 2020 focused on investing in and managing virtual assets in blockchain games and virtual worlds. Its goal: create the largest virtual economy by acquiring and optimizing assets to maximize utility and generate community revenue.
YGG - Real-Time Data:
Current Price: $0.07
24h Change: +0.34%
Market Cap: $45.33M
The YGG (ERC-20) token enables governance participation, staking for rewards, and service payments. It has built a strong community of gamers and investors, creating earning opportunities through play-to-earn. Key features include the Guild Advancement Program (GAP) and Superquests that help members build on-chain identities. Partnerships with leading blockchain games and infrastructure expanded the ecosystem. Recently, YGG launched on the Ronin Network, increasing accessibility.
Wilder World (WILD) - Next-Generation Visuals
Wilder World is an immersive 3D metaverse on Ethereum using Unreal Engine 5 and AI for photorealistic visuals and dynamic interactions. Launched by a renowned digital artist, it aims to create a decentralized virtual world where users interact, trade, and create unique assets.
WILD - Real-Time Data:
Current Price: $0.05
24h Change: +1.83%
Market Cap: $22.64M
Wiami (the first city modeled after Miami) functions as a central hub for exploration, missions, and rich storytelling. Vision: a “5D” metaverse combining virtual reality, real-time rendering, and blockchain. WILD serves as the main currency, governance, and staking token. Users mint unique assets, participate in the Wilder Nation DAO, and earn rewards by completing challenges. NFT collections (AIR WILD kicks, Wilder Wheels, Wilder Cribs) are fully integrated into the economy.
Hooked Protocol (HOOK) - Education as an Entry Point
Hooked Protocol (launched in late 2022) accelerates Web3 adoption through gamified experiences and onboarding solutions. Its main product, Wild Cash, uses a “Learn-to-Earn” model: users complete quizzes, mining games, and social referrals to earn rewards.
HOOK - Real-Time Data:
Current Price: $0.04
24h Change: +0.36%
Market Cap: $11.88M
This approach has attracted over 3 million active monthly users, mainly in emerging markets — demonstrating potential to onboard a broad audience to Web3. The team, composed of veterans from Uber and Google, reduces entry barriers by providing education and intuitive mechanisms. HOOK functions as a governance token (votes on decisions) and utility (access to exclusive NFTs, events, in-app purchases). It will also be used as a gas token for on-chain transactions. Recent developments include platform improvements and AI integration.
My Neighbor Alice (ALICE) - Accessible Fun
My Neighbor Alice is a multiplayer blockchain game developed by Chromia (launched early 2021). It offers a unique farming experience: buy and develop virtual land, complete missions, and interact with players in the Lummelunda Archipelago.
ALICE - Real-Time Data:
Current Price: $0.17
24h Change: +0.34%
Market Cap: $15.88M
Charm comes from its casual aesthetic combined with deep blockchain mechanics — accessible to both gamers and enthusiasts. ALICE (ERC-20 token) is the main currency: buy land, items, and participate in governance via the Community Council. The token has multiple utilities: purchases, staking for rewards, governance participation. Earn ALICE by completing missions and events. Recent developments include transitioning to Beta phase with player trading and expanded user-generated content. Partnerships with Chromia boost scalability. The 2024 roadmap highlights full decentralization and new features.
View Original
This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.
Metaverse in 2025: The Complete Guide to the Top 10 Metaverse Coins for Investors and Gamers
Immersive virtual worlds are redefining how people interact with digital technology. In these environments, it is possible to socialize, play, and generate income simultaneously, all operating through decentralized blockchain infrastructure. A robust virtual economy, verifiable digital ownership via NFTs, and secure cryptocurrency transactions have created a completely new ecosystem. If you are considering exploring opportunities in this segment in 2025, knowing the main metaverse coins and their associated projects is essential.
The Metaverse Market: Numbers That Impress
Data shows explosive growth in this sector. Projections indicate that the metaverse market could reach USD 2,346.2 billion by 2032, compared to USD 94.1 billion in 2023 — representing an annual growth rate of 44.4%. In May 2024, the combined market value surpassed USD 31.7 billion, with approximately 300 metaverse projects in operation.
Understand the Metaverse and Why Cryptocurrencies Are Crucial
The metaverse functions as a shared digital space where virtual reality, augmented reality, and 3D avatars meet. Users interact in real-time, just as they would in the physical world. Blockchain technology makes everything possible: creating decentralized virtual economies, enabling genuine ownership of digital assets (land, items, identities through NFTs), and facilitating peer-to-peer transactions. Metaverse coins act as the fuel for this entire system.
The Top 10 Metaverse Coins to Watch in 2025
The Sandbox (SAND) - Unleashed Creativity and Monetization
The Sandbox is a virtual world built on the Ethereum blockchain since 2018. It started as a mobile game in 2012, then migrated to blockchain to leverage NFTs and decentralized finance. The project raised USD 3 million in an ICO (2020) and USD 93 million in major investments in 2021. The SAND token is used for transactions, staking, and governance voting.
The platform offers VoxEdit (to create voxel-style NFTs), Game Maker (a 3D game builder without coding), and a robust marketplace. Partnerships with Atari, CryptoKitties, The Walking Dead, and well-known celebrities have significantly expanded its reach. Recently, the platform activated staking on the Polygon network with zero fees and weekly rewards. Its differentiator: user-generated content and large-scale collaborations make The Sandbox a significant player in the crypto gaming space.
Decentraland (MANA) - The Pioneer Still Going Strong
Decentraland is a decentralized virtual world on Ethereum launched in 2017. Users buy digital properties using MANA (ERC-20 token), which also serves for transactions, governance, and virtual goods purchases. Land and item ownership are verified through NFTs (ERC-721 tokens).
MANA - Real-Time Data:
The platform offers virtual games, social experiences, shops, and digital galleries. It hosted the first Metaverse Fashion Week, demonstrating potential for large-scale events. Recent developments include voice chat, improved graphics, and a new desktop client. A DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) governs the project, allowing MANA holders to vote on proposals and influence the platform’s future.
Axie Infinity (AXS) - The Play-to-Earn Phenomenon
Axie Infinity (launched in 2018 by Sky Mavis) is a blockchain-based game where you breed, train, and battle digital creatures called Axies. Inspired by Pokémon and Tamagotchi, it offers a genuine play-to-earn model: earn AXS and SLP tokens that can be used to create new Axies, participate in governance (Axie DAO), or shop within the game.
AXS - Real-Time Data:
The game has attracted millions of users and USD 152 million in investments (led by Andreessen Horowitz). Its NFT marketplace allows buying and selling Axies and virtual land (Lunacia). The Ronin sidechain drastically reduced transaction fees and improved scalability. Major partnerships expanded the ecosystem. Recently, staking for AXS was launched, offering rewards and governance participation. Future features include land gameplay and a decentralized exchange on the Ronin network.
Illuvium (ILV) - The First AAA Blockchain Game
Illuvium is a decentralized RPG/auto-battler game on Ethereum, known as the first AAA blockchain-based game (launched in 2021). It combines exploration of fantastical landscapes, capturing creatures (Illuvials), and strategic battles in a fully 3D environment. Over 100 unique Illuvials with different classes and affinities.
ILV - Real-Time Data:
The ILV token functions as the main currency (for purchasing items), allows staking for yield farming, and governance participation via Illuvium DAO. Notable features include IlluviDEX (NFT trading with zero gas fees) and use of Immutable X for scalability. Recent developments include the mini-game Illuvium: Zero and plans for extensive updates.
Enjin Coin (ENJ) - Infrastructure for Developers
Enjin Coin was launched in 2017 as an ERC-20 token on Ethereum aimed at simplifying creation and management of virtual goods. It provides a platform to mint NFTs and integrate them into gaming ecosystems. In 2023, Enjin announced its own blockchain, migrating ENJ from Ethereum to its own mainnet — a strategic move to improve scalability and reduce costs.
ENJ - Real-Time Data:
ENJ acts as collateral for NFTs (ensuring real value). Developers use it to create tradable in-game items on the marketplace. Key features include the Efinity network (for cross-chain NFT transactions) and Enjin Wallet (asset management). Important partnerships reinforce adoption. Recently, Efinity was integrated as a Polkadot parachain, enhancing interoperability.
OriginTrail (TRAC) - Beyond the Traditional Metaverse
OriginTrail is a decentralized knowledge graph network founded in 2011, launched as a blockchain project in 2018. It enhances transparency and efficiency in supply chains using blockchain and decentralized data management. It operates across multiple blockchains: Ethereum, Polygon, Gnosis, and its Polkadot parachain (NeuroWeb).
The TRAC token is used for staking, data publishing, and node operations. It guarantees data integrity and traceability — especially valuable for industries requiring robust data management. TRAC is used to pay for publishing/updating data, serves as collateral for nodes, and facilitates transactions within the decentralized graph. Partnerships with major organizations (Walmart, Oracle, European Union) expand applications in supply chain, healthcare, and construction. Recent developments include the launch of NeuroWeb, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
Yield Guild Games (YGG) - Investment in Virtual Assets
Yield Guild Games is a DAO founded in 2020 focused on investing in and managing virtual assets in blockchain games and virtual worlds. Its goal: create the largest virtual economy by acquiring and optimizing assets to maximize utility and generate community revenue.
YGG - Real-Time Data:
The YGG (ERC-20) token enables governance participation, staking for rewards, and service payments. It has built a strong community of gamers and investors, creating earning opportunities through play-to-earn. Key features include the Guild Advancement Program (GAP) and Superquests that help members build on-chain identities. Partnerships with leading blockchain games and infrastructure expanded the ecosystem. Recently, YGG launched on the Ronin Network, increasing accessibility.
Wilder World (WILD) - Next-Generation Visuals
Wilder World is an immersive 3D metaverse on Ethereum using Unreal Engine 5 and AI for photorealistic visuals and dynamic interactions. Launched by a renowned digital artist, it aims to create a decentralized virtual world where users interact, trade, and create unique assets.
WILD - Real-Time Data:
Wiami (the first city modeled after Miami) functions as a central hub for exploration, missions, and rich storytelling. Vision: a “5D” metaverse combining virtual reality, real-time rendering, and blockchain. WILD serves as the main currency, governance, and staking token. Users mint unique assets, participate in the Wilder Nation DAO, and earn rewards by completing challenges. NFT collections (AIR WILD kicks, Wilder Wheels, Wilder Cribs) are fully integrated into the economy.
Hooked Protocol (HOOK) - Education as an Entry Point
Hooked Protocol (launched in late 2022) accelerates Web3 adoption through gamified experiences and onboarding solutions. Its main product, Wild Cash, uses a “Learn-to-Earn” model: users complete quizzes, mining games, and social referrals to earn rewards.
HOOK - Real-Time Data:
This approach has attracted over 3 million active monthly users, mainly in emerging markets — demonstrating potential to onboard a broad audience to Web3. The team, composed of veterans from Uber and Google, reduces entry barriers by providing education and intuitive mechanisms. HOOK functions as a governance token (votes on decisions) and utility (access to exclusive NFTs, events, in-app purchases). It will also be used as a gas token for on-chain transactions. Recent developments include platform improvements and AI integration.
My Neighbor Alice (ALICE) - Accessible Fun
My Neighbor Alice is a multiplayer blockchain game developed by Chromia (launched early 2021). It offers a unique farming experience: buy and develop virtual land, complete missions, and interact with players in the Lummelunda Archipelago.
ALICE - Real-Time Data:
Charm comes from its casual aesthetic combined with deep blockchain mechanics — accessible to both gamers and enthusiasts. ALICE (ERC-20 token) is the main currency: buy land, items, and participate in governance via the Community Council. The token has multiple utilities: purchases, staking for rewards, governance participation. Earn ALICE by completing missions and events. Recent developments include transitioning to Beta phase with player trading and expanded user-generated content. Partnerships with Chromia boost scalability. The 2024 roadmap highlights full decentralization and new features.