In today’s article, we’ll discuss the top 3 best NFT games, first picked in 2024, that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming. All three were still running in October 2026.
These games have rich gameplay and fully embrace blockchain technology, giving players ownership of their in-game assets. Let’s dive into Illuvium, Star Atlas, and Gods Unchained.
Illuvium
First up is Illuvium. This open-world RPG has been making waves in the NFT gaming world. Set in a stunning sci-fi universe, Illuvium is all about capturing creatures called Illuvials, each of which is an NFT you own. The game allows you to explore, battle, and build teams of Illuvials, and Unreal Engine powers it, so the visuals are absolutely breathtaking.
What makes Illuvium different from other games is the level of detail and thought put into the NFT economy. Players can buy, trade, or sell their Illuvials and land, all within the Ethereum blockchain.
One of the 2024 updates was Illuvium Zero, a companion city-builder game that adds depth to the overall experience by allowing players to harvest resources and craft items. The game’s beta version was widely praised, and Illuvium launched Overworld, Arena and Zero on the Epic Games Store on July 25, 2024. In February 2025, the studio cut staff and began reworking Overworld into a more streamlined MMO. Arena still gets updates; version 1.18.8 went live on October 7, 2026.
Star Atlas
Next, we have Star Atlas, one of the most ambitious NFT games ever created. Built on the Solana blockchain, Star Atlas offers a massive, futuristic space metaverse where players can explore, trade, and engage in battles.
The game is built around NFT ownership—everything from spaceships to land is a tradeable asset. Star Atlas has been developing for a while, and we’ve already seen exciting updates with the release of the “Showroom” and “SAGE Labs” modules.
In the Showroom, players can walk around their ships in a beautifully rendered 3D environment, while SAGE Labs introduces resource mining and staking for players to earn rewards.
Star Atlas is still unfinished. In September 2026, C4, the next version of its SAGE game, was in the third phase of a public test, with no mainnet date set. If you’re someone who loves the idea of space exploration and owning digital assets in a metaverse, this game is one to watch closely.
Related: Star Atlas: Everything You Need To Know
Gods Unchained
Lastly, let’s talk about Gods Unchained, the top NFT trading card game that has remained a favorite in the space.
The game lets players collect, trade, and battle with NFT cards, all while owning the assets they earn. Unlike traditional card games, every card in Gods Unchained is an NFT that can be sold or traded on the Ethereum blockchain.
The game’s economy revolves around the GODS token, and with regular updates, new card sets, and competitive tournaments, the game has kept its players engaged. The best part? You can start playing for free, making it more accessible than other NFT games.
Updates in 2024 included new strategies and card sets that further enhance the game’s tactical depth. New content keeps coming: The Waking Plague expansion went live on June 16, 2026, and a competitive mode called Conquest followed on July 16, 2026. If you’re a fan of trading card games and want to experience true ownership of your deck, Gods Unchained is a must-play!
Related: Gods Unchained: A Beginner’s Guide
NFT Games Now Put Gameplay First
In 2024, the NFT gaming space started to shift. Instead of focusing purely on the financial aspects of play-to-earn, these games emphasize immersive gameplay and sustainable economies.
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