Panoramic View: Top 10 Metaverse Crypto Projects to Watch in 2025

The virtual world is reshaping the way we interact with digital spaces. From immersive gaming experiences to virtual real estate transactions, the metaverse leverages blockchain technology to enable true digital ownership and a decentralized economy. In 2024, multiple metaverse crypto projects experienced explosive growth, becoming key bridges connecting reality and virtuality.

The Essence of the Metaverse: A Fusion of Virtual and Real Digital Economy

The metaverse is a collective of shared virtual spaces, integrating augmented reality(AR), virtual reality(VR), 3D holographic avatars, and diverse communication methods. In this ecosystem, blockchain and cryptocurrencies play central roles: they use NFT(Non-Fungible Tokens) to grant users genuine ownership of virtual land, items, and even identities, while ensuring transaction security, transparency, and cross-platform interoperability.

According to Market.us data, the global metaverse market will surge from $94.1 billion in 2023 to $2,346.2 billion in 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 44.4%. As of May 2024, the total market cap of metaverse-related assets has exceeded $31.7 billion, and CoinMarketCap tracks nearly 300 metaverse projects. These figures fully demonstrate that the metaverse crypto ecosystem has become one of the most dynamic sectors in the crypto market.

Pioneers in Gaming and Virtual Assets Integration

The Sandbox (SAND) - A Stage for User Creativity

SAND, as the flagship metaverse platform on Ethereum, launched in 2018 and quickly attracted millions of creators. The project’s early funding reached $30 million (ICO in 2020), followed by a $93 million investment from SoftBank, demonstrating its commercial potential.

The platform offers three core tools: VoxEdit(for creating pixel NFTs), Game Maker(for no-code 3D game development), and Marketplace(for asset trading). Strategic collaborations with Atari, CryptoKitties, The Walking Dead, and Snoop Dogg have enhanced ecosystem vitality. Recent updates include Polygon sidechain integration, enabling gasless transactions and periodic revenue sharing, while community incentive programs continue to boost engagement.

Decentraland (MANA) - Decentralized Virtual City

Launched in 2017, MANA is among the first Ethereum-based metaverse projects(. Users purchase virtual land with MANA tokens and participate in DAO governance to collectively decide the platform’s future.

Currently, MANA is priced at $0.12) with a 24h change of -0.67%(, and a circulating market cap of $226 million. The platform supports virtual shops, galleries, social experiences, and more. Deep collaborations with Binance, Samsung, and the successful hosting of the first metaverse fashion week showcase its potential for large-scale virtual events. The rollout of voice chat, graphical upgrades, and desktop clients further enhances user experience.

) Axie Infinity ###AXS( - A Play-to-Earn Model

Developed by Sky Mavis, Axie Infinity revolutionized game monetization. This monster-raising game combines Pokémon battle mechanics with Tamagotchi-style nurturing, allowing players to profit through AXS and SLP tokens.

AXS is currently trading at $0.84) with a 24h change of +0.10%(, and a circulating market cap of $141 million. The project secured $152 million in funding led by Andreessen Horowitz. The Ronin sidechain dramatically reduces transaction costs, and the robust NFT marketplace and Lunacia virtual land ecosystem enrich gameplay. Upcoming land gameplay and the Ronin decentralized exchange will further strengthen the project’s competitiveness.

) Illuvium ###ILV( - The First Blockchain AAA Game

Illuvium aims to be the first fully on-chain AAA game, blending RPG and auto-battle elements in an open world. It features over 100 unique Illuvial creatures with different classes and attributes.

ILV is priced at $5.79) with a 24h change of -0.51%(, and a market cap of $54.93 million. Its IlluviDEX offers gasless NFT trading and scalable solutions via Immutable X, ensuring smooth transactions. The launch of Illuvium: Zero mini-game and planned major updates solidify its position in the metaverse gaming space.

Infrastructure Layer for Virtual Assets

) Enjin Coin ###ENJ( - Tools for NFT Issuance and Management

Launched in 2017, ENJ provides a simplified platform for game developers to create NFTs. The launch of its independent blockchain network in 2023 marked a major upgrade—scalability improvements and significantly lower transaction costs.

ENJ is currently priced at $0.03) with a 24h change of -0.76%(, and a market cap of $52.14 million. The Efinity network)a Polkadot parachain( enables cross-chain NFT trading, while Enjin Wallet offers streamlined asset management. Collaborations with Microsoft, Samsung, Binance, and other tech giants reinforce its central role in virtual asset infrastructure.

) OriginTrail (TRAC) - Decentralized Knowledge Graph

Though originating in supply chain tracking, TRAC’s decentralized knowledge graph###DKG( technology is significant for metaverse asset certification. The project operates on Ethereum, Polygon, Gnosis, and its Polkadot parachain NeuroWeb.

TRAC is priced at $0.41) with a 24h change of +1.47%(, and a market cap of $182 million. Partnerships with Walmart, Oracle, and the EU demonstrate its industry recognition in data management. The NeuroWeb deployment aims to further optimize transaction costs and expand applications in supply chain, healthcare, and construction.

Innovators in Community Economy Models

) Yield Guild Games (YGG) - Virtual Asset Management DAO

Founded in 2020, YGG is one of the first professionalized metaverse asset management organizations, generating revenue streams for community members through acquiring and optimizing virtual assets.

YGG’s token is currently priced at $0.07### with a 24h change of +0.42%(, and a market cap of $45.32 million. Its Guild Advancement Program and Superquests system help members establish on-chain identities. Deep integration with Axie Infinity and Ronin network makes YGG a key player in the Play-to-Earn ecosystem. The Ronin integration further lowers participation barriers.

) Hooked Protocol (HOOK) - Web3 Education and User Acquisition

Launched in late 2022, Hooked accelerates Web3 adoption through gamified learning and innovative onboarding solutions. Its flagship product Wild Cash employs a “Learn-to-Earn” model, attracting over 3 million active users monthly, mainly from emerging markets.

HOOK is priced at $0.04( with a 24h change of +0.42%), and a market cap of $11.88 million. A team of veterans from Uber and Google is dedicated to lowering entry barriers to Web3. HOOK combines governance, ecosystem access, and gas token functions. Recent updates include AI integration and platform iterations, making it a driving force for large-scale Web3 applications.

Breakthroughs in Visual and Immersive Experiences

Wilder World (WILD) - Vision of a 5D Metaverse

Led by digital artist Frank Wilder, WILD uses Unreal Engine 5 and AI to create photorealistic virtual cities. The first city, Wiami, inspired by Miami, combines VR, real-time rendering, and blockchain to deliver a “5D” experience.

WILD tokens facilitate trading, governance, and staking. NFT series like AIR WILD Kicks, Wilder Wheels, and Wilder Cribs are deeply integrated with gameplay. Strategic alliances with top artists and tech companies aim to attract Web3 enthusiasts and mainstream users.

( My Neighbor Alice )ALICE( - On-Chain Casual Farming Game

Developed by Chromia, launched in 2021, My Neighbor Alice brings farming games into the metaverse. Players purchase virtual plots on Lummelunda Island, complete tasks, and interact with others.

ALICE is priced at $0.17) with a 24h change of +0.40%###, and a market cap of $15.88 million. The game combines accessible aesthetics with complex on-chain mechanics. Beta trading features and UGC expansion plans will further grow the ecosystem. Chromia’s expansion support and goal of full decentralization in 2024 strengthen its outlook.

Practical Guide: Three Steps to Enter the Metaverse

Step 1: Set up a compatible wallet(such as MetaMask for Ethereum). Step 2: Purchase required cryptocurrencies###ETH, SAND, etc.( on exchanges like Gate.io. Step 3: Connect your wallet to the platform’s marketplace to bid or buy virtual land and assets directly. For example, land purchased with SAND in The Sandbox can serve as a creative base or investment.

2025 Metaverse Development Roadmap

Cross-Platform Interoperability Upgrades — Projects like Decentraland and The Sandbox are building seamless transfer channels for virtual assets, enhancing user retention and market scale.

Qualitative Leap in Immersion — AR/VR/AI integration is creating hyper-realistic virtual environments. Leading projects like Wilder World and Illuvium are pushing new boundaries.

Mainstream Corporate Involvement — Tech giants like Meta and Microsoft are accelerating metaverse strategies, bringing mass adoption closer.

Mature Play-to-Earn Ecosystems — Successful economic models from Axie Infinity, Gala Games, and others are being replicated in new games. McKinsey projects the metaverse market will contribute $5 trillion by 2030.

Efficiency and Scalability Breakthroughs — Layer2 solutions from Polygon sidechains to Polkadot parachains are clearing obstacles for large-scale applications.

AI-Driven Personalized Experiences — Virtual assistants and adaptive environments will significantly enhance user satisfaction.

Opportunities and Challenges

The unification of the virtual world faces multiple hurdles: lack of cross-chain interoperability standards, privacy and security risks, and ethical and regulatory ambiguities. Yet, the opportunities are vast—businesses can reshape user engagement through immersive marketing and virtual showrooms, and global virtual conferences and remote collaboration are revolutionizing work paradigms.

Summary

The metaverse has moved from conceptual to experimental stages. The integration of AI, VR, AR, and blockchain is creating an unprecedented virtual economy ecosystem. From gaming to asset management, education to socializing, metaverse crypto projects are innovating across multiple dimensions to reshape the digital future. Focusing on the top ten projects—The Sandbox, Decentraland, Axie Infinity, Illuvium, Enjin Coin, OriginTrail, Yield Guild Games, Wilder World, Hooked Protocol, and My Neighbor Alice—will help you grasp the next wave of the metaverse.

Whether seeking profits, creative expression, or social experiences, the door to the metaverse is open to all. Now is the perfect time to explore and participate.