2025: The Biggest Metaverse Crypto Projects to Watch Out For

Virtual worlds are transforming digital interaction in unprecedented ways. Users can now earn, create, and run real businesses within digital environments, thanks to the integration of blockchain technologies and decentralized economies. Throughout 2024-2025, projects that combine innovative solutions with a genuine user base have shown the greatest appeal. These platforms offer serious prospects for both entertainment and investment.

Understanding the Basics of the Metaverse

At first glance, the metaverse is a combination of the physical and digital worlds where people interact through avatars, play, trade, and build businesses. It unites virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), 3D graphics, and voice communication into a single environment.

Blockchain and cryptocurrencies are a reorganization of this ecosystem. They enable users to have true digital ownership via NFTs, conduct secure transactions through decentralized currencies, and participate in platform governance via DAO structures.

Dynamics of the Global Market Development

Experts forecast exponential growth in the sector. By 2032, the metaverse market could reach $2.346 trillion USD, compared to $94.1 billion USD in 2023 — an annual growth rate of 44.4%. As of May 2024, the total sector capitalization exceeded $31.7 billion USD, with nearly 300 active projects.

Leading Project: The Sandbox (SAND)

The Sandbox stands out as a decentralized platform launched on Ethereum in 2018. It allows users to create, own, and sell gaming experiences.

The project started as a mobile game in 2012 and later transformed into a blockchain ecosystem with NFT and DeFi capabilities. The Sandbox attracted $3 millions during its ICO and $93 millions from SoftBank in 2021.

The SAND token is used for:

• In-game transactions
• Staking and earning rewards
• Participating in platform governance

The platform provides tools: VoxEdit for creating NFTs, Game Maker for developing 3D games without coding, and Marketplace for trading assets.

Strategic partnerships with Atari, CryptoKitties, The Walking Dead, and Snoop Dogg have significantly increased the project’s attractiveness. Recent updates include staking on the Polygon network with zero fees and weekly rewards.

Current SAND metrics:

• Price: $0.11
• 24-hour change: -2.46%
• Market capitalization: $290.34M

Second Player: Decentraland (MANA)

Decentraland, built on Ethereum and launched in 2017, is a decentralized virtual world with full user control.

Users buy digital land via the MANA (ERC-20) token and use it for in-game operations, governance, and purchasing goods.

The platform offers diverse content:

• Virtual games and entertainment
• Social events and conferences
• Commercial activities (shops, galleries, offices)

Decentralized governance through DAO allows MANA holders to vote on platform changes. Recent partnerships with Samsung and the first Metaverse Fashion Week demonstrate the project’s scale.

Latest improvements include voice chat, enhanced graphics, and a new desktop client.

Current MANA data:

• Price: $0.12
• 24-hour change: -2.60%
• Market cap: $223.00M

Trifecta of Gaming Projects

Axie Infinity (AXS) — play-to-earn model in action

Sky Mavis launched Axie Infinity in 2018 as a game about breeding and battling digital creatures. Inspired by Pokémon and Tamagotchi, it supports the “play and earn” model.

Players earn two types of tokens:

• AXS (Axie Infinity Shards) — for governance and breeding
• SLP (Smooth Love Potion) — for in-game purchases

The project attracted $152 millions from Andreessen Horowitz. The introduction of the Ronin sidechain reduced fees and increased scalability.

NFT marketplace enables trading of Axies and virtual land Lunacia. Partnerships with Samsung expanded the audience. Recent updates include AXS staking and a decentralized exchange on Ronin.

Illuvium (ILV) — AAA blockchain game

Launched in 2021, Illuvium is considered the first AAA blockchain game. It combines RPG and auto-battler elements within a 3D environment.

The game features over 100 unique Illuvials, each with its own classes and combat abilities. Players:

• Earn in-game rewards
• Stake ILV for yield farming
• Trade Illuvials on IlluviDEX

ILV token is the main currency, governance tool, and staking instrument with rewards (ILV or sILV for immediate use).

IlluviDEX offers NFT trading without gas fees via Immutable X. Recently launched is the mini-game Illuvium: Zero.

ILV data:

• Price: $5.76
• 24-hour change: -1.18%
• Market cap: $54.64M

Infrastructure Projects

Enjin Coin (ENJ) — NFT standardization

Launched in 2017 as an ERC-20 token, Enjin simplifies creating and managing virtual assets. In 2023, the project launched its own blockchain network, Enjin Blockchain, moving ENJ from Ethereum.

Main function: ENJ acts as a reserve backing NFTs, ensuring real value for each token.

Developers use ENJ to mint in-game items that can be traded on Enjin Marketplace.

Key ecosystem components:

• Efinity — cross-chain NFT transaction network
• Enjin Wallet — management of digital assets

Partnerships with Microsoft and Samsung have strengthened its position. The implementation of Efinity as a Polkadot parachain improved interoperability.

OriginTrail (TRAC) — data integrity via blockchain

OriginTrail, founded in 2011 as a project and launched as a blockchain solution in 2018, provides transparency in supply chains. It operates on Ethereum, Polygon, Gnosis, and its own Polkadot parachain (NeuroWeb).

TRAC token is used for:

• Staking
• Publishing data
• Node operations

The decentralized network nature guarantees data integrity for industries where it is critical (logistics, healthcare, construction).

Partnerships with Walmart, Oracle, and the European Union have expanded its applications. Deployment of NeuroWeb has reduced transaction costs.

Community Ecosystems and Governance

Yield Guild Games (YGG) — player collective

YGG, founded in 2020 as a DAO, specializes in investing and managing virtual assets in blockchain games. It aims to become the largest economy in the virtual world.

YGG token (ERC-20) enables:

• Governance participation
• Staking for rewards
• Payment for services

YGG has built a strong community through:

• Guild Advancement Program (GAP) — guild development program
• Superquests — achievement system for on-chain identity

Partnerships with Axie Infinity and Ronin network have expanded opportunities. Launching YGG on Ronin increased accessibility.

YGG metrics:

• Price: $0.07
• 24-hour change: +0.12%
• Market cap: $45.06M

Wilder World (WILD) — “5D” metaverse

Wilder World, founded by artist Frank Wilder, is a 3D metaverse on Ethereum using Unreal Engine 5 and AI for photorealistic graphics.

The first city, Wiami (inspired by Miami), serves as a central hub for exploration, quests, and narrative experiences.

WILD token functions:

• Main currency for transactions
• Governance and staking
• Access to quests and rewards

The platform features comprehensive NFT collections: AIR WILD kicks, Wilder Wheels, Wilder Cribs, fully integrated into the game economy.

Strategic partnerships with artists and tech companies broaden appeal for both Web3 enthusiasts and mass audiences.

WILD data:

• Price: $0.05
• 24-hour change: -1.43%
• Market cap: $22.61M

Educational and Engagement Platforms

Hooked Protocol (HOOK) — education as an entry point into Web3

Launched in late 2022, Hooked Protocol accelerates Web3 adoption through gamified learning solutions. Its flagship Wild Cash uses the “Learn-to-Earn” model.

Users participate in quizzes, mining games, and social referrals to earn rewards. This approach has attracted over 3 million active users monthly, mainly in emerging markets.

A team of Uber and Google veterans focuses on lowering barriers to entry in Web3.

HOOK token serves as:

• Governance tool
• Access to exclusive NFTs
• Participation in community events
• Gas token for on-chain operations

Recent developments include an improved educational platform and AI integration for personalization.

HOOK metrics:

• Price: $0.04
• 24-hour change: -0.96%
• Market cap: $11.80M

My Neighbor Alice (ALICE) — farming in the metaverse

My Neighbor Alice, developed by Chromia and launched in early 2021, is a multiplayer game with a unique farm aesthetic.

Players:

• Buy and develop virtual land plots
• Complete quests
• Interact with others in the Lumelund archipelago

ALICE token (ERC-20) is the main currency for:

• Buying land and in-game items
• Staking for rewards
• Participating in governance via Community Council

Players earn ALICE by completing quests and participating in events. Transition to Beta will enable player-to-player trading and expanded content creation.

Partnerships with Chromia improve scalability. Roadmap for 2024 emphasizes full decentralization and new engagement features.

ALICE data:

• Price: $0.17
• 24-hour change: -2.12%
• Market cap: $15.68M

Practical Guide: Entering the Metaverse

To get started, follow these steps:

1. Set up a wallet: Install a compatible wallet like MetaMask for Ethereum-based projects.

2. Buy crypto: Purchase required currencies (ETH, SAND, etc.) via exchange.

3. Connect to platforms: Link your wallet to marketplaces (Decentraland, The Sandbox, etc.).

4. Start with assets: In The Sandbox, buy LAND using SAND to create and monetize content.

5. Verify authenticity: Always buy through official markets.

Main Trends for 2024-2025

Enhanced Interactivity: Platforms are creating interconnected worlds allowing seamless asset transfer.

Realism and Immersion: Advances in AR, VR, and AI make experiences more realistic. Platforms push boundaries with ultra-realistic avatars.

Mass Adoption: Big tech firms develop their own metaverses, integrating their audiences.

Play-to-Earn Model: Users earn cryptocurrency through active participation. Axie Infinity and similar projects lead this movement.

Sustainability and Scalability: Blockchain platforms develop energy-efficient protocols and scalable infrastructure.

AI Integration: Artificial intelligence personalizes experiences and provides support, improving interaction.

Economic Opportunities: The metaverse sector is expected to create around $5 trillion in value by 2030. Growth will be driven by virtual real estate, digital assets, and new business models.

Challenges and Outlook

Challenges:

• Interoperability between platforms remains a key issue
• Standard protocols and technologies are needed for a unified metaverse
• Privacy and security require ongoing attention
• Data protection against cyber threats is a top priority
• Ethical considerations (bias, inclusivity) must be addressed

Opportunities:

• Brands are creating engaging marketing campaigns and virtual stores
• Virtual events offer flexible ways for global collaboration
• New opportunities for business-customer interaction
• Growing potential for investment in digital assets

Conclusion

The metaverse shows significant potential for exponential growth. Advances in AI, VR, and AR will drive engaging and personalized experiences.

Despite challenges related to interoperability, privacy, and security, the opportunities for innovation remain vast. Key platforms — Decentraland, The Sandbox, Illuvium, and Enjin — are ideal starting points for exploring this dynamic field.

As the metaverse continues to evolve and become the biggest metaverse-institution, staying informed on trends is crucial. The potential for recreation and investment makes this space uniquely compelling to explore.