There is a lot to take in last year within the crypto space, what with BTC breaking all records, institutional FOMO, the rise of AI agents, DePIN, RWAs, and umpteen other onchain sectors. This is to say that if you missed this, amidst all the noise, you can be forgiven: web3 games got good. While never bad to begin with, 2024 was the year when they came of age, with slick gameplay accompanied by suitable token economies and seamless integration of web3 features.

The good news is that in 2025, web3 gaming is only going to get better. Like, way better. In fact, it’s no exaggeration to say that the GameFi space is entering a thrilling era of creativity and innovation. Developers are delivering increasingly polished and engaging titles that leverage blockchain technology for deeper player interaction and ownership. Don’t call it a renaissance – call it a rebirth. From playful penguins to nostalgic MMORPGs, here are five web3 games that capture the flavor that 2025 is serving up.

Pudgy Party

If you faded Pudgies when the original PFP collection launched dismissing them as overly cute or “just another NFT mint” you’ll have been kicking yourself ever since. Well, stop seething because it’s not too late to atone for mid-curving the jpeg collection that now boasts a floor price of (*checks notes*) 30 ETH. The beloved Pudgy Penguins IP is now making its leap into , courtesy of in the form of Pudgy Party. 

Set to debut on mobile platforms, Pudgy Party combines the charm of Pudgy Penguins with Mythical’s expertise in creating highly addictive web3 games. Players can look forward to cooperative gameplay, adorable characters, and engaging challenges, all wrapped up in a beautifully crafted game world. And thanks to integration with the Mythical Marketplace, you’ll be able to own, trade, and showcase the digital collectibles in-game. Whether you’re diving into penguin-packed adventures or flexing your NFT collection, Pudgy promises to be a party you won’t want to miss.

Onchain Heroes

For fans of strategy and collectible games, looks like a gem in the making. Designed for true web3 gamers who relish everything being recorded onchain, this adorable game takes you on a journey through a beautifully illustrated world where players collect and battle with unique, blockchain-based heroes. Each hero is an NFT with distinct stats, skills, and attributes, giving players a strategic edge based on their lineup.

What makes Onchain Heroes stand out is its focus on community engagement. Players can trade, collaborate, and compete in tournaments while contributing to the game’s evolving narrative. Whether you’re looking to build your ultimate hero squad or dive into a rich lore-filled universe, Onchain Heroes offers something truly special. While the retro, 8-bit graphics won’t be to everyone’s tastes, they’re merely the wrapper for what looks like an incredibly fun game that’s easy to pick up and a lot harder to put down.

Forgotten Runiverse

is a pixel art MMORPG that perfectly captures the spirit of exploration and collaboration that’s intrinsic to so many web3 games. Inspired by the Forgotten Runes Wizard’s Cult universe, Runiverse invites players to gather resources, and craft items, and engage in both PvE and PvP activities. Its immersive world is packed with secrets, quests, and guilds to join.

What’s exciting about Forgotten Runiverse is its focus on player-driven economies. The blockchain integration allows users to trade in-game items as NFTs, ensuring that every crafted sword or gathered resource has tangible value. With its highly anticipated launch set for Q1 2025, this game promises to be a vibrant addition to the web3 gaming scene. Whatever you do, don’t forget Forgotten Runiverse which rightfully deserves a spot in your “must-play” list. 

Cambria

is an experimental MMO with strategy-based gameplay and clever blockchain integration. Built for players who crave action, this medieval web3 title, slated for release later this year, features dynamic maps, tactical combat, and customizable weapons. Set to be hosted on Ronin Network, Cambria has been described as a “Risk-to-Earn MMO inspired by games like RuneScape.”

Cambria enables unique weapon skins and character cosmetics as NFTs, ensuring players can showcase their style while dominating the battlefield. Cambria Cores, the game’s NFT collection, surpassed 300K RON in volume on Mavis Market since minting out in a single block so it’s fair to say the community is hyped about this one. If you’re a fan of player-driven economies and a crafting connoisseur, Cambria will be your go-to in 2025.

Ragnarok Landverse

Nostalgia meets innovation in , a web3 adaptation of the classic MMORPG Ragnarok Online. Developed on Ronin, this forthcoming game retains the charm of its predecessor while introducing obligatory blockchain features like NFT-based items and digital asset ownership. While much of the action remains under wraps for now, given the gaming chain it’s launching on and the current engagement, expectations are understandably high.

Ragnarok Landverse allows players to explore its vibrant world, join epic battles, and trade unique items onchain. By combining the familiar mechanics of a beloved MMORPG with the benefits of decentralized economies, it’s set to attract both old-school fans and new players looking for an enriched gaming experience. The game’s full launch in 2025 will mark a significant milestone for blockchain-enabled retro games, which have become the dominant genre in web3 gaming, seamlessly marrying the old with the new.

Great Games Are Coming

As 2025 unfolds, the web3 gaming sector is gearing up for an extraordinary year of growth and innovation. These five titles – Pudgy Party, Onchain Heroes, Forgotten Runiverse, Cambria, and Ragnarok Landverse – are just a fraction of the titles that will see the light of day this year. Combined, however, these five embody the best traits of web3 games, from true asset ownership to retro fun that evokes the classic arcade games of your childhood – or more likely that of your parents.

There isn’t time to properly play everything that launches under the GameFi banner this year, but if you can even keep tabs on the titles profiled here, you’re guaranteed to have some fun in 2025. And for the best-performing games that are tied to gaming tokens, there may also be an upside to those who’d rather invest in the best games. After all, there’s more than one way to win at web3 gaming.