Cryptocurrency Metaverse Projects Overview: 10 Crypto Ecosystems to Watch in 2025

The virtual world is transforming the way users interact with digital environments. These immersive virtual spaces leverage blockchain technology, enabling users to own digital assets, conduct secure transactions, and participate in fully decentralized economic systems. Between 2024 and 2025, multiple innovative crypto projects have stood out with their groundbreaking applications and expanding user bases, becoming the most prominent tracks in the Crypto market.

Metaverse Ecosystem: Definition and Development Prospects

What is the Metaverse?

The Metaverse is a collective virtual space that integrates physical and virtual realities, combining AR, VR, 3D holographic avatars, and digital communication tools. Users can interact and communicate in real-time as if in the real world.

Blockchain and crypto assets play core roles in this ecosystem. They support the construction of decentralized virtual economies, allowing users to own and trade virtual land, game items, and even digital identities through NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). Cryptocurrencies ensure the security, transparency, and cross-platform compatibility of virtual transactions.

Global Market Size and Growth Drivers

According to market research data, the Metaverse market size is expected to grow from $94.1 billion in 2023 to $234.62 billion in 2032, with an annual compound growth rate of 44.4%. As of May 2024, the total market capitalization in this field has exceeded $31.7 billion. About 300 crypto Metaverse projects are currently operational.

This growth is driven by upgrades in virtual reality hardware, increased enterprise applications, and strategic entry by major technology companies.

Top 10 Crypto Metaverse Projects to Watch

1. The Sandbox (SAND) — Decentralized Creative Building Platform

The Sandbox is a decentralized virtual world based on the Ethereum blockchain, officially launched in 2018. Users can create, own, and monetize gaming projects using the SAND token. Originating from a mobile game in 2012, it migrated to blockchain to fully leverage NFTs and DeFi.

In terms of funding, The Sandbox raised $3 million through an ICO in 2020 and received a $93 million investment from SoftBank in 2021. The platform includes VoxEdit (voxel NFT creation tool), Game Maker (no-code 3D game development tool), and Marketplace (digital asset trading platform).

Partners include well-known IPs like Atari, CryptoKitties, and The Walking Dead, which promote user engagement and ecosystem development. Users can stake SAND on the Polygon network to enjoy reduced transaction fees and weekly rewards.

2. Decentraland (MANA) — Virtual Social and Business Hub

MANA real-time data: $0.12 | 24h change: -0.16% | Market cap: $226.65M

Decentraland launched on Ethereum in 2017, building a complete 3D virtual city. Users purchase virtual land with ERC-20 standard MANA tokens, conduct internal transactions, participate in social activities, and operate virtual shops. Ownership of land and assets is secured via ERC-721 standard NFTs.

The platform offers virtual gaming, social events, and commercial applications, meeting entertainment needs and supporting business operations. Governance is managed through a DAO, with MANA holders voting on project directions.

Recently, the platform launched a Metaverse Fashion Week, demonstrating its capacity to host large-scale virtual events. New features like voice chat, graphic optimization, and PC client improvements further enhance user experience.

3. Axie Infinity (AXS) — Pioneer of Play-to-Earn

AXS real-time data: $0.84 | 24h change: +0.03% | Market cap: $141.59M

Sky Mavis launched Axie Infinity in 2018, introducing a new paradigm in blockchain gaming. Players breed, train, and battle digital creatures (Axies) to earn AXS and SLP tokens. Inspired by Pokémon and digital pets, it has attracted millions of users.

Funding achievements include a $152 million funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz. The in-game NFT marketplace allows players to buy and sell Axies and virtual land (Lunacia). The deployment of the Ronin sidechain significantly reduces transaction costs and improves scalability.

Latest features include AXS staking rewards and DAO participation mechanisms. The platform also plans to launch a decentralized exchange and land gameplay on the Ronin network.

4. Illuvium (ILV) — First AAA Blockchain Game

ILV real-time data: $5.83 | 24h change: +0.69% | Market cap: $55.34M

Illuvium is an open-world fantasy battle game on Ethereum, launched in 2021, dubbed as “AAA-level blockchain game.” It combines RPG and auto-battler gameplay, allowing players to explore the Illuvium world, capture over 100 Illuvials with different classes and attributes, participate in battles, and earn rewards.

ILV tokens serve multiple functions: in-game currency, governance rights, and staking assets for yield farming. Players can stake ILV for annual rewards or use sILV tokens for instant gameplay.

IlluviDEX offers gas-free NFT trading, supported by Immutable X. Recent releases include Illuvium: Zero mini-game and upcoming large-scale updates, further solidifying its position in on-chain gaming.

5. Enjin Coin (ENJ) — NFT Infrastructure and Asset Management

ENJ real-time data: $0.03 | 24h change: +0.32% | Market cap: $52.47M

Enjin Coin was launched in 2017 as an Ethereum ERC-20 token, aiming to simplify creation and management of virtual assets. In 2023, Enjin announced the launch of an independent blockchain, migrating ENJ from Ethereum to the Enjin mainnet, enhancing scalability and reducing transaction costs.

ENJ mainly functions as a reserve asset for NFTs, ensuring each token has real value. The Efinity network is dedicated to cross-chain NFT trading, and Enjin Wallet offers convenient digital asset management.

Partnerships with tech giants like Microsoft and Samsung expand its ecosystem. Efinity, as a Polkadot parachain, further enhances cross-chain interoperability and efficiency.

6. OriginTrail (TRAC) — Decentralized Data Management Network

TRAC real-time data: $0.41 | 24h change: +1.77% | Market cap: $182.71M

OriginTrail, established in 2011 and upgraded to a blockchain project in 2018, is a decentralized knowledge graph network(DKG) that enhances supply chain transparency and efficiency through blockchain and distributed data management. It spans multiple networks including Ethereum, Polygon, Gnosis, and its Polkadot parachain NeuroWeb.

TRAC tokens are used for staking, data publishing, and node operation. Its decentralized nature ensures data integrity and traceability, making it valuable for industries requiring trustworthy data management.

Strategic collaborations with Walmart, Oracle, and the EU have expanded its applications in supply chain, healthcare, and construction. Deployment of NeuroWeb further reduces transaction costs and improves network efficiency.

7. Yield Guild Games (YGG) — Investment and Management DAO for Virtual Economies

YGG real-time data: $0.07 | 24h change: +1.17% | Market cap: $45.53M

Yield Guild Games was founded in 2020 as a decentralized autonomous organization focused on investing in and managing blockchain games and virtual assets. Its mission is to generate income streams for community members through acquisition and optimization of virtual assets.

YGG tokens (ERC-20) grant governance rights, staking rewards, and in-ecosystem payment privileges. Guild Advancement Program(GAP) and Superquests( help members build on-chain identities through achievement systems.

Partnerships with major blockchain games like Axie Infinity and Ronin significantly expand YGG’s ecosystem. Recent token launches on the Ronin network improve accessibility and utility.

) 8. Wilder World ###WILD( — High-Fidelity 5D Virtual City

WILD real-time data: $0.05 | 24h change: +0.48% | Market cap: $22.70M

Founded by digital artist Frank Wilder, Wilder World is an Ethereum-based 3D immersive virtual world using Unreal Engine 5 and AI technology to create photorealistic visuals and dynamic interactions.

The first city, Wiami, modeled after Miami, acts as a hub where players can explore, complete quests, and enjoy rich narrative experiences. The platform aims to create an integrated “5D” Metaverse combining VR, real-time rendering, and blockchain.

WILD tokens are core to the ecosystem, used for trading, governance, and staking. Users can issue unique digital assets, participate in governance via Wilder Nation DAO, and earn rewards through in-game tasks. NFT series like AIR WILD sneakers, Wilder Wheels, and Wilder Cribs are fully integrated into the economy and gameplay.

Strategic collaborations with top artists and tech companies aim to attract Web3 enthusiasts and mainstream users through stunning visuals and a fully functional virtual world.

) 9. Hooked Protocol ###HOOK( — Web3 Education and Growth Engine

HOOK real-time data: $0.04 | 24h change: -0.39% | Market cap: $11.93M

Hooked Protocol launched in late 2022, accelerating Web3 adoption through innovative gamified education and user acquisition solutions. Its flagship product, Wild Cash, adopts a “learn and earn” model, rewarding users for surveys, mining games, and social referrals.

This program has attracted over 3 million monthly active users, mainly from developing countries, demonstrating its potential to promote Web3 to a broad audience. The core team includes professionals from Uber and Google, dedicated to lowering barriers to entry for Web3.

HOOK tokens have multiple functions: governance rights, exclusive NFTs, community event access, in-game purchases, and will serve as fuel tokens within the ecosystem. The platform continues to innovate through expanding products and user base, with recent upgrades including an education platform and AI integration to enhance user experience.

) 10. My Neighbor Alice ###ALICE( — Friendly Farming Blockchain Game

My Neighbor Alice, developed by Chromia and launched in early 2021, is a multiplayer blockchain game offering a unique farm-building experience. Players can buy and develop virtual plots, complete quests, and interact with others in a fantasy world called Lummelanda Archipelago.

Its appeal lies in a relaxed, friendly aesthetic combined with deep blockchain mechanics, attracting both gamers and blockchain enthusiasts. The ALICE token (ERC-20) functions as the main in-game currency for land purchases, item trading, and community governance.

Players earn ALICE by completing various tasks and activities. Recent beta upgrades introduced player-to-player trading and expanded user-generated content features. Deep collaboration with Chromia enhances scalability and functionality. The 2024 roadmap emphasizes full decentralization and new features to boost player engagement and experience.

How to Enter the Crypto Metaverse: Asset Acquisition Step-by-Step Guide

To start participating in the Metaverse ecosystem, first set up a compatible digital wallet (e.g., MetaMask for Ethereum projects). Next, purchase necessary crypto assets on appropriate exchanges, such as ETH or SAND.

Connect your wallet to the official marketplace of the Metaverse platform (e.g., Decentraland or The Sandbox) to bid on land or buy assets. For example, in The Sandbox, users can buy LAND (digital plots) with SAND tokens, build on them, and monetize virtual projects.

Always ensure transactions are conducted through official channels to verify asset authenticity and security. Be cautious of scams and follow best security practices.

Key Development Trends for the Metaverse Crypto Track in 2025

Cross-Platform Interoperability Upgrades: Projects like Decentraland and The Sandbox are developing tighter integration of virtual worlds. Users will be able to transfer assets and experiences seamlessly across platforms, enhancing user retention and market potential.

Visual Fidelity Improvements: Advances in AR, VR, and AI make virtual experiences more realistic. Platforms like Illuvium are launching hyper-realistic avatars and environments for deeper immersion.

Mainstream Corporate Entry: Tech giants like Meta and Microsoft are independently developing Metaverse platforms. This trend accelerates mainstream awareness and adoption.

Expansion of Play-to-Earn Economy: The model is becoming more popular, allowing users to earn crypto assets through virtual activities. Projects like Axie Infinity offer tangible financial returns to participants.

Sustainable Infrastructure Development: As the Metaverse expands, there is increased focus on energy-efficient and scalable solutions. Blockchain platforms are exploring energy-saving protocols and infrastructure upgrades.

Deep AI Integration: Artificial intelligence will optimize virtual experiences and enhance personalization. AI virtual assistants will provide real-time support and guidance, improving user interaction.

Economic Scale Forecast: According to McKinsey research, the Metaverse industry is projected to generate over $5 trillion in value by 2030. Virtual real estate, digital assets, and innovative business models will drive this growth.

Challenges and Opportunities in Metaverse Development

) Challenges

Interoperability between virtual worlds remains a significant obstacle. Achieving a unified Metaverse requires developing and deploying standardized protocols and technical standards.

Privacy and security issues are critical as users invest more time and funds into virtual spaces. Data protection and cyber threat prevention are top priorities.

Ethical considerations such as bias prevention and inclusivity must be addressed to build a safe and fair Metaverse.

Opportunities

The Metaverse opens new channels for enterprise customer engagement. Brands can create immersive marketing campaigns and virtual storefronts to deepen customer loyalty.

Growth in virtual events and conferences offers more flexible, cost-effective global collaboration and communication, breaking geographical barriers.

New business models leveraging the immersive nature of the Metaverse can create value—from virtual real estate and digital services to entirely new revenue streams.

Overall Outlook

The Metaverse is set for significant growth in 2025 and beyond. Breakthroughs in AI, VR, and AR will generate more engaging and personalized virtual experiences. Despite challenges in interoperability, privacy, and security, the opportunities for innovation and economic expansion remain vast.

Staying informed and actively exploring emerging trends is crucial during the evolution of the Metaverse. By studying core platforms like Decentraland, The Sandbox, and Illuvium, you can become an active participant in this exciting digital space. The entertainment and investment potential of virtual worlds warrants attention and exploration.

Further Reading

• GameFi Ecosystem: Detailed Models of Play-to-Earn
• Move-to-Earn Fitness and Mining Games Ranking
• Top GameFi Token Trends in 2025
• SocialFi Social Finance Projects Trends
• Solana On-Chain NFT Ecosystem Projects
• Solana NFT Marketplace Guide
• NFT Blind Box Research: From Digital Art to Virtual Real Estate