Crypto-Altcoins of the Metaverse: Which Projects to Watch in 2025

Virtual ecosystems on the blockchain are revolutionizing the digital economy by enabling users to create their own virtual worlds, accumulate digital assets, and generate income. In 2024-2025, the metaverse sector is experiencing rapid development, attracting attention from both retail investors and large institutional players. According to Market.us forecasts, the value of this market will reach $2.3 trillion by 2032, showing an average annual growth rate of 44.4%. Today, more than 300 crypto projects operate within the ecosystem, competing for attention and capital.

Why the Metaverse Attracts Investors

The metaverse is not just another trend in the crypto industry. It is a convergence of technologies including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence, and distributed ledgers. In such spaces, cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFT) become the foundation of the economy, providing true digital ownership and monetization opportunities.

As of May 2024, the sector’s total market capitalization exceeds $31.7 billion. This is a significant figure considering that the infrastructure of the metaverse is still under development.

A key component of success is the presence of a proprietary token, which serves as:

• A medium of exchange in the virtual economy
• A governance tool (through DAO)
• A source of passive income (via staking)
• An access tool to exclusive content

Ten Promising Metaverse Altcoins

The Sandbox (SAND) — Creativity and Ownership Platform

The Sandbox is a decentralized virtual universe on the Ethereum network, launched in 2018. Initially, it was a mobile game (2012), but developers reimagined the project by integrating blockchain technologies.

Current SAND metrics:

• Price: $0.11
• 24-hour change: -1.94%
• Trading volume: $45.20K
• Market cap: $290.08M

The platform provides creators with tools: VoxEdit (for creating voxel-NFTs), Game Maker (a no-code 3D game builder), and an integrated marketplace. Notably, SAND is supported on the Polygon network, reducing costs and enabling weekly rewards.

Partnerships with Atari, The Walking Dead, and other celebrities confirm the ecosystem’s viability. Investments included $3 million during the 2020 ICO and $93 million from SoftBank a year later.

Decentraland (MANA) — Social and Commercial Space

Decentraland is a pioneer among metaverse platforms, launched in 2017 on Ethereum. Its economy is based on the MANA (ERC-20) token, used for purchasing land parcels LAND and virtual goods.

Current MANA data:

• Price: $0.12
• 24-hour change: -2.59%
• Trading volume: $57.49K
• Market cap: $223.38M

The platform is known for hosting virtual fashion weeks, concerts, and exhibitions. Governance is managed through a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), where MANA holders have voting rights. Recent updates include voice chat, improved graphics, and a new desktop client.

Axie Infinity (AXS) — Gaming Economic Simulator

Axie Infinity, developed by Sky Mavis in 2018, revolutionized understanding of how blockchain games can generate income for players. The play-to-earn mechanic attracted millions of participants.

AXS stats:

• Price: $0.83
• 24-hour change: -3.29%
• Trading volume: $38.24K
• Market cap: $138.68M

Players breed digital creatures (Axies), participate in battles, and breed new characters, earning AXS and SLP tokens. A scaling innovation—the Ronin sidechain—reduced fees and sped up transactions. The project attracted funding of $152 million, led by Andreessen Horowitz.

Illuvium (ILV) — Premium Next-Gen Game

Illuvium is positioned as the first AAA blockchain game on Ethereum. Launched in 2021, it combines RPG elements with autobattler mechanics.

ILV data:

• Price: $5.73
• 24-hour change: -1.41%
• Trading volume: $19.24K
• Market cap: $54.31M

The game offers a 3D world with over 100 unique characters (Illuvials). ILV tokens are used for purchases, staking, and governance. Key features include zero-gas NFT trading on IlluviDEX and the use of Immutable X scaling technology.

Enjin Coin (ENJ) — Infrastructure for Digital Assets

Enjin Coin, launched in 2017 as an ERC-20 token, reinvented itself in 2023 by moving to its own mainnet (Enjin Blockchain) to increase throughput.

ENJ metrics:

• Price: $0.03
• 24-hour change: -1.70%
• Trading volume: $36.55K
• Market cap: $51.74M

ENJ acts as a guarantee for each created NFT, ensuring its real value. The Efinity platform simplifies cross-chain transactions, and the Polkadot parachain enhances compatibility. Strategic partnerships with Microsoft, Samsung, and others strengthen the project’s position.

OriginTrail (TRAC) — Supply Chain Transparency

OriginTrail, founded in 2011 and adapted for blockchain in 2018, aims to increase transparency in logistics and data management.

Current TRAC metrics:

• Price: $0.40
• 24-hour change: -3.38%
• Trading volume: $18.89K
• Market cap: $177.25M

The project operates on multiple blockchains: Ethereum, Polygon, Gnosis, and its own Polkadot parachain (NeuroWeb). TRAC tokens are used for data publication, staking, and node management. Partnerships with Walmart, Oracle, and the European Union confirm its broad application scope.

Yield Guild Games (YGG) — Investment in Virtual Assets

Yield Guild Games, founded in 2020 as a DAO, invests in and manages virtual assets to maximize community income.

YGG stats:

• Price: $0.07
• 24-hour change: -0.61%
• Trading volume: $342.37K
• Market cap: $45.05M

YGG connects investors with play-to-earn games like Axie Infinity. The ERC-20 token grants voting rights and staking access. The guild’s development program (GAP) and superquests help members create on-chain identities through achievement systems.

Wilder World (WILD) — Visual Revolution in the Metaverse

Wilder World is a 3D metaverse on Ethereum, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 and AI to create photorealistic scenes.

WILD data:

• Price: $0.05
• 24-hour change: +0.12%
• Trading volume: $19.29K
• Market cap: $22.71M

The first city, Wiami, modeled after Miami, serves as a hub for exploration and quests. The “5D” metaverse concept combines VR, real-time rendering, and blockchain. WILD tokens are the main currency, used for transactions, governance, and rewards.

Hooked Protocol (HOOK) — Education as a Path to Web3

Hooked Protocol, launched in late 2022, focuses on mass adoption of Web3 through gaming educational programs.

HOOK metrics:

• Price: $0.04
• 24-hour change: -1.45%
• Trading volume: $44.93K
• Market cap: $11.80M

Its flagship product, Wild Cash, uses the “Learn and Earn” model: users complete quizzes, participate in mining games, and social referral programs to earn rewards. The platform has attracted over 3 million active users monthly, mainly in developing countries.

My Neighbor Alice (ALICE) — Farming Simulations and Socialization

My Neighbor Alice, developed by Chromia and launched in 2021, offers a relaxed virtual farming experience in the world of Luminal Archipelago.

ALICE current data:

• Price: $0.17
• 24-hour change: -3.20%
• Trading volume: $70.11K
• Market cap: $15.55M

Players buy land plots, complete quests, and interact with others. The ALICE (ERC-20) token is used for purchases, staking, and governance. The recent beta transition added player-to-player trading and expanded content creation options.

Key Trends in the Metaverse for 2024-2025

Interoperability: Platforms are developing interoperable solutions allowing users to seamlessly transfer assets and experiences across different virtual worlds.

Advances in realism: AR, VR, and AI technologies create more immersive environments with ultra-realistic avatars and scenes.

Corporate presence: Meta, Microsoft, and other tech giants are investing in their own metaverse platforms, expanding audiences.

Economic incentives: Play-to-earn models are becoming standard, generating real income for participants.

Energy efficiency: Developers are exploring low-energy protocols and scalable infrastructures.

AI integration: Virtual AI-powered assistants provide personalized support and guidance in real time.

Expanding possibilities: According to McKinsey research, the sector will create nearly $5 trillions of dollars in value by 2030 through virtual real estate, digital assets, and new business models.

Challenges in Developing the Metaverse

Despite its potential, the sector faces significant obstacles:

Fragmentation: The lack of unified standards complicates creating a single ecosystem. Each platform uses its own protocols, limiting interoperability.

Privacy: As user data volume increases in virtual spaces, risks of leaks and cyber threats grow.

Inclusivity: Ethical issues related to bias and ensuring fair access for all user groups need to be addressed.

Regulation: Unclear regulatory status of cryptocurrencies and NFTs creates uncertainty for investors.

Opportunities for Entrepreneurs and Businesses

The metaverse opens new channels for engaging with audiences:

• Marketing: Brands create engaging campaigns and virtual stores to strengthen customer loyalty.
• Event business: Virtual conferences, concerts, and meetings offer flexible and cost-effective ways for global collaboration.
• Content creation: Creators earn by developing unique digital assets and experiences.

How to Start Investing in the Metaverse

1. Set up a wallet: Choose a solution compatible with your target platform (for example, MetaMask for Ethereum).
2. Buy cryptocurrency: Purchase necessary tokens (ETH, SAND, MANA) on a reliable exchange.
3. Connect to a marketplace: Authorize your wallet on the metaverse platform.
4. Invest in assets: Purchase virtual land and NFTs through official channels.
5. Verify authenticity: Ensure assets are bought through authorized marketplaces.

Conclusion

The metaverse is not a passing trend but an emerging segment of the digital economy. The projects discussed above demonstrate diverse approaches to creating virtual ecosystems: from gaming platforms (Axie Infinity, Illuvium) to infrastructure solutions (Enjin, OriginTrail) and social spaces (Decentraland, Wilder World).

Success in this sector requires closely monitoring innovations, market trends, and regulatory changes. Those actively studying metaverse altcoins and investing thoughtfully will have a chance to participate in the digital economy revolution.

The growth potential is enormous, but so are the risks. It is recommended to conduct your own research (DYOR), diversify your portfolio, and only invest amounts you can afford to lose.