Tap-to-earn games have recently surged in popularity, offering a simple way to earn cryptocurrency, even for beginners who may not fully understand Bitcoin or the crypto world. However, while these games might seem like an easy way to make money, many players encounter hidden pitfalls. Here’s an overview of what tap-to-earn games are, how to earn with them, potential risks, and a look at the top games currently trending.
What are tap-to-earn games
Tap-to-earn games, also known as clickers, are video games built around one simple action — tapping the screen. Their appeal is rooted in straightforward gameplay and the promise of potential crypto rewards. The genre shot to fame with Hamster Kombat, a tap-to-earn game launched in March 2024 as a Telegram mini-app, where players simply tap on a hamster to earn game points.
With Hamster Kombat attracting over 59 million users at its peak, similar games quickly flooded Telegram, capitalizing on the trend.
Hamster Kombat user base statistics. Source: tgstat
Developers release these games for various reasons. Some aim to grow an engaged audience that can be monetized later, while others use these games to boost brand awareness.
How to earn money with tap-to-earn games
The primary way to monetize gameplay in tap-to-earn games is by converting game points into cryptocurrency. Some games, like Hamster Kombat, launch their own tokens (HMSTR), while others, like Moonbix, offer payouts in established cryptocurrencies such as BNB, DOGS, and NOT.
Once earned, these crypto rewards can be converted to fiat currency or invested in other digital assets. Players typically have several ways to collect game points: most commonly, by tapping to gather valuable in-game items. Additionally, developers often offer bonus points for referrals or completing tasks.
Fun fact! Many players look for ways to automate tapping and maximize their earnings. Online, you can find inventive videos of players building contraptions to tap for them. Some have even used sewing machines for non-stop tapping!
Top tap-to-earn games
Here’s a rundown of the five most popular tap-to-earn games on Telegram, ranked by subscriber stats on each game’s channel.
1. Hamster Kombat
- Audience: 53.4 million
- Gameplay: Tap the hamster and complete in-game tasks to earn points, which can be exchanged for cryptocurrency.
Despite some controversy over its airdrop, Hamster Kombat remains the most popular tap-to-earn game, with new “tapping” seasons planned to keep players engaged.
2. Blum
- Audience: 31.8 million
- Gameplay: Earn tokens by completing in-game tasks, which can later be converted to real currency.
Blum, created by a former Binance executive Gleb Kostarev, combines tap-to-earn gameplay with a hybrid exchange.
3. Major
- Audience: 27.4 million
- Gameplay: Spin a roulette wheel to earn points that can be converted into crypto.
While the developers remain anonymous and the game lacks a dedicated cryptocurrency, Major’s simplicity continues to attract a massive user base.
4. Tapswap
- Audience: 24.4 million
- Gameplay: Complete tasks to earn points exchangeable for digital assets.
Known as a classic tap-to-earn game, Tapswap gained a major following when it was endorsed by Telegram founder Pavel Durov.
5. X Empire
- Audience: 20.8 million
- Gameplay: Complete business-related tasks to mine coins.
Inspired by Elon Musk, who appears as the main character, X Empire tasks players with completing goals on his behalf or simply tapping to earn.
What are the risks of tap-to-earn games
Tap-to-earn games can be risky. Players may face numerous setbacks. Let’s look at some common challenges using Hamster Kombat as an example:
1. Low payouts. Many players report earnings far below expectations, with some barely reaching $5 after months of gameplay.
2. Disqualification. Leading up to an airdrop, Hamster Kombat disqualified 2.3 million users suspected of artificially inflating scores, which some players claim was a move to favor influencers.
3. Declining token prices. HMSTR, launched in September 2024, has dropped 73% from its peak. Players who held onto the token too long saw significant losses.
4. Rule changes. Just before the airdrop, the game implemented stricter rules, disqualifying more than 60% of the user base due to new hourly point rate (PPH) requirements, leading many to get banned.
5. Airdrop delays. Initially set for July 2024, the Hamster Kombat airdrop was postponed to September, creating frustration and uncertainty among players.
Is tapping worth the effort
Tap-to-earn games involve considerable risk. Players may not see the returns they hope for, and no one compensates them for the time invested. Some players do get lucky — Notcoin’s airdrop rewarded certain users with hundreds of dollars.
In conclusion, don’t rely on tap-to-earn games as a primary income source. Play for enjoyment, and remember that results may not meet your expectations.
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This article is not investment advice or a recommendation to purchase any specific product or service. The financial transactions mentioned in the article are not a guide to action. It’s not intended to constitute a comprehensive statement of all possible risks. You should independently conduct an analysis on the basis of which it will be possible to draw conclusions and make decisions about making any operations with cryptocurrency.
