Identifying "top earning" crypto games to get in early is highly speculative and carries significant risk. The crypto gaming landscape is extremely dynamic, with new projects emerging constantly and existing ones fluctuating in popularity and profitability. What's "top earning" today might not be tomorrow, and "early" implies a higher risk/reward profile.

However, I can provide a framework for identifying potentially promising early-stage crypto games (PC & Mobile) and some of the established ones that continue to be relevant:

Understanding "Early" and "Earning Potential" in Crypto Gaming:

Early: This often means games in pre-alpha, alpha, beta, or even just token presale stages. Getting in early could mean acquiring NFTs or tokens at a lower price before widespread adoption.

Earning Potential: This isn't just about playing. It includes:

Play-to-Earn (P2E): Earning in-game tokens or NFTs through gameplay (battling, farming, crafting, completing quests).

NFT Trading: Buying, selling, or breeding in-game NFTs (characters, land, items) on marketplaces.

Staking: Earning rewards by locking up the game's native token.

Land Ownership/Metaverse: Monetizing virtual land through building experiences, renting, or selling.

Key Factors to Consider for Early Investment/Engagement:

Strong Development Team & Backers:

Experience: Does the team have a proven track record in game development (Web2 or Web3)?

Transparency: Are the team members doxxed (identities public)?

Investors/Partnerships: Are reputable VCs, gaming guilds, or blockchain foundations backing the project? (e.g., Animoca Brands, a16z, Solana Ventures, Immutable X).

Robust Tokenomics:

Utility: Does the token have a clear purpose within the game economy (governance, in-game currency, staking rewards)?

Supply & Distribution: Is the token supply capped? How are tokens distributed (fair launch vs. large team allocation)? Is there a burning mechanism?

Sustainability: Does the economic model seem sustainable long-term, or does it rely solely on new players entering? Avoid games that seem like Ponzi schemes.

Compelling Gameplay & Graphics:

Fun Factor: This is paramount. If the game isn't fun, players won't stick around, and the economy will collapse.

Genre: Is it a genre with mass appeal (RPG, strategy, simulation, action)?

Quality: Does it look like a well-developed game (AAA quality is a big plus)? Many early P2E games had poor graphics/gameplay.

Community & Engagement:

Active Community: Look for vibrant communities on Discord, X (Twitter), Telegram, and Reddit.

Developer Communication: Are the developers actively communicating updates, addressing concerns, and listening to feedback?

Blockchain Infrastructure:

Scalability: Is the blockchain chosen (e.g., Ethereum Layer 2s like Polygon, Arbitrum; Solana; Avalanche; Immutable X; Ronin) suitable for gaming transactions (low fees, high throughput)?

Security: Has the smart contract been audited?

Established & Promising Games (as of mid-2025):

These are generally considered solid projects, but their "early" phase is largely over. They still offer earning potential, but entry costs might be higher. Many are available on PC, and some have mobile versions or are planning them.

Axie Infinity (PC/Mobile): The OG of P2E. While its peak earning days for new players are likely over, it remains a significant player with ongoing updates and a strong community. Earns through battling, breeding, and land ownership. Uses AXS and SLP tokens on the Ronin Network.

Pixels (PC/Mobile - Ronin Network): A cozy farming simulation game that has gained significant traction, especially on the Ronin Network (which also powers Axie Infinity). It's known for its social metaverse and consistent earning opportunities through farming, crafting, and completing quests with the $PIXEL token.

Gods Unchained (PC/Mac): A free-to-play competitive trading card game similar to Magic: The Gathering or Hearthstone. Players own their cards as NFTs and can earn GODS tokens by winning matches and trading rare cards. It offers a low barrier to entry.

Illuvium (PC): A highly anticipated AAA auto-battler RPG with stunning graphics built on Unreal Engine 5. It features creature collection, open-world exploration, and battle arena mechanics. Earning potential comes from capturing and trading Illuvials (NFTs), winning battles, and staking ILV tokens. It's often cited for its high production value.

Big Time (PC): A free-to-play action MMORPG with dungeon grinding and NFT loot. Players can earn rare NFT items through gameplay that can be traded. It's focusing on creating a fun gameplay experience first.

The Sandbox (PC): A metaverse platform where players can build, own, and monetize their virtual experiences using LAND NFTs and the SAND token. Earning comes from creating games, assets, or events, and trading LAND.

Decentraland (PC/Browser): Similar to The Sandbox, it's a decentralized virtual world where users can create, explore, and monetize content and applications. Earning via virtual real estate (LAND), content creation, and in-world activities using MANA token.

Upcoming/Early-Stage Games to Research (High Risk/High Reward):

For truly "getting in early," you'd be looking at projects that are:

In Public Testnets/Alphas: Where you can play early versions and potentially earn rewards or access to future drops.

Conducting Token Presales or NFT Mints: This is the earliest stage of financial involvement.

Being Developed by Reputable Studios: Look for announcements from established Web2 studios venturing into Web3, or strong Web3 teams with prior successes.

To find these, you need to actively follow:

Blockchain Gaming News Sites: (e.g., PlayToEarn.net, BlockchainGamer.biz, CryptoNews' gaming section).

Launchpads & Incubators: Platforms like Seedify, GameFi, Polkastarter, and Binance Launchpad often feature upcoming projects.

X (formerly Twitter) & Discord: Follow prominent crypto gaming influencers, VCs, and the official channels of game studios.

Gaming Guilds: These organizations often get early access to new games and share insights with their communities.

Crucial Advice for "Getting in Early":

Do Your Own Research (DYOR): Never invest based solely on hype. Read whitepapers, check team backgrounds, analyze tokenomics, and look for actual gameplay demos.

Start Small: Don't put all your capital into one early-stage project. Diversify.

Be Wary of "Too Good to Be True" Claims: High APYs or guaranteed returns are often red flags.

Understand the Risks: Crypto gaming assets are highly volatile. You can lose your entire investment.

Focus on Fun: If you don't enjoy playing the game, the "earning" aspect will feel like a chore, and you're more likely to quit before seeing returns.