Pixels is a vibrant, browser-based Web3 farming game that has taken the blockchain gaming world by storm. Combining nostalgic 2D pixel art with play-to-earn mechanics, Pixels offers players a chance to farm, explore, and earn crypto in a decentralized virtual world. This guide dives into everything you need to know about the Pixels game, from its core features to how you can earn crypto Pixels and the best Pixels NFT collections to explore.
What is Pixels?
Pixels is a free-to-play, open-world MMO built on the Ronin blockchain, an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) chain developed by Sky Mavis, the creators of Axie Infinity. Launched in November 2021, Pixels draws inspiration from classics like Stardew Valley and Runescape, blending farming, resource gathering, and social interaction in a charming 16-bit universe. With over a million daily active players as of 2024, Pixels has become a cornerstone of Web3 gaming, offering Pixels Web3 players true digital ownership through NFTs and tokenized rewards.
The game’s core revolves around cultivating crops, managing resources, and building virtual empires, all while integrating Pixels NFT assets like land and avatars. Players can start for free on public plots called Specks or invest in NFT-based lands for enhanced rewards. The Pixels game emphasizes fun, interoperability, and gradual decentralization, making it accessible to both crypto newcomers and seasoned players.
In 2024, Pixels generated $20 million in revenue, solidifying its position as a top Web3 game.
How to get started
Starting your journey in Pixels is straightforward and accessible. Players can sign up using either their phone number or email. Let’s walk you through the steps:
- Go to the Pixels project page on DappRadar
- Discover the data, and click ‘open dapp’
- On the official website, click ‘Play for free’
- Log in or sign up using your phone number, email address, MetaMask wallet or Ronin wallet
- Once connected, the game will start.
For a more enhanced experience, including the ability to own NFTs and earn onchain rewards, connecting a Web3 wallet such as Ronin or MetaMask to your account is necessary. This connection unlocks the full potential of Pixels’ blockchain-based features.
Best game features for Pixels
Pixels stands out in the Web3 gaming space due to its engaging gameplay and blockchain integration. Here are the key features that make Pixels Web3 a must-play:
- Farming and Land Management: Players plant crops, raise animals, and gather resources like wood and stone to craft items and progress in the game. Resources vary by rarity and land type, adding strategic depth.
- NFT community: Over 80 NFT collections, including Pudgy Penguins and Bored Ape Yacht Club, can be used as in-game avatars, allowing players to showcase their digital collectibles.
- Land ownership: Players can own one of 5,000 limited Pixels NFT lands, available in Regular, Water, or Space types, each offering unique resources and customization options.
- Quests and Adventures: Engage in various quests, exploring the metaverse and unlocking rewards.
- Building and Customization: Create and customize buildings and environments on your plot.
- Gathering, Crafting, and Trading: Collect resources to craft items and participate in the game’s economy, using PIXEL for transactions and trading.
- Social Interaction and Community Events: Pixels fosters a strong community through its Guild System, in-game chat, and events in Terra Villa, the game’s social hub.
- Free-to-Play Access: No upfront costs are required, as players can farm on Specks and earn Coins through quests and events
Best Pixels NFT Collection
Pixels incorporates NFTs to significantly enhance gameplay and user experience, intertwining the exciting world of blockchain with immersive gaming. These NFTs range from farm lands and resources to unique pets, each adding a distinct layer of depth and interactivity to the game. Owning Pixels NFT assets like land or avatars enhances gameplay and earning potential.
For the best value, prioritize Pixels NFT lands with high resource generation potential or avatars from established collections with strong community backing, as these tend to hold value better on secondary markets like OpenSea.
Here are some of the top Pixels NFT collections to consider:
Farm Land NFTs in Pixels
Originating as a “fun first” farming MMO, Pixels set the stage for its metaverse with 5,000 plots of land for players to cultivate and customize. These plots of Farm Land NFTs, integral to gameplay, are unique NFTs, granting complete ownership and control to the users. This means they are secure, cannot be taken away, and can be sold for real money on secondary markets. Available on Mavis Marketplace and OpenSea, these 5,000 limited plots come in Regular, Water, and Space variants. Focus on lands with high ratings for Coop, Windmill, or Tree Density for better yields.
The types of land in Pixels have evolved to cater to different gaming strategies and levels of engagement:
- Free Plots (Specks): The basic unit of land in Pixels, allowing new players to start their journey. While they offer modest returns, they are an excellent entry point into the game.
- Rented Plots: These plots provide better yields and more freedom than free plots, but profits are shared with the landowner. They serve as a stepping stone for players to gain experience and capital before advancing to full ownership.
- Owned Plots: Available in small and large sizes, these plots offer players full autonomy over their slice of the Pixels world. Owners can manage resources, reap rewards, rent out to sharecroppers, and earn tokens.
Resources
Resources come from the land, and resource generation is the main faucet in Pixels. In Web3, faucets are methods for releasing crypto assets and tokens to users. Resources consist of wood, crops, animals, and other items you can find on a farm.
Progression in Pixels relies on gathering increasingly rare and difficult-to-acquire resources. It takes time and experience for players to get hold of the best assets. In order to benefit the economy, the central Pixels team will adjust how many resources can be generated over a given time.
Avatars and integrated NFT collections
In Pixels, players have the flexibility to engage with or without NFTs, but for those who own them, the game offers an exciting feature. Pixels supports over 80 NFT collections as avatars, including high-profile ones like Pudgy Penguins, Bored Ape Yacht Club, and Mocaverse. These are ideal for collectors who want to flex their NFTs in-game while earning rewards.
Pixel Pet NFTs
These adorable companions, available on Ronin Market, offer unique in-game benefits and can be traded. They’re perfect for players looking to personalize their experience without investing in land.
Pixels and the PIXEL token
Since early 2025, Pixels has phased out $BERRY, replacing it with an off-chain currency called Coins. The premium token, $PIXEL, is used for high-tier activities like minting NFTs, joining guilds, and purchasing boosts.
From now on, players need PIXEL for in-game actions, such as buying new NFT pets, upgrading items, buying cosmetics and the list goes on. PIXEL is the premium currency for Pixels, and VIP memberships (which boost earning potential inside Pixels) also need to be paid using the native token.
What is Pixels VIP?
Pixels VIP, now exclusive to the Ronin Network, offers players special in-game perks, exclusive area access, and the ability to withdraw PIXEL to their Ronin wallet. To become a VIP, players need to use PIXEL in their Pixels account, and then purchase a VIP Coupon at the VIP tent in Terra Villa.
This system not only enhances the player’s gaming experience but also supports ongoing game development. Note that the in-game marketplace and certain updates, like the Pet potion drops, are restricted to VIP and Farm Land holders.
How to earn crypto with Pixels
The Pixels game offers multiple ways to earn crypto, making it a standout in the play-to-earn space. Here’s how you can start earning:
- Farming and Selling Resources: Plant crops like Popberries on free Specks or owned lands, then sell them at Buck’s Galore for tokens. These can be used in-game or converted to crypto.
- Completing Quests and Events: Daily tasks and limited-time events, like those at the Carnival, reward tokens and occasionally $PIXEL tokens. Quests reset regularly, allowing consistent earning potential.
- Land Ownership and Sharecropping: Owning Pixels NFT land allows players to earn a share of crops grown by others on their plots. Sharecroppers can also farm on rented lands for better yields, splitting profits with landlords.
- Trading NFTs: Buy, sell, or trade Pixels NFT lands and pets on marketplaces like OpenSea or Ronin Market. Well-managed lands with high activity increase in value, offering profit potential.
- PIXEL token rewards: Active players can earn $PIXEL through daily rewards or by ranking high on leaderboards.
What’s next on the Pixels roadmap
The Pixels Web3 team is committed to continuous development, with a roadmap emphasizing fun, interoperability, and decentralization. Below we highlight some of the developments scheduled for this calendar year.
- Early 2025: Chapter 2.5 introduced XP rebalancing, longer timers for less grind, and smarter land mechanics. $BERRY was fully replaced with off-chain Coins to reduce inflation and bot abuse.
- Mid-2025: Integration with partner games like The Forgotten Runiverse and Sleepagotchi, allowing $PIXEL use for in-game purchases and staking. Over 100 million $PIXEL tokens are staked, signalling strong community trust.
- Future Plans: Pixels aims to launch a DAO for community governance and a Realms Scripting Engine for third-party developers to build on the platform. $PIXEL will transition to a staking/governance-focused token, with USDC replacing it as a reward currency in some contexts.
