The Complete Guide to 2025's Most Trending Telegram Crypto Gaming Ecosystem

Telegram’s gaming landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation, with tap-to-earn mechanics becoming the dominant gameplay model in 2024-2025. This new category of games merges casual, addictive tapping mechanics with blockchain-powered reward systems, enabling millions of users to earn cryptocurrency through straightforward interactions. Below, we break down the most significant players in this space, analyzing their game mechanics, tokenomics, and what sets them apart in an increasingly competitive market.

Understanding Tap-to-Earn: How Telegram Games Work

Tap-to-earn games represent a paradigm shift in mobile gaming, leveraging blockchain technology to create true ownership of in-game assets. Unlike traditional mobile games, players can convert their accumulated in-game currency into tradable tokens. Major projects like Notcoin, Hamster Kombat, and Catizen have already demonstrated this model’s viability, with tokens trading on multiple blockchain networks including The Open Network (TON) and Solana. The mechanism is simple yet effective: accumulate points through consistent gameplay, convert those points into tokens during official launches, and benefit from airdrop campaigns that reward early engagement.

Notcoin (NOT): The Game That Started It All

Current Status: Notcoin stands as one of 2024’s most successful Telegram gaming experiments. Since launching in early 2024, the game attracted over 35 million active participants worldwide. The core gameplay is straightforward—tap your screen to accumulate virtual Notcoins, which are later converted into $NOT tokens on The Open Network (TON) blockchain.

Token Performance: The NOT token debuted on May 16, 2024, achieving remarkable market traction. Trading began at $0.01 per token, quickly ascending to establish a market capitalization of $1.1 billion, cementing NOT’s position within the top 100 cryptocurrencies globally. Major trading platforms added support for NOT, expanding its liquidity and accessibility across the crypto ecosystem.

Current Data (Jan 2025):

• Price: $0.00
• Market Cap: $61.49M

Ecosystem Expansion: Beyond the original tap-to-earn mechanic, Notcoin has aggressively expanded its ecosystem. The partnership with Lost Dogs introduced a narrative-driven gaming experience where players earn both NOT and companion tokens through quest completion. July 2024 witnessed the launch of Notcoin Explore, a decentralized application (dApp) hub integrated directly into the game, allowing players to interact with Web3 services without leaving Telegram.

Long-Term Vision: Notcoin’s developers have positioned the platform as infrastructure for third-party game developers, aiming to become the “Netflix equivalent for social gaming.” This shift from simple tap mechanics to a comprehensive gaming platform reflects the project’s ambitions for sustained growth beyond the initial hype cycle.

Hamster Kombat (HMSTR): The Speed Runner

Player Base & Mechanics: Hamster Kombat exploded onto the scene with unprecedented momentum, amassing over 300 million players since its early 2024 launch. The game’s premise involves managing virtual hamster-operated crypto exchanges, with players earning HMSTR tokens through the tap-to-earn mechanism. The addictive clicker format, combined with daily challenges and mini-games, has kept engagement levels exceptionally high.

Token Launch Timeline: The HMSTR token launch occurred on The Open Network (TON) on September 26, 2024, following an initial delay from July. The airdrop represented one of the largest distribution events in crypto history, with 60% of total token supply allocated directly to players based on their in-game activity levels.

Current Data (Jan 2025):

• Price: $0.00
• 24h Change: +4.29%

Pre-Launch Price Expectations: Before the official token debut, market analysis suggested HMSTR would trade between $0.07-$0.10, driven by the game’s massive user base and organic demand from non-institutional investors.

Airdrop Structure & Optimization: The mining phase concluded on September 20, 2024, with developers capturing a snapshot of all player activities. To maximize airdrop allocations, players needed to maintain consistent daily engagement through check-in rewards, mini-game completion, and challenge participation (Daily Cipher, Daily Combo, and Mini-Game Puzzle).

Post-Launch Evolution: Following the token distribution, Hamster Kombat has signaled plans for Season 2 airdrops, new gameplay features, and ecosystem collaborations within the TON network. The development roadmap indicates expansion beyond pure tap-to-earn mechanics, mirroring strategies employed by other successful projects in this space.

Catizen (CATI): The Collectible Strategy Game

Gameplay & Community: Catizen has cultivated an engaged community of 34+ million players through its unique cat-raising and merging mechanics. Rather than pure tapping, players experience strategic decision-making by breeding virtual felines and combining them to generate vKITTY in-game currency. This progression system offers deeper engagement than simple clicker games.

Token Launch Details: The CATI token launched on September 20, 2024, at 10:00 UTC across multiple major trading platforms. The Season 1 airdrop commenced September 14, distributing 150 million CATI tokens to qualified players who had accumulated sufficient vKITTY and completed mandatory daily tasks.

Current Data (Jan 2025):

• Price: $0.06

Price Trajectory Analysis: Initial trading established CATI within the $0.40-$0.60 range post-launch. Market analysts project medium-term appreciation toward $0.80-$1.50 if the ecosystem continues expanding with new features and sustained user engagement. Post-airdrop volatility remains a notable risk factor for short-term traders.

Post-Launch Earning Mechanisms: The project introduced multiple pathways for continued token accumulation. Players can participate in spot trading pairs, engage in staking campaigns that yield rewards, or join promotional initiatives designed to increase platform liquidity and user retention.

X Empire (formerly Musk Empire): Building Virtual Empires

Explosive Growth: X Empire launched in July 2024 and rapidly accumulated 35 million players. The game mechanics revolve around constructing and managing virtual empires while earning cryptocurrency rewards based on gameplay performance metrics.

Token Airdrop Timeline: The $X token airdrop commenced by Q4 2024, coinciding with the mining phase conclusion on September 30, 2024. Airdrop distributions were calculated using multiple metrics including profit-per-hour (PPH), cumulative in-game earnings, and friend referral counts. All progress after the September 30 snapshot ceased contributing to airdrop allocations.

NFT Pre-Market Strategy: X Empire innovated with NFT vouchers during the pre-market phase, minting 570,000 tradeable vouchers on secondary marketplaces. These vouchers granted early access to the upcoming token and attracted significant speculative interest, with early sales reaching approximately 7 TON ($36 USD equivalent).

Post-Launch Roadmap: The development team has committed to introducing fresh gameplay modes to maintain player engagement post-airdrop, establishing X Empire as a long-term platform rather than a temporary viral phenomenon.

Rocky Rabbit (RBTC): The Battle-Driven Experience

Community & Gameplay: Rocky Rabbit crossed the 30 million player milestone, offering differentiated mechanics centered on training rabbits for competitive battles, daily puzzle-solving, and task completion. The gameplay loop encourages consistent daily participation through varied challenge types.

Token Distribution & Timeline: Players became eligible for RabBitcoin ($RBTC) airdrops through completion of in-game objectives by September 20, 2024. The snapshot occurred September 21, with airdrop distribution taking place September 22. Token withdrawals and exchange listings commenced September 23.

Pricing Forecast: Analysts predicted RBTC would debut between $0.001-$0.005, with post-launch volatility driven by player demand and broader market sentiment. The vesting structure allocated 50% immediately on September 23, with the remaining 50% unlocking through a five-month Play-to-Unlock schedule.

Evolutionary Roadmap: Rocky Rabbit’s long-term strategy involves transitioning from simple tap-to-earn mechanics toward comprehensive Play-to-Earn (P2E) functionality. Planned mini-games and earning opportunities position the platform for ecosystem expansion and sustained revenue generation.

TapSwap (TAPS): The Exchange-Integrated Game

User Base & Innovation: TapSwap has built an impressive community of 60+ million registered users. Beyond basic tapping mechanics, the game introduced Tappy Town—a city-building mode that adds strategic depth and collectible elements to traditional tap-to-earn gameplay.

Token Launch Schedule: The TAPS token launch and corresponding airdrop were rescheduled to October 30, 2024, following earlier delays. The project team utilized the extended timeline to refine tokenomics and develop fairer distribution mechanisms.

Market Capitalization Estimates: Pre-launch analysis projected TAPS trading between $0.03-$0.06, implying a total market capitalization between $600-800 million upon launch. Active daily participation and challenge completion directly correlate with airdrop reward allocation sizes.

Future Development: Post-token launch planning includes integration of additional trading pairs, strategic DeFi partnerships, and expansion of Tappy Town features. These initiatives aim to position TapSwap as a differentiated platform within the crowded GameFi landscape.

Major: The Puzzle-Solving Phenomenon

Growth Metrics: Major has rapidly scaled to 30 million active users through its distinctive puzzle-solving mechanics. The gameplay centers around daily puzzle challenges, task completion, and accumulation of Rating Points, which convert into $MAJOR tokens at launch.

Unique Gameplay Element: The Durov’s Puzzle represents Major’s signature feature—a daily challenge where players identify the correct sequence in avatar combinations with only one attempt per 24 hours. This limited-attempt mechanic increases engagement pressure and daily return visits.

Tokenomics & Distribution: Community voting determined the $MAJOR token name. The project eschewed traditional venture capital funding rounds, directing the majority of token supply toward player allocations based on accumulated Rating Points. Top performers receive proportionally larger airdrop amounts, directly incentivizing consistent gameplay.

Price Projections: Market analysts forecast $MAJOR would debut between $0.001-$0.005. Post-launch leadership boards transition from Rating Point rankings to token holdings, creating new engagement incentives and status signals within the player community.

The Broader 2025 Telegram Gaming Landscape

The explosive growth of Telegram-based crypto games reflects fundamental shifts in how users perceive gaming rewards and blockchain integration. What began as novelty has evolved into a legitimate earnings channel for global players, particularly in markets with limited income opportunities.

Key Trends: The ecosystem has matured beyond pure tapping mechanics, with successful projects incorporating strategic depth, narrative elements, and ecosystem integration. The most resilient games combine accessible gameplay with genuine earning potential and credible development teams.

Risk Considerations: Participants should approach these opportunities with appropriate caution. Token-based games carry inherent volatility risks, security vulnerabilities, and speculative pricing dynamics. Thorough research, secure asset management, and realistic expectations remain essential before participation.

Conclusion

2024 and 2025 have established Telegram gaming as a legitimate sector within the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem. From strategic collecting in Catizen to empire-building in X Empire, these platforms offer diverse entertainment and earning opportunities. However, success requires balancing enthusiasm with skepticism. Conduct comprehensive research, understand each project’s fundamentals, protect your digital assets, and enter this space with clear-eyed recognition of the risks involved. The gaming revolution on Telegram continues evolving—participation should be informed and measured.