Axie Infinity Game Explained: Complete Guide to Play-to-Earn NFT Gaming (2026)

With over 2 million players and $4 billion in lifetime trading volume, Axie Infinity has redefined what gaming means in the blockchain era. But what exactly is this NFT game that once generated more revenue than the entire Ethereum network? Whether you're a curious newcomer or a returning player wondering what's changed, this Axie Infinity game explained guide covers everything you need to know in 2026.

What Is Axie Infinity?

Axie Infinity is a blockchain-based video game developed by Vietnamese studio Sky Mavis, launched in 2018. The game combines elements from Pokemon, Tamagotchi, and traditional trading card games, creating a universe where players collect and battle digital creatures called "Axies."

What makes Axie Infinity revolutionary is its integration of cryptocurrency and NFT technology. Every Axie is a unique non-fungible token (NFT) that players truly own. Unlike traditional games where in-game items belong to the publisher, Axie NFTs can be traded, sold, or held in your personal crypto wallet.

The game pioneered the "play-to-earn" model, allowing players to earn real cryptocurrency rewards through gameplay. At its peak in 2021, players in the Philippines and other developing countries were earning more than local minimum wages simply by playing Axie Infinity daily.

How Axie Infinity Works

Understanding the Axie Infinity game explained requires knowing three core mechanics: collecting, battling, and breeding. These interconnected systems create the game's economy and provide multiple ways to engage with the ecosystem.

🎭 Axie NFTs Explained

Axies are digital creatures inspired by axolotls, the Mexican walking fish. Each Axie is defined by unique genetic traits that determine its appearance, abilities, and battle performance. Every Axie has six body parts: eyes, ears, mouth, horn, back, and tail. Each part corresponds to a specific ability card used in battle.

Axies belong to one of nine classes: Aquatic, Beast, Bird, Bug, Plant, Reptile, and three secret classes (Dawn, Dusk, Mech). Different classes have rock-paper-scissors style advantages against each other. For example, Aquatic Axies deal bonus damage against Beast types but take extra damage from Reptiles.

⚔ Battle System

Axie battles are turn-based card games where teams of three Axies face off. Each round, players draw cards from their Axies' ability pools and spend energy to play them. Cards can deal damage, provide shields, heal, or trigger special effects.

Four key stats determine battle performance: Health (damage resistance), Speed (turn order), Skill (combo damage bonus), and Morale (critical hit chance). Strategic team composition and card timing separate casual players from arena champions.

🥚 Breeding Mechanics

Players can breed two Axies together to create offspring with combined genetics. Breeding requires both AXS tokens (governance currency) and SLP tokens (in-game currency). Each Axie can breed a maximum of seven times, with costs increasing per breed count.

Offspring inherit genetic traits from both parents through a combination of dominant and recessive genes. Skilled breeders aim to create Axies with optimal battle cards or rare aesthetic traits that command premium marketplace prices.

🎓 Scholarship System

Can't afford the initial investment? The Axie scholarship system offers an alternative entry point. "Managers" (experienced players with multiple Axies) loan their NFTs to "Scholars" (new players) who play the game daily. Scholars earn SLP through gameplay and split the rewards with their Managers, typically 50/50 or 60/40.

This model became particularly popular in the Philippines and Indonesia during the 2021 crypto boom, with organizations like Yield Guild Games managing thousands of scholars. While the earning potential has decreased since the 2021 peak, scholarships remain a valid way to learn the game without upfront investment.

AXS and SLP Tokenomics

The Axie Infinity economy runs on two cryptocurrencies: AXS (Axie Infinity Shards) and SLP (Smooth Love Potion). Understanding these tokens is essential for anyone looking to participate in the ecosystem beyond casual play.

📊 AXS (Axie Infinity Shards)

AXS serves as the governance token for the entire Axie ecosystem. Token holders can vote on proposals that shape the game's future through the Axie Governance Portal. AXS is also required for breeding Axies and can be staked to earn rewards.

The token is available on major exchanges including Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, and Zipmex. AXS operates as an ERC-20 token on Ethereum but primarily transacts through the Ronin sidechain for lower fees. As of early 2026, 100% of AXS tokens are in circulation according to the original release schedule.

💧 SLP (Smooth Love Potion)

SLP is the utility token earned through gameplay. Players receive SLP for winning battles in both Arena (PvP) and Adventure (PvE) modes. The primary use case for SLP is Axie breeding, creating constant demand from the breeding community.

Unlike AXS with its fixed supply, SLP has no maximum supply limit. This inflationary design has caused price volatility as supply fluctuates with player activity. Sky Mavis has implemented various "burning" mechanisms to control SLP inflation, including the Part Evolution feature where players release Axies for crafting materials.

How to Start Playing Axie Infinity

Getting started with Axie Infinity has become significantly easier since the game's early days. Here's a step-by-step guide to begin your journey in Lunacia.

You can complete the entire process on the Sky Mavis Getting Started page

Axie Infinity Games in 2026

The Axie universe has expanded significantly from its original single-game format. Today, three main games offer different experiences within the same ecosystem, all using your NFT Axies.

🎴 Axie Infinity Origins

Origins is the flagship experience-a fast-paced turn-based card battler redesigned from the original battle system. Continuously updated, Origins features seasonal competitions with substantial AXS prize pools. Recent seasons introduced new mechanics like Meta Morph (transforming Axie cards) and Gauntlet Mode for SLP earning.

Origins balances accessibility with competitive depth. New players start free, while veterans compete in ranked seasons for leaderboard rewards reaching 24,000+ AXS per era.

⚔ Axie Classic

Classic preserves the original Axie battle system that launched the play-to-earn movement. Classic saw massive revival with the introduction of Guilds, Guild Wars, and regional esports tournaments. The Axie World Cup brings professional-level competition to Classic players.

🏡 Axie Homeland

Homeland transforms the experience into a land-based strategy game. Players build settlements on owned land plots (NFTs in the virtual world of Lunacia), send Axies on adventures, craft items, and engage with other players. Avatar Mode allows walking around Lunacia with your NFT Axies.

Land ownership isn't required-the Delegation system lets players become "Stewards" of others' land plots, sharing in rewards without upfront land purchases.

Play-to-Earn: Can You Still Make Money?

The honest answer: Axie Infinity's earning potential has changed dramatically since 2021. Let's examine the current reality with balanced perspective.

Risks and Considerations

Every crypto gaming investment carries risks. Understanding these helps make informed decisions about participation level.

🔐 The Ronin Network Hack

In March 2022, the Ronin Network suffered a devastating $625 million hack-one of the largest in crypto history. The FBI attributed the attack to the Lazarus Group, a North Korean state-sponsored hacking organization. Attackers exploited validator nodes to steal 173,600 ETH and 25.5 million USDC.

Sky Mavis responded by raising $150 million (led by Binance) to reimburse all affected users. The Ronin Bridge was rebuilt with enhanced security measures and has operated without major incidents since. Over $30 million in stolen funds were eventually seized by authorities-the first time cryptocurrency stolen by North Korean hackers was successfully recovered.

📊 Market Volatility

Both AXS and SLP experience significant price swings. What earns $50 worth of tokens today might be worth $5 tomorrow-or $150. AXS has fallen from its all-time high of $164.90 in November 2021 to approximately $0.92 in January 2026, representing a 99%+ decline. This volatility affects the real-world value of time invested in gameplay. Check current prices on platforms like Zipmex before making decisions.

🎮 Meta Shifts

Balance patches and new features can dramatically change which Axies are competitive. An Axie worth $500 in one meta might become nearly worthless after updates. Successful players stay informed about upcoming changes and adapt their collections accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Axie Infinity work?

Axie Infinity is a blockchain-based game where players collect, breed, battle, and trade NFT creatures called Axies. Players use teams of three Axies in turn-based card battles, earning AXS and SLP tokens through gameplay that can be traded for real cryptocurrency on exchanges.

Is Axie Infinity free to play in 2026?

Yes, Axie Infinity Origins now offers free-to-play starter Axies. New players can begin battling immediately without purchasing NFTs. However, earning cryptocurrency rewards requires owning NFT Axies, which can be purchased from the marketplace or accessed through the scholarship system.

How much can you earn playing Axie Infinity?

Earnings vary significantly based on skill level, time invested, and market conditions. Top players can earn thousands of AXS tokens through competitive seasons. Average players might earn modest amounts of SLP daily. With AXS trading around $0.92 (January 2026), earnings are substantially lower than during the 2021 peak.

What is the difference between AXS and SLP tokens?

AXS (Axie Infinity Shards) is the governance token used for staking, voting on game decisions, and breeding Axies. It has a fixed supply of 270 million tokens. SLP (Smooth Love Potion) is the in-game utility token earned through battles and used primarily for breeding new Axies. SLP has no supply cap.

What happened in the Ronin Network hack?

In March 2022, North Korean hacking group Lazarus Group stole $625 million (173,600 ETH + 25.5M USDC) from the Ronin Network by exploiting validator nodes. Sky Mavis reimbursed all affected users through a $150 million funding round. The bridge was rebuilt with enhanced security and authorities later seized over $30 million of the stolen funds.

What is an Axie Infinity scholarship?

A scholarship is an arrangement where experienced players ("Managers") loan their Axies to new players ("Scholars"). Scholars play the game daily, earn SLP, and split the rewards with their Managers. This system allows players without capital to participate and learn the game while earning.

Is Axie Infinity still worth playing in 2026?

Axie Infinity has evolved significantly with three main games: Origins, Classic, and Homeland. While pure profit potential has decreased from 2021 highs, the game offers genuine entertainment value, competitive esports with prize pools, and remains a leader in Web3 gaming. Approach it as a game first, earning opportunity second.

Conclusion: Is Axie Infinity Right for You?

Axie Infinity pioneered an entire industry and continues evolving years after launch. The game offers a unique blend of strategic card gameplay, creature collection, and blockchain ownership that no traditional game matches.

For gamers interested in NFT gaming, Axie provides one of the most polished and active ecosystems available. The free-to-play Origins option means you can experience the core gameplay without financial risk before deciding to invest in NFT Axies.

Just remember: approach Axie as a game first and an earning opportunity second. The players who thrive long-term are those who genuinely enjoy the strategic depth, community engagement, and competitive seasons-treating crypto rewards as a bonus rather than the primary motivation.