The Crypto gaming industry is thriving, yet most blockchain networks remain insufficient to support the needs of fast-paced, dynamic games. High fees, delayed transactions, and a lack of customization render it impossible for game developers to provide seamless gameplay experiences.
Avalanche, an enterprise-grade blockchain platform, is flipping that script. Designed for speed and scalability, Avalanche empowers developers to create more streamlined and user-centric Web3 games.
At the heart of this innovation are Avalanche Subnets—tailored blockchains intended to provide game developers with total control over the way their games operate. Everything from who gets to validate transactions to what token is used to pay fees can be tailored.
With Subnets, video game studios no longer need to battle for room on a congested network. They have their own high-speed lane, enabling them to develop faster, lower-cost, and more engaging games for the next generation of gamers.
What Are Avalanche Subnets?
Avalanche Subnets are independent, customizable blockchains that run alongside the main Avalanche network. A Subnet can choose its own validators, create its own fee schedule, and even use its own native token. They are extremely versatile compared to the standard Layer-2 solutions or Rollups.
Think of a Subnet as a tailored blockchain built specifically for an application or game, but with the security and performance of Avalanche to support it. Creators can build Subnets for games, DeFi, NFTs, or any other Web3 application, and then provide their users with faster transactions, reduced fees, and greater control over how the platform works.
Also Read: Powering The Next Generation Of Web3 Games Through Blockchain
Why Subnets Are Perfect for Crypto Gaming?
Web3 games are different from traditional ones because they let players truly own in-game items and earn cryptocurrency while playing. Avalanche makes this even better with Subnets—custom networks built just for each game. These Subnets give developers full control, allowing them to create fast, smooth, and fun gaming experiences.
Because every game executes on its own Subnet, it will never slow down due to traffic from other applications. That means no lag, no exorbitant fees—only smooth gameplay. For players, this is as good as playing a high-grade Web2 game, but without the drawbacks of ownership and tangible rewards.
Subnets also make life easier for game studios. They can design a network to perfectly match the needs of their game, from token rules to performance settings. This flexibility is why more advanced and visually stunning games are choosing Avalanche to build the future of crypto gaming.
Key Projects & Games Using Avalanche Subnets
Thanks to its fast, flexible Subnets, Avalanche has become one of the top choices for developers building NFT and gaming dapps. Let’s look at some of the best games already using this powerful technology.
DeFi Kingdoms
DeFi Kingdoms is a cross-chain game that combines decentralized finance (DeFi) elements like as a DEX (decentralized exchange), liquidity pools, and NFT trading with a colorful, retro-style fantasy setting. Tokens can be swapped, staked for rewards, and collected to unlock powerful in-game items.
The game began on the Harmony blockchain but moved to Avalanche in 2022, creating its own Subnet called Crystalvale. Crystalvale improved DeFi Kingdoms’ speeds and reduced expenses, making the experience considerably smoother for gamers. It grew so popular that it occasionally completed more daily transactions than whole blockchains such as Polygon and Hedera!
Thanks to Avalanche’s Subnet technology, DeFi Kingdoms offers its players a seamless, rewarding gaming experience without congestion issues.
Crabada
Crabada is yet another huge success on Avalanche. Based in an underwater universe of fighting Hermit Crabs, gamers can gather, breed, exchange, and engage in combat with crab NFTs. Defeating combat gets gamers real rewards, merging enjoyment gameplay with real money earning capabilities.
Crabada runs on its own Subnet called the Swimmer Network, a gaming-focused blockchain built on Avalanche’s technology. This gives Crabada fast transactions, low fees, and a network designed just for gaming. It’s one of the first examples of how Subnets can power large, active gaming communities.
Upcoming Games to Watch
Several big new games are also getting ready to launch on Avalanche Subnets. These titles show how serious developers are about using Avalanche for next-gen gaming:
Ascenders
A sci-fi fantasy, open-world action RPG where players explore, fight, and build in a massive universe.
Ragnarok
A world-building role-playing game set in an immense fantasy universe surrounded by a rich narrative metaverse.
Shrapnel
The first AAA-quality, first-person shooter on blockchain, with the goal of bringing competitive FPS gaming to Web3.
With improved graphics, more complex gameplay, and a wider appeal beyond players who are crypto-native, these new initiatives are probably going to elevate the standard for Web3 gaming.
Also Read: What’s the Role of Blockchain Technology In Gaming?
Why Avalanche Subnet Stands Out
Custom Virtual Machine (VM) Support
Avalanche Subnets provide game developers with powerful tools in the form of custom Virtual Machine (VM) support, enabling them to construct a blockchain engine that is specifically suited to the mechanics of their game. This makes gameplay smoother and more scalable than shared networks.
Subnets also cohabit natively with Avalanche’s C-Chain and other Subnets, allowing assets and data to move freely without the use of bridges. Developers may easily deploy in-game tokens and access NFT marketplaces, making it simple to create vibrant, separate gaming economies.
Custom Tokens for Each Game
Avalanche Subnets let each game create its own custom token, which can be used for in-game currency or transaction fees. This gives developers complete control over their game’s economy and player incentives.
Developers and players also gain through staking, in-game reward collection, and in-game asset liquidity — converting virtual objects into actual monetary value and fueling interest within the gaming platform.
Challenges and Considerations
Validators stake AVAX to operate a Subnet, which can be costly and needs collaboration. This design adds more complexity than simpler chains such as Ethereum or Polygon.
Additionally, since each Subnet is independent, there’s a possibility of ecosystem fragmentation, where games are siloed and it’s more difficult to share assets or tokens between titles.
The Future of Gaming on Avalanche
The future of gaming is multi-chain, and Avalanche Subnets are at the forefront of this evolution. By enabling developers to create custom blockchains tailored to their games, Avalanche provides the flexibility needed to operate across multiple networks. This approach ensures that games can scale efficiently while maintaining high performance and low latency, crucial for delivering seamless gaming experiences.
Avalanche’s robust infrastructure and developer-friendly tools have attracted a growing number of professional gaming studios. These studios are leveraging Avalanche Subnets to build high-quality, AAA-level games that offer immersive experiences and innovative gameplay. The ability to customize blockchain parameters allows these studios to optimize their games for performance and player engagement.
To further accelerate the growth of gaming on Avalanche, the Avalanche Foundation launched the Multiverse incentive program, offering up to $290 million in AVAX tokens. This program supports developers by providing funding, resources, and visibility to projects building on Avalanche Subnets. For instance, Dexalot, a decentralized exchange built on an Avalanche Subnet, received up to $3 million in incentives to enhance its platform and expand its user base.
Comparison with Other Gaming Chains
Avalanche sets itself apart in Web3 gaming by offering Subnets—dedicated blockchains for each game. Unlike other networks that share space across apps, Subnets give developers more speed, flexibility, and control, making Avalanche ideal for building smooth, scalable gaming experiences.
| Feature | Avalanche Subnets | Polygon (zkEVM/PoS) | Immutable (zk-rollups) | Solana |
| Customization | ✅ Full control | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ No custom VMs | ❌ Rigid setup |
| Speed & Throughput | ✅ High + scalable | ⚠️ Varies | ✅ Fast (for NFTs) | ✅ High |
| Fees | ✅ Low | ✅ Low | ✅ Zero gas for users | ✅ Low (most cases) |
| Downtime | ✅ Rare | ✅ Stable | ✅ Stable | ⚠️ Has downtime |
| Native Token Support | ✅ Yes (per Subnet) | ✅ Yes | ❌ (shared only) | ✅ Yes |
How to Get Involved in the Avalanche Gaming Ecosystem
Whether you’re a player or a developer, Avalanche offers a fast and customizable platform for Web3 gaming. Players can enjoy seamless, high-quality games, while developers have the tools to create innovative decentralized experiences. Here’s how you can get started!
For Players
- Explore Games: Dive into popular games like DeFi Kingdoms and Crabada, both running on Avalanche Subnets.
- Set Up Wallet: Use Core Wallet or MetaMask to connect with Avalanche Subnets.
- Stay Updated: Join community channels on Discord/Telegram to learn about new games, events, and rewards.
- Engage: Connect with the community, share strategies, and participate in in-game rewards.
For Developers
- Learn Avalanche Tools: Start with Avalanche-CLI and Subnet docs to set up your custom blockchain.
- Apply for Incentives: Join programs like Avalanche Multiverse for funding and exposure.
- Leverage Resources: Use Ava Labs for support, tutorials, and networking.
- Join the Community: Participate in hackathons, webinars, and developer events for collaboration and growth.
Final Thoughts
Avalanche Subnets aren’t just a technical upgrade—they represent a fundamental shift in how Web3 games are built and experienced. By giving developers the freedom to design dedicated blockchains with custom rules, seamless performance, and player-first economics, Avalanche is enabling the kind of immersive, scalable games that were once thought impossible on the blockchain.
As top-tier games continue to migrate to Avalanche and new titles enter the space, we’re seeing the rise of a gaming ecosystem that blends Web2-grade performance with the ownership and transparency of Web3.
Whether you’re a gamer looking for richer experiences or a developer aiming to push boundaries, Avalanche Subnets offer a powerful foundation to help shape the next era of crypto gaming.
Now is the time to dive in, build, and play.
