Telegram is often regarded as a platform for group chats, channels, and quick updates. However, over the past few years, it has quietly evolved into something much larger, providing users with a platform to form communities, launch projects, and engage in ways other than simple conversations.
One of the more notable developments has been the rise of games built directly into the platform. These Telegram-based games are typically bot-powered, require no additional downloads, and can be played entirely within the app. Ranging from simple tap-to-earn formats to more structured role-playing and strategy games, many now include play-to-earn mechanics tied to tokens or digital rewards. As interest around these games continues to grow, here’s a look at the Top 12 Telegram games gaining traction in January 2026.
1. Notcoin
Notcoin is a Telegram-based tap-to-earn game built on The Open Network (TON) blockchain. It became widely known for its simple gameplay, where users could earn rewards simply by tapping, without the complex mechanics and additional downloads. Being native to TON has allowed the game to integrate easily with other projects in the ecosystem, while Telegram’s scale helped it reach a broad user base early on.
As we enter 2026, Notcoin is less about rapid growth and more about what it represents within the Telegram gaming space. While earning through tapping has slowed considerably compared to its initial phase, the project continues to benefit from strong brand recognition and its close ties to the TON ecosystem.
2. Shoottap
Shoottap is a play-to-earn game on Telegram that centers around shooter-style gameplay. Instead of tapping mechanics, the game focuses on competitive matches where players take part in fast-paced battles and earn rewards through active participation.
The game places an emphasis on skill-based play, with tactical elements shaping how matches unfold. Alongside the action, Shoottap includes an in-game economy where progress and rewards are tied to gameplay, giving players an incentive to stay engaged and improve over time.
3. CharacterX
CharacterX is a collectible RPG-style game where players own NFT-based characters, each with distinct traits and abilities. The game combines character creation with light progression mechanics, allowing users to build and customize their characters while engaging with the broader ecosystem on Telegram.
Currently, the game includes a tap-to-earn feature where players can earn CAI points through regular participation. However, additional CAI can be earned through referrals and mining-based activities, with features such as group mining, PK battles, and lucky draws already live. Ongoing updates and new additions are typically rolled out through the project’s Telegram channels and social platforms.
4. Elderglade
Elderglade is a retro-style fantasy game built around NFT-based heroes and items. Players explore enchanted environments, take on mythical creatures, and progress through the game using characters and assets they own.
The project currently offers a pre-launch experience that allows players to engage early, earn points tied to future rewards, and take part in PvP features within the Elderglade universe. Aside from gameplay, the game strongly focuses on and, as a result, facilitates community interactions, enabling players to connect and compete as the game continues to develop.
5. Hamster Kombat
Hamster Kombat is one of the most widely played play-to-earn games on Telegram, with a user base that crossed tens of millions at its peak. The game is structured as a crypto exchange simulation, where players step into the role of a CEO managing a virtual trading platform. Progression is tied to completing tasks such as securing licenses, approving listings, and expanding operations, blending light strategy with incremental gameplay.
The play-to-earn element allows users to earn HMSTR tokens, with no upfront cost required to participate. An early airdrop distributed tokens to a large portion of the player base, though final rewards varied and were closely tied to market conditions at launch. As with most play-to-earn models, long-term earning potential ultimately depends on token performance, making Hamster Kombat a time-based participation game rather than a guaranteed rewards system.
6. CryptoKitties
CryptoKitties is one of the most iconic games on Telegram and arguably the most recognisable NFT-based games. The entire game focuses on collecting, breeding, and trading virtual cats with unique genetic traits, i.e., CryptoKitties.
However, what makes the game remarkable is its long-standing presence in the NFT space. As a result, it serves as an entry point for users who have been interested in exploring blockchain collectables. The game maintains an active community, with updates and announcements typically shared through its Telegram channels and social media platforms.
7. TnnsProxBot
TnnsProxBot is a Telegram mini-game tied to the TNNS Pro project, which is focused on sports and fan communities. The broader idea behind TNNS Pro is to help athletes, teams, and entertainment brands experiment with Web3 tools such as NFTs and virtual events, using Telegram as an entry point.
The mini-game is still in its beta phase and is mainly used as an early access experience for users interested in the project. Since development is ongoing, most updates and new information are shared through TNNS Pro’s Telegram channels and social media.
8. Catizen
Catizen takes a more lighthearted approach to Telegram play-to-earn games through pet simulation. Players start with a small colony of cats and gradually expand it by completing tasks and participating in group-based challenges, with progress driven more by planning and timing than constant interaction. The game is free to enter, which has helped it attract a broad and casual player base.
Rewards in Catizen come in the form of CATI tokens, which are earned as players move through different stages of the game. While the token is not yet listed on exchanges, it already has utility within the game, where it can be used for boosters and NFT-based cat upgrades. The option to swap CATI once it is listed adds a longer-term incentive for players who stay active.
9. Yescoin
Instead of tapping, Yescoin is built around a simple swipe-to-earn mechanic. Players swipe across their Telegram screen to collect virtual coins, with no upfront payment or setup required apart from joining the game. The format keeps things minimal, making it easy for users to participate without committing much time or effort.
The goal is to build up as many points as possible, which are expected to carry over into a planned tokenised airdrop. Points can also be earned through basic in-game tasks such as daily activity, connecting a crypto wallet, or following Yescoin on social media, giving active users multiple ways to increase their totals over time.
10. Egg Drop
Egg Drop is a tap-based game from Gomble Games that launched on BNB Chain in July 2024. Since being launched, the game has intentionally remained simple and is built around dropping virtual eggs into target zones to earn in-game items and token-based rewards. Like many Telegram-native games, it runs directly inside the app and doesn’t require any additional setup beyond joining the bot.
The game leans on short, repeatable actions rather than complex mechanics, making it easy to pick up and play in quick sessions. Rewards are tied to how consistently players engage, with collected items and tokens forming the core progression loop within the game.
11. Satoshi Universe
Satoshi Universe is a pixel-style mini running game where players get to control a character that jumps over obstacles, earning $GOLD points as they progress through each run.
The game also includes NFT battle passes, which can be used to unlock additional rewards and token mining multipliers. Everything runs through the project’s Telegram mini-app, with updates and feature announcements typically shared through its Telegram groups and social channels.
12. TapSwap
TapSwap has taken the idea of a tap-to-earn gaming model quite literally, turning tapping into a form of token mining. Players generate in-game “Shares” by tapping an on-screen button, with no fees or crypto holdings required to get started. The game runs entirely through a Telegram bot, making it easy for users to participate without setting anything up outside the app.
Those Shares are meant to convert into TAP tokens once the project fully launches. In the meantime, they can also be used for in-game boosters that help increase earning speed. TapSwap can be played solo or alongside other Telegram users, giving players the option to treat it as a quick individual activity or a more social experience.
Final thoughts
Telegram games have grown into a small but active corner of the platform, built around simple mechanics and easy access. Most are quick to try and don’t ask much from players beyond time and curiosity, with rewards varying depending on how early and how consistently someone takes part.
Disclaimer. Readers are encouraged to do their own research. Ambcrypto is not liable for any outcomes related to the use of information, products, or services mentioned. This content may include affiliate or partner links.
Source: https://ambcrypto.com/top-12-telegram-games-gaining-traction-in-january-2026/
