September is starting with serious momentum in the blockchain gaming space. From a spell-powered chess game returning to Base to a browser-based dungeon RPG and one of the most active blockchain games right now, several titles are making headlines.
Here are five play-to-earn and Web3 games worth watching this September 2026.
5. Anichess
Anichess is a free-to-play chess variant created by Animoca Brands in collaboration with Chess.com and chess champion Magnus Carlsen.
Instead of traditional chess, players can use three spells selected before each match. Games end when a player captures the opposing king through a special move called a Kingslay.
The game can be played through a browser as well as on Android, iOS, and Windows. It also features different modes, including ranked Standard matches, Checkmate Arena, and winner-takes-all Gambit games.
Anichess is currently moving its ecosystem back to Base, with its M8 points migration beginning on August 25 and continuing through September.
Why watch it: The combination of competitive chess, Web3 mechanics, and the Base migration makes Anichess one of the more interesting titles to follow this month.
4. Guild of Guardians
Guild of Guardians is a free-to-play action RPG on Immutable, available on mobile devices.
Players build teams of heroes known as Guardians and take them through increasingly challenging dungeons using roguelite-style combat. The game also features guilds, seasonal content, leaderboards, and recurring events.
One of its newest additions is Guild of Guardians Dungeons, a browser-based idle loot RPG. Players choose a class and starting hero before allowing their Guardian to automatically battle through dungeon stages.
Dungeons entered Early Access on the Vanguard Server on August 26, 2026, requiring no download. NFT holders can also connect their assets to receive bonus stats.
Why watch it: The new browser-based experience gives Guild of Guardians another way to attract players, especially those looking for a more casual or passive gameplay loop.
3. Nine Chronicles
Nine Chronicles is a fantasy MMORPG developed by Korean studio Planetarium. Unlike many blockchain games, it operates on its own networks, Odin and Heimdall, with a bridge to Ethereum.
The game is open source and community-driven, with players and node operators helping power the ecosystem.
Players can progress through campaigns, participate in World Boss raids, compete in seasonal Arena PvP, and take on the rotating Adventure Boss.
A major update, 200470, went live on August 26, bringing a substantial rework to Adventure Boss content around new Distorted Essence materials. The update also temporarily reduced monster strength by roughly 20%.
Why watch it: Its open-source structure and player-operated ecosystem continue to make Nine Chronicles stand out from more traditional Web3 games.
2. Onchain Heroes
Onchain Heroes is a gaming ecosystem built on Abstract, with its flagship title Maze of Gains currently available as an open playtest.
The game is a roguelite dungeon crawler playable directly through a browser on both desktop and mobile.
One of its defining features is the Greed mechanic. Players constantly have to decide whether to leave a dungeon with their current rewards or risk going deeper for potentially bigger loot.
Recent updates have introduced persistent upgrades, revamped combat effects, boosted-drop events, and a new Legendary item tier.
The August 22 update also brought the Greed mechanic back, improved the Stash system, and made mobile performance smoother.
Why watch it: Its risk-versus-reward gameplay creates a different experience from traditional play-to-earn games, while the team continues building toward the larger OCH World ecosystem.
1. Kintara
At the top of the list is Kintara, a free browser-based isometric MMO running on Solana.
The game has drawn comparisons to RuneScape, with players entering a persistent shared world where they can train skills, gather resources, fish, cook, craft, and fight bosses.
The world is divided into different areas, ranging from peaceful gathering zones to open wilderness areas where PvP is always active.
Kintara has been receiving frequent updates since its May 22 launch, including a desert biome, a mount-gilding ritual, and a fishing update released in August.
The game also launched on the Solana dApp Store on August 24, 2026, opening access to Solana Seeker phone owners.
Why watch it: With its RuneScape-inspired gameplay, regular updates, and growing player base, Kintara is currently one of the most interesting Web3 MMOs to keep on your radar.
Final Thoughts
The Web3 gaming space is showing plenty of activity heading into September.
From Anichess and its return to Base to Guild of Guardians Dungeons, the latest Nine Chronicles update, Onchain Heroes, and the rapidly developing Kintara, these games are taking different approaches to blockchain gaming.
If you’re looking for games to add to your September Web3 gaming watchlist, these five are definitely worth checking out.
Which one would you play first? 🎮🔥
Note: Play-to-earn rewards, tokens, NFTs, and in-game economies can change over time. Always verify the latest game rules and reward mechanics before spending money or assets.
