2 Metaverse Cryptocurrencies That Could Soar This Year

Here’s why Decentraland (CRYPTO:MANA) and The Sandbox (CRYPTO:SAND) are two metaverse cryptocurrencies to keep an eye on.

| More on:
crypto blockchain

Image source: Getty Images

This year has certainly been a difficult one to assess for crypto investors. Various high-flying tokens with strong growth catalysts saw impressive performance in 2021. However, some metaverse cryptocurrencies, for example, have had a rocky start to 2022.

Can these top metaverse tokens turn around? Let’s dive into what may drive two of the top metaverse cryptocurrencies higher this year.

Top metaverse cryptocurrencies: Decentraland

One of the most incredible outperformers in the crypto market in recent years has been Decentraland (CRYPTO:MANA). As per CoinMarketCap, an investor who grabbed Decentraland’s MANA token in 2017 would have a better-than-100-times return on their initial investment. Indeed, much of this token’s recent gains have come last year, which saw Decentraland take off into a top-30 spot in the cryptocurrency rankings by market capitalization.

With around 300,000 monthly users, Decentraland is an immensely popular blockchain-based metaverse game. This platform is one that’s garnered interest from big-name corporate entrants into this space. As one of the oldest crypto metaverse options, Decentraland stands as a top-tier token right now.

For Decentraland, continued institutional interest in the metaverse will be a key driver of this token moving forward. Should investors continue to gravitate toward the metaverse, there’s a lot to like about Decentraland’s existing infrastructure. Indeed, for those taking the long view of the metaverse in the context of crypto, there’s a lot to like about how MANA is positioned right now.

The Sandbox

Another top metaverse cryptocurrency I’ve been watching closely of late is The Sandbox (CRYPTO:SAND).

Similar to Decentraland, The Sandbox is a virtual world where users can purchase digital real estate. Additionally, users can take part in The Sandbox’s play-to-earn experiences, driving a tremendous amount of interest, particularly from players in certain regions of the world crypto has less of an impact.

This platform is one that’s inspired a number of celebrities, such as Snoop Dogg, and brands, such as The Walking Dead, to own space in this virtual world. While The Sandbox’s user numbers are much lower than Decentraland’s (around 30,000 monthly active users), this platform’s digital land has garnered massive sales in the past.

These rising virtual real estate prices have boosted the value of SAND tokens approximately 6,000% since their launch. That’s an impressive return — one that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Like all cryptocurrencies, both Decentraland and The Sandbox carry higher-than-average risk. That said, these metaverse cryptocurrencies also carry much higher growth potential. Accordingly, those looking for a risk-on trade may want to take a look at these two tokens.

Fool contributor Chris MacDonald has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

Bitcoin
Tech Stocks

Here’s Why I Wouldn’t Touch This Meme Stock With a 10‑Foot Pole

Bitfarms can trade like a meme stock because the Bitcoin price and headlines drive it more than steady business fundamentals.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

Trump Tariff Revival: 2 Bets to Help Your TFSA Ride Out the Storm

As tariff risks resurface and markets react, here are two safe Canadian stocks that could help protect your long-term TFSA…

Read more »

House models and one with REIT real estate investment trust.
Stocks for Beginners

2 Undervalued Bank Stocks and REITs Worth Buying in 2026

Undervalued banks and REITs can work in 2026, but only if earnings stay resilient and rate cuts actually help.

Read more »

Data center woman holding laptop
Tech Stocks

2 Overhyped Stocks That Could Turn $100,000 Into Nothing

Crypto-and-AI “theme” stocks can look inevitable in good markets, but they can break fast when sentiment or financing turns.

Read more »

Warning sign with the text "Trade war" in front of container ship
Dividend Stocks

This 5.2% Dividend Stock Is a Must-Buy as Trump Threatens Tariffs Again

With trade tensions back in focus, this 5.2% dividend stock offers income backed by real assets and long-term contracts.

Read more »

engineer at wind farm
Dividend Stocks

Canada’s Smart Money Is Piling Into This TSX Leader

Brookfield attracts “smart money” because it compounds through fees, real assets, and patient capital across market cycles.

Read more »

Oil industry worker works in oilfield
Energy Stocks

Energy Sector Strength: A Canadian Producer That Can Thrive in Any Market

Whitecap is built to survive oil-price swings by keeping costs low and focusing on durable free cash flow.

Read more »

a person watches stock market trades
Dividend Stocks

BCE Stock: A Lukewarm Outlook for 2026

BCE looks like a classic “safe” telecom, but 2026 depends on free cash flow, debt reduction, and pricing power.

Read more »