Top NFT Projects to Watch Right Now

[Snowy]

NFTs are still a bit confusing to me, but it’s interesting to see projects like Pudgy Penguins expanding beyond just digital art. I’ve heard about Ordinals on Bitcoin too—still trying to understand if they have real staying power. What should a newbie look for in an NFT project with real utility?

 

[Munashak]

It's fascinating to watch how the NFT space has evolved. If we look back, the NFT craze of 2021 was almost like the wild west, with projects popping up everywhere, many of them purely speculative. But just like in any booming market, those that stood the test of time were the ones with real utility and long-term vision.

In comparison to the early days, when things felt more like a rush to "get rich quick," now we’re seeing projects like BAYC and CryptoPunks not just holding value, but creating ecosystems. Pudgy Penguins seem to be carving out something bigger, blending physical products with their digital roots – that kind of cross-industry innovation is what we saw with early tech giants.

DeGods and y00ts’ migration from Solana to ETH is another solid example of resilience and long-term planning. Projects that understand the importance of building sustainable value, rather than relying on hype alone, are the ones truly defining the space.

The shift to Ordinals on Bitcoin is interesting – but much like the early days of NFTs on Ethereum, the big question is whether it can go beyond the novelty phase and bring real use cases. The most successful projects historically have been those that evolved with the ecosystem, so time will tell if this is a sustainable trend or just another flash in the pan.

 

[Harry]

The NFT market may have cooled, but innovation is far from dead! While blue-chip collections like BAYC and CryptoPunks still dominate, emerging markets and fresh ideas are reshaping the space. The future belongs to projects that bring real-world utility, brand expansion, and community-driven growth.

NFT Projects Worth Watching:​

Pudgy Penguins – Crushing it with Web3-to-real-world brand deals (toys, licensing, and more).
DeGods & y00ts – Still thriving after migrating from Solana to Ethereum, proving adaptability is key.
Ordinal NFTs on Bitcoin – Bringing NFTs to BTC, but sustainability remains a big question.
Wall Street Pepe NFTs – Blending meme culture with DeFi and financial strategies, showing that NFTs can be fun and profitable.
Gaming & Metaverse NFTs – Illuvium, Otherside, and Pixelmon are proving that NFTs in gaming are the next big wave.


The NFT space is maturing—projects that deliver utility, real-world integration, and strong communities will thrive. The hype may have faded, but the true builders are still here!


Which NFT project do you think has the most long-term potential?

 

[James Henry]

Ah yes, the NFT rollercoaster—where people went from flexing million-dollar JPEGs to pretending they never bought them. But hey, some projects are actually still standing (shocking, I know).

Survivors of the NFT Apocalypse:​

Pudgy Penguins – Somehow, these chubby little birds outlasted 90% of the NFT market. Now selling actual toys—who knew Web3’s future was Walmart shelves?
DeGods & y00ts – Moved blockchains like they were changing WiFi networks. Still around, still building, but let’s be real—who’s still holding?
Ordinal NFTs on Bitcoin – Because why not clog the Bitcoin network with JPEGs too?

What’s Next?​

Real utility or just more AI-generated monkey pictures? Who knows! But one thing’s for sure—if your NFT bag is down 99%, just tell people you're “in it for the tech.” Works every time.

 

[peterjohn]

Ah yes, the NFT market—where JPEGs moon, then crash, then moon again depending on how many influencers are shilling them.


BAYC and CryptoPunks are like the grandpas of NFTs, still flexing while new projects fight for scraps. Meanwhile, Pudgy Penguins are selling plush toys like it’s Build-A-Bear meets Web3, and somehow that’s “innovation.”


Ordinal NFTs on Bitcoin? Oh, you mean turning BTC into Ethereum but with extra steps? Brilliant.


At this point, the only real utility is who can meme the hardest and not rug in six months. So if you’re not buying for the memes, the FOMO, or the potential tax write-off, what are you even doing in NFTs?

 

[Harry]

It’s true that the NFT space has cooled down a lot, and while projects like BAYC and CryptoPunks continue to dominate, many new projects still seem like they're just riding the wave of hype without offering much long-term value. Pudgy Penguins and DeGods & y00ts have been trying to expand, but it’s hard not to wonder if it’s all just a marketing play rather than true innovation. The migration from Solana to ETH for DeGods seems more like a move to chase higher visibility than a game-changing decision. As for Ordinal NFTs on Bitcoin, they’re an interesting trend, but I’m skeptical about their sustainability without clear use cases. Only time will tell if any of these projects will actually build lasting utility or fade into the background.

Your analysis captures the current state of the NFT market well—while blue-chip collections like BAYC and CryptoPunks maintain dominance, many newer projects struggle to establish long-term value beyond hype cycles.


Projects like Pudgy Penguins and DeGods/y00ts have made efforts to expand their ecosystems, but as you pointed out, much of this can feel like strategic marketing rather than true innovation. The DeGods migration from Solana to Ethereum is a prime example—it increased visibility, but whether it adds tangible value remains to be seen.


As for Ordinal NFTs on Bitcoin, they represent an interesting technical evolution, proving that Bitcoin can support digital collectibles. However, without clear use cases, interoperability, or a strong developer ecosystem, their long-term sustainability is uncertain.


Ultimately, the NFT space needs real utility, deeper integration with DeFi, and more sustainable revenue models to move beyond speculation. Do you see any emerging NFT projects that are truly innovating rather than just riding the hype?

 

[James Henry]

The NFT space is maturing, and only projects with real-world utility will thrive. Pudgy Penguins' brand expansion proves longevity, while DeGods & y00ts continue innovating post-migration. Ordinals on Bitcoin raise questions of scalability, but they’re undeniably shifting narratives. The key question: which projects will drive mainstream adoption beyond speculation?

Utility is the future of NFTs. Projects like Pudgy Penguins show staying power, while Ordinals push boundaries. The real test is which will break into mainstream use beyond hype.