The NFT market in 2025 is looking a lot different than it used to. Forget just showing off digital art; the big focus now is on utility. 

Projects are now plugging into gaming, decentralized finance (DeFi), and even making their NFTs work across different blockchains. 

This shift is all about creating long-term value for owners. While big names like Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) and CryptoPunks still carry weight, some newer projects are really shaking things up.

Take Loaded Lions, for example. This project started back in 2021 as a collection but has since morphed into a multi-chain platform. The project’s LION token has recently launched on Kronos, Solana, and Arbitrum, broadening its reach, per Altcoin Buzz on YouTube.

The project’s five-year roadmap plan is heavily focused on governance, getting into gaming, and integrating with DeFi platforms like Uniswap. Right now, the token is trading at $0.0106, which is up 6.6% from yesterday.

Why Do Bored Apes and CryptoPunks Still Matter

Even with all this new stuff happening, Bored Ape Yacht Club remains a top dog in the NFT world, according to Coinmarketcap. Owning a Bored Ape still comes with perks, like access to exclusive events and special merchandise.

Yuga Labs, the company behind BAYC, is also expanding into the metaverse with their project called The Otherside. Despite increased competition, BAYC maintains a strong brand and dedicated community. Currently, the total value of all Bored Apes on the market is 125,775 ETH, and the daily trading volume has seen a massive 696% jump to 102.3 ETH.

CryptoPunks Retains Historical Significance

Then there’s CryptoPunks, which was launched way back in 2017. These are still considered blue-chip NFT with high market value. Some Punks have sold for over $10 million, reinforcing their status among collectors.

Related: NFT Market Check: Trading Volume Plunges 50% in February After December’s Brief AI-NFT Surge

Institutional interest in CryptoPunks continues to grow, with major brands and high-profile investors acquiring these assets. Their historical significance as one of the earliest NFT projects keeps them relevant, even as the market changes rapidly. 

CryptoPunks price currently stands at 38.40 ETH, with an 89% loss in trading volume in the past day.

Other NFT Projects of note in 2025

Other projects are also making their mark. Azuki, with its anime-inspired art, has built a strong following. Owning an Azuki NFT gets you into “The Garden,” a community that offers various features and benefits.

Azuki has expanded into gaming and fashion, broadening its presence beyond digital art. They’re also collaborating with other brands and integrating into virtual spaces, which is adding to their appeal. Currently, an Azuki NFT is priced at 2.49 ETH, and it’s seen an 8.2% price increase over the past week.

Moonbirds, created by PROOF Collective, introduces a nesting system that rewards long-term holders. Users “nest” their NFTs, unlocking benefits over time rather than using traditional staking methods. However, the NFT’s price has dropped by 23% in the past month.

Related: OpenSea Cleared: SEC Ends NFT Investigation Without Action

What NFT Trends Can We Expect in 2025?

Looking ahead, NFTs are definitely moving towards offering more than just digital ownership. We’re seeing more and more gaming and AI-driven integrations. 

NFTs backed by DeFi are also gaining traction, allowing users to stake and lend their assets. Plus, cross-chain accessibility is becoming more common, allowing NFT projects to operate on multiple different blockchains.