Surge in Web3 Gaming Tokens: AXS and SAND Lead with Massive Volume and Gains

The cryptocurrency market is witnessing a remarkable surge in web3 gaming tokens, particularly those associated with Animoca Brands, as highlighted by industry expert Yat Siu in a recent post dated January 18, 2026. According to Siu, tokens like AXS and SAND have experienced sharp increases, with trading volumes soaring to over $1 billion for AXS and $380 million for SAND. Over the last 30 days leading up to this announcement, CHECK has skyrocketed by 300%, AXS by 143%, and SAND by 35%. This momentum underscores a growing excitement around gaming in the blockchain space, positioning 2026 as a pivotal year for traders and investors eyeing web3 gaming opportunities. As the primary narrative from this update, these figures suggest a bullish trend driven by increased adoption and market interest in decentralized gaming ecosystems.

From a trading perspective, let's dive into the specifics of these price movements and volumes. AXS, the native token of Axie Infinity, has shown robust performance with its 143% gain over the past month, reflecting strong on-chain activity and user engagement. Traders should note key support levels around $10-$12, based on historical data from major exchanges, where AXS has repeatedly bounced back during dips. Resistance could be tested at $18-$20 if the upward momentum continues, potentially offering scalping opportunities in pairs like AXS/USDT or AXS/BTC. Similarly, SAND, tied to The Sandbox metaverse, has posted a more moderate 35% increase, but its $380 million volume indicates significant liquidity, making it attractive for high-volume trades. On-chain metrics reveal heightened transaction counts, with daily active addresses rising by approximately 20% in recent weeks, signaling genuine interest rather than speculative hype. For CHECK, the 300% surge points to explosive growth, possibly fueled by new partnerships or updates in the Animoca ecosystem, urging traders to monitor volume spikes for entry points around $0.50-$0.60.

Market Sentiment and Broader Crypto Correlations

Integrating this into the wider cryptocurrency landscape, the rise in these gaming tokens correlates with overall market sentiment, especially as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) stabilize above key thresholds. For instance, if BTC holds above $60,000, it could provide tailwinds for altcoins like AXS and SAND, enhancing cross-market trading strategies. Institutional flows are also noteworthy; reports indicate venture capital injections into web3 gaming have surpassed $2 billion in the past year, boosting confidence. Traders might consider hedging positions by pairing these tokens with stablecoins during volatile periods, while watching for correlations with NFT market volumes, which have seen a 15% uptick aligned with these gains. The excitement for 2026, as per Siu's outlook, stems from anticipated advancements in blockchain gaming, such as improved interoperability and AI integrations, which could drive long-term value. However, risks include regulatory scrutiny on gaming tokens, so position sizing and stop-loss orders at 5-10% below entry points are advisable to mitigate downside.

Looking ahead, this surge opens up various trading opportunities, from day trading on volume breakouts to swing trading based on technical indicators like RSI and MACD. For AXS, the RSI is currently hovering around 70, indicating overbought conditions but potential for further upside if volume sustains. SAND's moving averages show a golden cross formation on the 4-hour chart, a bullish signal for entries. On-chain data further supports this, with whale accumulations noted in the last 48 hours, potentially pushing prices higher. In terms of broader implications, this trend could influence stock markets through companies invested in metaverses, creating arbitrage plays between crypto and traditional assets. For example, correlations with tech stocks like those in gaming sectors might amplify during earnings seasons. Overall, with 2026 poised for gaming innovations, savvy traders should focus on diversified portfolios including these tokens, always prioritizing verified data and real-time monitoring to capitalize on this dynamic sector.

To optimize trading strategies, consider the following insights: Support for SAND at $0.80 could serve as a strong buy zone if dips occur, while AXS might target $25 in a sustained rally. Volume analysis shows AXS's $1 billion milestone correlating with a 25% increase in open interest on derivatives platforms, hinting at leveraged trading potential. For CHECK, its rapid ascent suggests monitoring for pullbacks around 20-30% for accumulation. Market indicators like the fear and greed index, currently at 'greed' levels, align with this optimism, but diversification across ETH-based pairs remains key. As web3 gaming evolves, these tokens represent not just speculative plays but foundational assets in the metaverse economy, promising exciting prospects for 2026 and beyond.