Web3 game developer Pixcape Games has launched Playtest #5 for Hive Invasion, continuing the game's cycle of limited time pre-alpha test events that let players experience new gameplay features and earn on-chain rewards through gameplay and top leaderboard spots. Running from October 9 to October 16, 12:00 UTC, this latest playtest expands the game’s progression systems, integrates Somnia Quests, and introduces new opportunities to earn DUST and NFTs for free.

If this is your first time seeing this game, here’s a quick overview before we dig into what’s new in the latest playtest and find out how to play to earn while time still remains.

What Is Hive Invasion?

Hive Invasion is a free to play roguelite set in a post-apocalyptic world where artificial intelligence has merged with biological life to form an evolving swarm. Players take control of Echo-9 units, which are cybernetic soldiers designed to fight back against the infestation and defend what remains of civilization.

The game features top-down action across pixelated environments built in Unity, blending fast-paced combat with survival mechanics in the style of popular web2 games such as Vampire Survivors. Each session challenges players to eliminate endless waves of enemies while upgrading abilities and weapons, collecting loot, and testing new strategies.

This chaotic wave-based shooter can be played directly in a web browser and is accessible only during official playtests, at least for now. Over the past several months, Pixcape Games has conducted multiple limited time events to refine core mechanics while rewarding players with NFTs, USDT, and the non-transferrable in-game currency known as DUST, which will likely help you earn airdrop rewards later on. The previous playtest introduced Chests and the DUST airdrop, while the new event takes a step forward with a new player progression update and Somnia Network integration.

What’s New in Hive Invasion Playtest #5?

Playtest #5 runs from October 9 to October 16, building upon the previous phase by adding several new systems meant to expand both on-chain engagement and in-game depth for a better web3 gaming experience.

That being said, the notable new additions introduced with this playtest are said to include the ability to earn DUST directly through gameplay, level up characters through a redesigned progression system, and take part in new Somnia Quests. There is also a leaderboard competition that awards NFT prizes to the top 10 players, but the exact on-chain assets in question were not revealed at the time of writing. The previous playtest seemed to only award DUST as a leaderboard reward, so it’s nice to see this playtest distribute prizes possibly similarly to the Playtest #3, which featured both NFTs and USDT.

Though not specifically explained in the official announcement, the documentation reveals that the new level up system allows players to progress up to level 3, starting from level 0, by completing “mission-specific objectives,” such as surviving for 5 minutes in a single run. Everyone at level 0 starts off with 2 skill slots, and you can unlock up to 5 slots by leveling up. Slots are occupied by skills also referred to as components, which can feature weapons as well as passive abilities. Next to unlocking more slots, leveling up also brings with it bonuses to stats such as damage, max health, and more.

The partnership between Pixcape Games and Somnia is said to further continue with this 5th playtest through the introduction of Somnia Quests, a system that integrates blockchain-based objectives into the core gameplay loop by tying in to the new progression system. These quests allow players to earn on-chain recognition by completing specific in-game tasks tied to exploration, survival, and combat.

Each Quest represents a different challenge, and successfully completing them is said to help strengthen your account’s connection to the network.

Here are the five Somnia Quests available during Playtest #5:

  • Quest 1: Reach Level 1
    • Simply log in to the game and start a run to complete this objective.
  • Quest 2: Reach Level 2
    • Survive for at least 5 minutes in a single run.
  • Quest 3: Reach Level 3
    • Discover 5 areas within a single run.
  • Quest 4: Pick Up the First Drill
    • Collect a Weapon Drill during your mission. This is an in-game item that allows you to craft and evolve weapons from the Hive’s organic materials.
  • Quest 5: Destroy One Enemy Nest
    • Locate and destroy a Nest in the game. Nests act as enemy spawn points that continuously generate new threats, so you'll want to take them down to weaken the Hive.

All quests are live throughout the playtest and can be completed at any time before the event ends on October 16. Here’s how to get started.

How to Play and Earn in Hive Invasion Playtest #5

Hive Invasion is a free to play browser-based web3 game that is easy for anyone to jump into and start participating while playing to earn DUST and NFT prizes purely through skill-based gameplay. To participate in Playtest #5, visit the game’s official page and connect your crypto wallet to the Somnia network.

Once connected, you can select your Echo-9 unit and configure your loadout before entering combat. Make sure to add the available components from the bottom right of the main menu over to the 2 starting skill slots so you don’t start a run without any weapon dropping at spawn.

Each run begins in a randomly generated zone filled with Hive enemies that grow progressively stronger over time. Defeating enemies grants experience points that cause your selected skills to drop from the sky upon reaching certain milestones, and going over them allows you to level up your active and passive abilities in various ways. The updated level progression also means that completing certain objectives now directly affects performance in subsequent runs, as they allow you to unlock more skill slots and gain buffs to character stats that persist from one playthrough to the next.

Players aiming for NFT rewards must focus on maintaining high survival times, destroying enemy nests, and defeating as many enemies as possible. Progress is tracked automatically, and all players can climb the global leaderboard completely for free.

At the end of the event, the top 10 players will receive NFT prizes, while everyone who participates has a chance to earn DUST through in-game drops and help the developers continue creating an engaging blockchain gaming experience by providing constructive feedback.

For more blockchain games that don’t require downloading to play, check out our latest video on the top 5 play to earn browser games of October 2025.