The metaverse concept has captured public imagination and is poised to be the next major evolution of the internet. Virtual worlds where we can work, play, connect, and create limitlessly are coming closer to reality every day. But for those unfamiliar, how does one actually go about entering and participating in these emerging metaverse environments?
In this comprehensive guide, we provide everything you need to know to dive in, including:
- What the metaverse actually refers to
- Existing metaverse platforms you can join
- How to create your digital identity and purchase a headset
- What you can do in popular metaverses right now
- Upcoming major metaverse worlds to watch out for
- Cost considerations for hardware and virtual land
- Future trends that will expand metaverse accessibility
Let’s explore how anyone can start accessing the metaverse today and help shape the growth of this exciting new digital frontier!
What Does the Metaverse Mean?
The “metaverse” refers to persistent 3D virtual worlds where users can explore new realities together and connect in new ways through custom avatars. While still early, some key aspects include:
- Virtual Spaces – Shared 3D environments modeled after the real world for exploration and building.
- Immersiveness – VR and AR make experiences feel more physically real and lifelike.
- Interoperability – Carry identity and items across worlds rather than closed ecosystems.
- User Creation – Participants shape environments by building structures, artwork, games etc.
- Ownership – Blockchain allows users to truly own assets, land and content.
- Economies – Virtual currencies and blockchain enable in-world markets and commerce.
- Social Connection – Communicate natively through avatars and interact with others virtually.
While still maturing, rich digital realms through connected virtual worlds are coming. Anyone can start entering the metaverse even in its early state.
Existing Metaverse Worlds You Can Join
If you want to jump into the metaverse today, here are some of the most developed platforms available now:
Browser-based 3D metaverse with virtual real estate NFTs, avatar creation, gambling, concerts and scenic areas to explore. Also has a mobile app.
How to Join – Create a free account and use keyboard/mouse or VR headset to enter Decentraland. Customize your avatar.
3D voxel metaverse focused on gaming where you can build structures and environments like Minecraft as well as buy branded virtual land.
How to Join – Download Sandbox mobile app on iOS/Android or use a VR headset to enter, customize an avatar, and start playing.
Virtual world built on Ethereum blockchain where players can buy land parcels as NFTs, visit stores, galleries, hangouts and games made by users.
How to Join – Create an account and access Cryptovoxels through desktop browser or VR headset to explore the voxel world.
Persistent open world VR platform akin to a dystopian city. You can customize your avatars, own land, host events, and fly between “parcels”.
How to Join – Download their cube launcher client to register and launch into Somnium Space with a compatible VR headset.
Browser-based 3D spaces by Mozilla that users can customize themselves or attend events at without requiring VR headsets. Has easy building tools.
How to Join – Make a free Mozilla account, pick an avatar and username, and enter any public or private Hubs space through your desktop browser.
These platforms demonstrate the expanding possibilities in existing metaverse worlds today that you can become part of.
Acquiring Your Metaverse Hardware and Identity
To fully engage with more advanced metaverses, you’ll need:
Compatible VR Headset
While some browser-based worlds support desktop play, VR headsets add vital immersion through lifelike perspective and interaction. Popular options include:
- Meta Quest Headsets – Meta’s VR line with capabilities from $399 to $1500.
- Valve Index – Advanced SteamVR headset providing high fidelity at $999.
- HTC Vive – Room scale VR with models from $399 to $1400.
- Samsung Gear VR – Convert compatible Samsung phones into mobile VR for $99.
You don’t need the highest end headset to explore basic metaverse worlds. Base headsets start under $400.
Digital Wallet
To manage virtual assets and identity, you’ll need a blockchain-compatible digital wallet like:
- MetaMask – Lets you access Ethereum Dapps and make blockchain transactions via browser extension.
- Coinbase Wallet – Manages crypto assets & NFTs and connects to Dapps. Has mobile and browser extensions.
- Bitski – Facilitates digital collectibles & NFTs. Integrates with platforms like Decentraland.
These provide your passport to transacting and participating in metaverse economies.
What You Can Do in Popular Metaverse Worlds
Once set up, here are some of the current activities possible across metaverse platforms:
Socialize – Meet up with friends or join events and explore together. Voice chat is common.
Build – Many worlds enable creating structures and artwork you can show off using simple building tools.
Shop – Buy virtual assets like clothing to customize your avatar using crypto currencies.
Play Games – Some worlds feature arcade games where you can win tokens, including multiplayer games.
Buy Virtual Land – Purchase land parcels or spaces as NFTs using cryptocurrency, to host creations.
Attend Events – Developers and brands are hosting virtual meetups, concerts, talks and conventions inside metaverses.
Gamble – Some worlds feature casinos where you can play games like poker or slots using crypto coins.
The options continue expanding as more users join and add their own creativity.
Major Upcoming Metaverses to Watch
While today’s worlds remain basic, major brands are developing expansive metaverses on the horizon:
Meta Horizon – Facebook’s social metaverse in beta where users can explore, play games, and build together as customizable avatars.
Otherside – Upcoming Web3 metaverse from Yuga Labs, builders of Bored Ape NFTs, promising immersive gaming and content.
Illuvium – Forthcoming open world fantasy RPG metaverse with AAA-quality graphics, battles, and NFT components.
Star Atlas – In development multiplayer metaverse set in space in the year 2620 with a player-driven economy.
The Matrix World – A multiplayer metaverse being built by Warner Bros. tied to The Matrix film franchise.
Major brands plus dedicated metaverse-first startups are pushing virtual worlds forward into more expansive and immersive experiences.
Metaverse Cost Considerations
Like any new technology, accessing the metaverse today has costs around hardware and use:
VR Headsets – All-in headset costs including a compatible computer range from ~$800 on the more affordable end to $2000+ for high end setups.
In-World Purchases – Transactions for assets, clothing, customization and land parcels using crypto can range from a few dollars to thousands.
Virtual Real Estate – Purchasing virtual land and private spaces can get expensive depending on the platform. Some Decentraland parcels have sold for $1 million+.
Taxes – Some metaverse worlds impose platform fees, taxes, and royalties on certain virtual transactions and activities.
Computer Hardware – To run VR experiences requires sufficiently powerful desktops/laptops which might necessitate upgrades.
Over time, as adoption grows and technology advances, metaverse access costs are expected to decrease considerably making it more egalitarian. But early adopters pay premium prices.
The Future of Metaverse Accessibility
While still early days, we expect several innovations to expand metaverse accessibility down the road:
More Cross-Platform Experiences
Today each metaverse world is largely siloed. New tools will allow teleporting avatars and taking digital assets across metaverses seamlessly.
Improved Mobile Integration
5G networks, mobile VR headsets, and cross-platform wallets will enable interacting with metaverse environments easily from mobile devices.
Democratized Creation Tools
Intuitive no-code creation tools will empower everyday users to help build and shape metaverse worlds rather than just developers.
Emergence of Metaverse Browsers
Dedicated browsers purpose-built for navigating the 3D metaverse complete with avatar management and built-in crypto wallets could arise.
Lower Cost Hardware
As sales volume increases, VR/AR headsets and computing hardware costs will decrease allowing more affordable access points.
New Interaction Models
Interfaces ranging from haptic gloves to brain computer interfaces could provide alternatives to handheld controllers for navigation and object manipulation.
Built-In Virtual Assistants
AI helpers will guide users through onboarding, discovery of worlds, people and activities catered to their interests for a smoother experience.
Adoption by Schools
Education institutions may host virtual campuses and activities in metaverse environments as learning tools of the future.
Steady progress expanding technological capabilities, lowering barriers, and driving mass adoption will realize the grand vision of the metaverse as the next evolution of today’s social internet.
Conclusion
While still in its infancy compared to the possibilities ahead, the metaverse provides an exciting glimpse into the future of human connection, community, creativity, and collaboration. Even in its current primitive state, the sense of presence, freedom, and playfulness these virtual worlds can inspire is compelling.
With big tech and venture investments pouring in and groundbreaking visions coming to life, the next decade promises a shift from passive social media consumption to active participation where we collectively cultivate the impossible. Anyone can chip in to shape this future by finding a gateway that resonates with their interests.
As virtual and augmented realities become increasingly indistinguishable from our physical existence, perhaps boundaries between global minds dissolve away leading to greater empathy and unity. Our shared metaverse awaits.
