Access the popular virtual world via VR or Desktop
Somnium Space is a highly immersive social virtual world with its economy and asset ownership tied to the blockchain. Users employ a variety of tools in order to create and consume various types of experiences. The Somnium Space economy has already surpassed millions of dollars of traded goods and services among its players, with thousands of users entering the platform on a monthly basis. The easiest way to enter Somnium Space is via web browser as well as through PC 2D and VR clients. Before we dive in, let’s take a quick tour of Somnium Space so you can get a better feel for the place.
Three ways to experience Somnium Space
The first and easiest way is by using the web browser (also referred to as Somnium WEB). Available to both PC and Mac users. No download, registration, or installation is required, simply use a URL, and you will be teleported directly to the parcel. Try this one for example: https://somniumspace.com/parcel/592.
When using web access you are limited to visiting parcels, and you will not be interacting in real-time with users that have joined in VR or 2D. What you see here is different from what full VR/2D users see. For example, the Tron Club, owned by Artur Sychov, founder and CEO of Somnium Space and built by Djembe Dragonfire is one of the most epic and built-out parcels on the platform. Due to its custom nature, however, you do not get the full experience in the Web version.
However, the web client is a perfect solution for events and meetings where anyone using any device can join. And it is surprisingly feature-rich. Read The Metaverse In Your Pocket: How SomniumWEB is Changing the Game, Again. for a deep dive on everything it has to offer.
How to play Somnium Space without a VR headset
You can play Somnium Space without VR like classic games. Somnium Space calls it 2D. It’s not a classic 2D game however, but a third-person view. Players can then enjoy Somnium Space life with other 2D and VR players.
Video tutorial: Setting up your account and installing the PC client
How to play Somnium Space with a VR headset
First, follow the steps above to create an account and download the PC client software. There are several things you need to do before being able to roam freely around Somnium Space utilizing your VR headset:
- Download Steam and create an account.
- Download Steam VR
- Default Steam VR resolution can be too high for your graphics card. The best way to improve performance is to reduce the VR resolution. The video below shows how to change VR resolution:
- Access your desktop in VR.
- Some software exists to access your desktop in VR.
- You have a floating window that you can interact with.
- You can then access your desktop app in VR (Discord, internet, OBS, etc)
OVR Toolkit: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1068820/OVR_Toolkit/
Another that works well is: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1173510/XSOverlay/
- Launch Somnium Space in VR Mode
Once you have the Somnium Space client installed on your PC, and have created an account, you are ready to explore Somnium Space, either in 2D mode or in Virtual Reality.
The software will guide you through the simple process of creating an avatar. Select Use this Avatar, close the window, and launch VR or 2D to enter the world. In order to get the best experience from any virtual blockchain world, you should also download and install MetaMask, a free digital wallet, on your browser.
For a full in-depth guide to customizing all aspects of Somnium VR click here.
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