How to Play Otherside

Otherside is a metaverse gaming platform developed by Yuga Labs, the creators of the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC). Built on Unreal Engine with Improbable's networking technology (now brought in-house), Otherside features a persistent virtual world where NFT holders can explore, socialize, and participate in interactive experiences. Following years of development and multiple "Trips" (limited testing events), the Koda Nexus hub launched in November 2025 and the platform is adding resource and crafting systems through 2026, all powered by ApeChain.

Getting Started

What you need:

• A PC capable of running Unreal Engine games (minimum GTX 1060, 8GB RAM; recommended RTX 3060+, 16GB RAM)
• An Ethereum-compatible wallet (MetaMask recommended)
• An Otherside account linked to your wallet
• Ideally: an Otherdeed land NFT, Koda NFT, or Voyager NFT for full participation

Minimum investment: This is one of the most expensive blockchain game ecosystems to enter. Otherdeed land NFTs have floor prices that fluctuate significantly but have historically ranged from 0.5-3 ETH ($1,500-$10,000+). Kodas (rare creatures attached to some Otherdeeds) are even more expensive. However, Yuga has introduced lower-cost entry points including Voyager NFTs and the Amazon-partnered Boximus character, which can be obtained for significantly less.

Blockchain: ApeChain (Yuga Labs' custom blockchain) and Ethereum for primary NFTs. APE token is the ecosystem currency.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Set up MetaMask, install the browser extension and create a wallet. Fund with ETH.
2. Acquire an Otherdeed, Koda, or Voyager, purchase from OpenSea or Blur. Otherdeeds are the land parcels that form the world. Some come with Kodas (rare creatures). Voyagers are newer, more affordable entry characters.
3. Visit otherside.xyz, create an account and link your wallet containing your NFTs.
4. Download the Otherside client, the game requires a dedicated desktop application, distributed through the official site.
5. Configure ApeChain, add ApeChain to your wallet for in-world transactions. The game interface provides guidance for this.
6. Enter the Nexus, the Koda Nexus serves as the central social and interactive hub. From here, you can access various experiences and activities.

Core Gameplay Loop

Otherside is evolving from event-based "Trips" into a persistent world. Here is what is currently available:

• Koda Nexus, the central hub launched in November 2025. A social space where players gather, interact, and access activities. Features interactive elements and serves as the jumping-off point for other experiences.
• Exploration, traverse the Otherside world map. Each Otherdeed represents a unique plot of land with different environments (biomes) and resources.
• Resources (2026 Feature), the new Resources system introduces land production, gathering, and crafting mechanics. Different land types produce different materials, creating a player-driven economy.
• Crafting, use gathered resources to create items, structures, and tools. This system is being rolled out through 2026.
• Social Interaction, voice chat, emotes, and cooperative activities with other players in real-time within the world.
• Community Events, Yuga Labs runs organized events (successors to the original "Trips") with unique gameplay experiences, puzzles, and rewards.
• AI World-Building Tools, new tools allow players to customize their land plots and create experiences for other players to discover.

The experience is currently more social and exploratory than traditionally "gamey." Hardcore gameplay systems are still being developed.

Earning Mechanics

APE Token: The ecosystem token used for transactions, governance, and rewards within Otherside. Earned through participation in events and activities.

NFT Appreciation: Otherdeed and Koda NFTs have significant secondary market value. As features are added to the world, land in desirable locations or with valuable resource types may appreciate.

Resources Economy: The 2026 Resources system is designed to create a functional in-game economy where resources, crafted items, and services have trade value powered by ApeChain.

Amazon Partnership: The Boximus Voyager drop with Amazon Gaming introduced NFTs to a mainstream audience, potentially expanding the ecosystem.

Realistic expectations: Otherside is primarily a digital real estate and community play. Active earning through gameplay is limited as of early 2026. Most value comes from NFT ownership and potential appreciation, which is highly speculative. The Resources system may create more active earning opportunities as it matures.

Beginner Tips and Strategy

• Start with a Voyager if Otherdeeds are too expensive. Voyager NFTs provide access to the Nexus and basic activities at a fraction of the cost of land ownership.
• Understand that this is early. Despite years of development, Otherside is still adding core features. The experience will be limited compared to what is eventually planned.
• Join the community. The BAYC and Otherside Discord communities are active and informative. Participating in community events is the primary way to get value from the platform currently.
• Monitor the Resources rollout. The 2026 resource system will significantly change the economic dynamics of land ownership. Pay attention to which land types produce which resources.
• Do not over-invest. Otherdeed floor prices have fluctuated dramatically. Buy into Otherside because you are genuinely interested in the Yuga Labs ecosystem, not because you expect guaranteed returns.
• Ensure your PC meets requirements. The Unreal Engine client is resource-intensive. A mid-range gaming PC from 2020 or newer is recommended.

Common Issues and Solutions

"The client is lagging or crashing." Otherside uses UE5 with multiplayer networking. Lower graphics settings, ensure drivers are updated, and close background applications. 16GB RAM and an SSD significantly improve performance.

"I cannot connect my wallet." Ensure MetaMask is on the correct network (Ethereum for NFTs, ApeChain for in-world). Try disconnecting and reconnecting. Clear browser cache if using the web portal.

"Otherdeed prices are too high." Look into Voyager NFTs or the Boximus Amazon drop for lower-cost entry. Not all participation requires land ownership.

"There is not much to do yet." This is a common complaint. Otherside is building incrementally. The Nexus, exploration, and community events are available now. More structured gameplay (resources, crafting) is rolling out through 2026.

"I do not understand ApeChain." ApeChain is Yuga Labs' dedicated blockchain for the BAYC/Otherside ecosystem. It handles in-game transactions with lower fees than Ethereum mainnet. The game interface will guide you through adding it to your wallet.

FAQ

Is Otherside playable in 2026? Yes, with caveats. The Koda Nexus is live, exploration is possible, and events run regularly. However, core gameplay systems (resources, crafting, structured progression) are still being rolled out. It is more of a social platform than a complete game at this stage.

Do I need a Bored Ape to play? No. Otherside is separate from BAYC ownership. You need Otherside-specific NFTs (Otherdeeds, Kodas, or Voyagers). BAYC owners received free Otherdeeds in the original claim, but new players buy Otherside NFTs directly.

How much does it cost to get started? Voyager NFTs offer the cheapest entry point (variable pricing, sometimes under $100). Otherdeeds range from 0.5-3+ ETH. Kodas are the most expensive at several ETH. Plus you need ETH for gas fees.

What is the long-term vision? Yuga Labs aims to build a persistent metaverse with a player-driven economy, user-generated experiences, and integration across its IP portfolio (BAYC, Otherside, etc.). The full vision is ambitious and still years from completion.

Is Otherside worth investing in? This is a high-risk investment tied to the broader Yuga Labs ecosystem and NFT market sentiment. The project has significant backing and brand recognition but has been slow to deliver gameplay relative to its hype. Invest only what you can lose.

How does Otherside compare to Wilder World or Decentraland? Otherside has the strongest IP (BAYC) and largest community but is the least feature-complete as a game. Decentraland is fully live but dated. Wilder World is more graphically ambitious but similarly early in delivery.