As we delve into the exciting world of metaverse platforms, it’s important to keep in mind that no two metaverse projects are exactly alike. With 20 platforms on my radar, I’ve seen first-hand the unique approaches each is taking to stand out from the crowd and offer innovative features. However, with many projects still in development, it can be difficult to keep up with the rapidly changing landscape.
It’s worth noting that this list may become outdated quickly, as new advancements are made and new players enter the market. But despite the challenges, I’ve managed to narrow down my list to the top 5 metaverse platforms that I believe are on the right track. So without further ado, let’s take a look at the cream of the crop in the exciting world of metaverse technology.
Hyperfy is my go-to platform for all things metaverse and I have set up my headquarters here for good reason. The platform boasts a user-friendly interface with a clean and simple design that just works. Unlike other metaverse platforms, Hyperfy does not overwhelm users with confusing documentation and technical aspects are kept behind the scenes, making it accessible for all users.
It’s worth noting that Hyperfy is a closed metaverse, meaning that you mint your own world on the ETH blockchain for a fee, and access it with your Metamask wallet. This offers the added benefit of exclusive ownership, as you do not need to worry about other users building something inappropriate next to your landplot. Collaboration with others is possible, but your world remains yours alone.
To take full advantage of Hyperfy, some 3D modeling skills are required. However, if you lack these skills, you can hire someone to convert designs into 3D models for you. With the right skill set, Hyperfy is easy to use and offers endless possibilities for customization.
Please note that the platform is still in development and new features are being added regularly, so a comprehensive list of features is not included here as it may become outdated quickly. Despite this, I highly recommend Hyperfy to anyone looking to get started in the exciting world of metaverse technology. It is my absolute favorite and offers a unique and seamless experience.
Decentraland is the only open metaverse platform on this list and is a well-known name in the metaverse community. It has been around for several years now, and has gained a lot of attention in the crypto world due to its innovative features and the MANA token.
In Decentraland, anyone can buy land on the common map and build their own projects, and they’ve recently started exploring the concept of closed metaverse extensions as well. The platform is vibrant with the creation of avatar fashion, and big brands have taken notice even if they haven’t actively participated yet.
However, despite the excitement, Decentraland can sometimes feel deserted, particularly during bear markets in the crypto world. Some have criticized the hype around Decentraland as being unjustified, but it remains a great place to start your metaverse journey. The platform has a well-functioning DAO, which allows for decentralized decision-making and ensures that the community’s interests are taken into account.
To participate in Decentraland, you don’t need to own land as it is an open metaverse. However, if you want to build something on the common map, you’ll need to buy a land plot on the open market, which can cost anywhere from 2-5k USD or more, depending on the size of the plot. Registering your personal name NFT will cost around 100 MANA. You will then own your NFT in your wallet and be able to purchase various wearable items for your avatar on the Decentraland marketplace or on Opensea by bridging some MANA tokens from Ethereum to the Polygon network.
Spatial is a closed metaverse that seems to be targeting a more corporate audience, as evidenced by their active promotion on LinkedIn. The platform offers a set of tools designed for community management and professional settings, with both a mobile app and VR integration, putting them in a leading position in the metaverse space.
There are paid premium features available for more advanced community hosting tools and increased capacity. While web3 technology does play a role on Spatial, it is not at the forefront like with many other web3 native platforms. This means that users do not need a web3 wallet to use the platform, and it can be accessed using web2 technology.
Oncyber started as an NFT gallery template provider and was a pioneer in the early metaverse space. While initially offering prefabricated spaces to its primarily NFT-savvy community, Oncyber has now given its users more creative freedom to design and share their own spaces. With its strong team, the platform is rapidly expanding into a full-fledged closed metaverse and is becoming a serious competitor to players like Spatial and Hyperfy. Keeping up with who is leading in this segment can be challenging, but Oncyber is expected to be a key player in the closed metaverse market.
Monaverse is positioning itself as an aesthetically advanced metaverse, offering high-quality graphics and performance. However, this comes at the cost of a higher barrier to entry, as creating and importing your own models requires a higher level of technical know-how. Despite this, I believe that as technology advances, Monaverse will become a leading player in the metaverse space, due to its focus on delivering higher quality experiences which are likely to appeal to early adopters of web3 technology from the NFT space.
