20th February, 2026 – ApeCoin has opened the Otherside metaverse to Bitcoin Runestone holders, allowing them to claim free 3D Runestone Voyagers avatars and get full access to the Ape powered metaRPG.
Any Runestone wallet can connect at otherside.xyz/avatars or through the Terminus portal by Novel Productions and enter the world. No BAYC, MAYC, Otherdeed, or purchase is required. This is the largest cross chain expansion in Otherside’s history, connecting Bitcoin’s Ordinals community to Yuga Labs’ ecosystem and expanding ApeCoin’s utility across quests, events, crafting, and in game commerce as Voyager 2.0 approaches.
High Signal Summary For A Quick Glance
- Runestone holders can claim a free avatar and gain access to the Otherside metaverse.
- Otherside officially expands beyond Ethereum, integrating Bitcoin Ordinals participants.
- ApeCoin gains expanded utility as new users enter the ecosystem and participate in-game.
- Marks a major step in connecting Bitcoin NFT ecosystems with Ethereum-based metaverse infrastructure.
- Retail traders: Runestone holders gain free avatars and metaverse access, boosting interest in RUNESTONE and APE.
- Long-term holders: APE, BAYC, MAYC, and land holders benefit from increased user activity and ecosystem engagement.
- Builders: Bitcoin Ordinals creators and Yuga Labs partners gain new cross-chain integration opportunities.
- Broader market: Establishes a significant bridge between Bitcoin NFTs and Ethereum metaverse ecosystems.
What Led to This
Otherside is Yuga Labs’ large metaverse project powered by ApeCoin. Since launching in 2022, it has grown from a land sale into a multiplayer online world with live events and expanding gameplay features.
Now, Bitcoin Runestone holders are being added to the ecosystem. Runestone is one of the biggest Bitcoin Ordinals collections, widely known in the crypto community. By bringing Bitcoin NFTs into Otherside, Yuga Labs is connecting two major communities. Similar moves in the past have increased activity around ApeCoin and boosted interest in the platform.
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What Remains to Be Covered
The announcement gave no details on gameplay parity for the new Runestone Voyagers. It is still unclear whether Bitcoin holders will receive the same starting resources, quest rewards, land interaction rights, or in-game economy privileges as existing BAYC/Otherdeed owners, or if they will get any exclusive Bitcoin-native traits or mechanics.Yuga Labs also stayed silent on infrastructure and economic impact.
There was zero mention of expected player influx numbers, ApeChain server upgrades, potential effects on APE token velocity, in-game inflation, moderation plans for a now cross-chain community, or any ApeCoin DAO governance vote tied to this integration.
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What to Watch Next
Runestone avatar claims and player numbers: Track how many of the 112k+ holders claim avatars in the first 48 to 72 hours and how it affects active users.
APE price and on chain volume: Watch for price moves and higher ApeChain activity from quests, land rentals, and in game purchases.
Voyager 2.0 timeline: Follow Yuga Labs updates on full gameplay, resource systems, and land utility.
Next cross chain partnerships: Look for more Bitcoin Ordinals or other blockchain communities joining Otherside.
