Persistent 18+ open-world social VR platform from Somnium Space Ltd. featuring custom avatars, user-built worlds, full-body tracking, and live events, returning to Steam Early Access as a free-to-play release in December 2026.
Somnium Space is a persistent, open-world social VR platform developed and published by Somnium Space Ltd. Originally launched as a shared virtual world for PC VR headsets and desktop users, the platform is scheduled to return to SteamVR Early Access as a free-to-play release in December 2026—supporting PC VR headsets, Valve Steam Frame, and flatscreen Steam Deck play.
Persistent single-shard world and creator SDK
Unlike room-based social VR platforms divided purely into temporary instances, Somnium Space centers on a continuous shared landscape surrounded by user-customized parcels, amphitheaters, art galleries, and waterfront hangouts, paired with sub-worlds for dedicated events and games:
- Custom avatars and full-body tracking: Creators can upload rigged 3D avatars and custom environments via the Somnium Unity SDK, with native support for multi-point full-body tracking, spatialized voice chat, and expressive hand and facial animations.
- Live events, concerts, and creator tools: Built-in streaming cameras, virtual screens, weather and day-night cycles, and amphitheater stages host live DJ performances, community meetups, and virtual exhibitions.
- Cross-mode VR and flatscreen access: Users can explore seamlessly in room-scale or seated VR using tracked motion controllers, or join friends from a traditional PC monitor or Steam Deck handheld.
December 2026 Steam Early Access return and 18+ age verification
After being removed from Steam during Valve's 2021 sweep against blockchain and NFT integrations—operating through its own standalone PC client in the years since—Somnium Space rebuilt a dedicated Steam Early Access edition compliant with Valve's storefront rules:
- Blockchain-free Steam build: The Steam Early Access release removes all cryptocurrency and NFT features, keeping creator tipping and optional monetization strictly external to the Steam client.
- Mandatory free age verification: Positioned explicitly as an adults-only (18+) social VR platform, Somnium Space requires a free one-time age verification check before entering public social spaces.
- Hardware targets: Designed for OpenXR and SteamVR headsets—including Somnium VR1, Valve Index, Valve Steam Frame, and Quest headsets over PC streaming—alongside non-VR desktop play.
