Ready to Rumble? Here’s Everything You Need to Access the Virtual Burn

The digital gates to Virtual Burn 2021* are about to open! Tens of thousands of Burners and new faces will be welcomed Home to pixel-populated playas filled with mind-bending art, events, people, and performances. 

Thanks to the generous spirit of the independent teams behind these magical experiences, all of them are now accessible for free for you to World hop to your heart’s desire.

After you register here, follow the access guide below to get all the details — the devices, downloads, and easy steps you need to take to go adventuring through the six official Worlds, the 2021 Virtual Temple interactive experience, and even our virtual Regional Event. Trust us, it’s easier than playing Tetris with your playa gear or finding your crew on Tutu Tuesday. 

For more detailed information, peruse the Virtual Burn 2021 World Access Guide. (You’re encouraged to update your device with the latest operating system to optimize your virtual adventuring!) Need help? Have questions? Email us at vb-inquiries@burningman.org

BRCvr

Get your virtual reality headset or laptop ready and dive into a diverse, creative Burning Man-inspired community. Through its immersive and inclusive social experiences, BRCvr encourages collaboration, elevates artists, and delights participants. Join like-minded creators, technologists, dreamers, and pranksters in adventuring through hundreds of camps, art installations, and performances. You can even visit a retrospective of the Burning Man Temples from 2000-2021!

• App Download Required: Yes
• Compatible Devices: PC, Mac, VR headsets, and mobile
• Step 1: Visit altvr.com to download the 2D version or search for ‘Altspace’ in your VR headset’s storefront.
• Step 2: Select ‘Sign Up’ to create an account [Remember to note your username and password].
• Step 3: Follow the tutorial; or if you’re adventurous, skip to ‘Explore on my own.’
• Step 4: Once registered, go to ‘Settings’ and opt into the top two options: ‘Participate in Early Access Program’ and ‘Enable Worlds Beta.’ These must be triggered to have full access to all the BRCvr worlds. 
• Step 5: Now you’re ready to travel to BRCvr. Click on ‘Worlds’ and ‘BRCvr 2021’ should immediately pop up; or scroll through to find the clickable tile.

Build-A-Burn

Chat-based Build-A-Burn on the Topia platform is an incredible network of browser-based worlds full of moments of spontaneity and serendipity. Once you are greeted at the main gate, you can explore on your own, or jump on the Sparkle Pony Express to learn about the 10 Principles. There are numerous camps, art installations, video streams — and adorable avatars, aka “Topis,” running around!

• App Download Required: No
• Compatible Devices: PC, Mac, and mobile (beta) [Chrome, Edge, or Brave browsers recommended]
• Step 1: Navigate to topia.io/burn 
• Step 2: Create or sign into your Topia account.
• Step 3: Enter Display Name (visible to everyone in the world — playa name recommended).
• Step 4: Accept camera and mic permissions.
• Step 5: You’re in! Simply click to move around the space. You will connect via video when your avatar gets close to another person’s avatar.

Burn Week: Global Live Stream

To watch live broadcasts from all that is happening during Burn Week, visit the global live stream via your PC, Mac, or mobile phone. 

• App Download Required: No
• Compatible Devices: PC, Mac, and Mobile
• Step 1: Visit portl.com/burnweek
• Step 2: Create an account.
• Step 3: Add profile pic and details, then explore!
  

BURN2

BURN2 is a virtual Regional Burn that has been burning brightly year-round for many years. Expect a welcoming global avatar community that celebrates the culture of Burning Man in the unique environment of Second Life — complete with Lamplighters, fire dancers, Rangers, a complete DMV, and mutant vehicles! 

• App Download Required: Yes
• Compatible Devices: PC, Mac, and Linux
• Step 1: Visit secondlife.com to create an avatar and account.
• Step 2: Download a Viewer the Second Life Viewer secondlife.com/support/downloads or for more seasoned users, try Firestorm (recommended): firestormviewer.org/downloads
• Step 3: Once installed, copy and paste this address (called an SLURL) into the address bar at the top of your viewer and hit enter: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Burning%20Man-%20Deep%20Hole/177/32/25

Dusty Multiverse

If you have your phone handy (and who doesn’t) you can bring the Virtual Burn with you everywhere. This 3D digital destiny of dancing and dialoguing will connect you with Burners across the global community.

• App Download Required: Yes
• Compatible Devices: iOs and Android (Oculus Quest ~8/30)
• Step 1: Download from iTunes App Store and Google Play (visit dustymultiverse.com with VR download instructions).
• Step 2: Register and you’re off to the races.

The Luminous Lotus Temple

This is the official Temple of Virtual Burn 2021, where a dedicated interactive experience awaits you. A fusion of petals and pixels, the Lotus Temple is where you can make offerings and go on a spiritual and emotional journey of healing and rebirth. The virtual doors will open officially on August 29 and culminate with the ceremonial Temple Burning on September 5, 2021.

• App Download Required: Yes
• Compatible Devices: PC and Mac
• Step 1: Visit luminouslotustemple.com to RSVP
• Step 2: You will receive email updates letting you know when the app is available for download. 

The Infinite Playa

This lush photo-realistic digital simulation of the playa puts participants at the center of an interactive and social world of art, music, games, talks and performances. Customize your 3D avatar and cruise the playa with friends and connect with virtual Burners from around the world.

• App Download Required: Optional
• Compatible Devices: PC 
• Step 1: Visit theinfiniteplaya.com
• Step 2: Create an account.
• Step 3: Sign the terms & conditions and code of conduct.
• Step 4: Enter the Infinite Playa!

SparkleVerse

Explore a magical patchwork of art, music, and experiences created by the community with a simple-to-follow 2D browser-based map with social features. No download required! All you need is the internet and a webcam! 

• App Download Required: No
• Compatible Devices: PC, Mac, and Mobile
• Step 1: Visit sparklever.se to register.
• Step 2: You will be emailed access details.
• Step 3: On registration, over a series of screens sign up using your email, date of birth, alias, profile pic; and accept terms of service.
• Step 4: You’re in!

No matter which World or how many avatar journeys you embark on, you’ll be joining the global Burning Man community on a wild and wondrous adventure of self-discovery and co-creation. We couldn’t be more excited to see the cyber gates opening. Welcome HOME!

*Virtual Burn 2021 is being created by the community for the community. Burning Man Project is facilitating participation in these independent experiences by making tickets available on behalf of their producers. See the Virtual Burn 2021 FAQ for more details, including Burning Man Project’s ticket terms and conditions and the contact information for each experience.

Cover image: Acavallo Art Car by Quill Hyde, Image courtesy of Dusty Multiverse