ApeCoin dropped a major update: holders of Runestones, a popular Bitcoin Ordinals collection, can now mint playable 3D avatars through the Terminus portal for use inside the Otherside metaverse. The feature was developed by Novel Productions and allows eligible holders to convert their Runestones NFTs into in-game characters. Runestones creator Leonidas publicly tested the process, and early gameplay clips surfaced shortly after launch.
How Runestone Avatars Work in Otherside
Runestones launched in early 2024 on Bitcoin using Ordinals technology, which attaches NFTs directly to Bitcoin transactions. Once minted, the avatars can be used in Otherside's MMORPG environment — players explore a virtual world, complete missions, fight enemies, mine resources, and earn experience points (XP). Some activities also offer potential $APE rewards, the platform's native token. This integration creates a direct bridge between Bitcoin Ordinals and the ApeChain-powered Otherside ecosystem, demonstrating cross-chain NFT utility.
The update also introduced four new avatar sets from ApeChain-based projects, each with exclusive lore for holders. These moves are part of a series of similar additions since late 2025 as Otherside expands its player base.
$APE Price Shows Little Reaction
Despite the announcement, $APE traded at around $0.1085, near all-time lows. The token has lost over 43% in the past 30 days, with no significant volume spike tied to the Runestone news. The weakness is largely driven by sector rotation — capital flowing out of high-beta altcoins as the Altcoin Season Index slid to 30. The broader market remains in extreme fear territory.
Why the Update Still Matters
While the price impact was minimal, the integration highlights a broader 2026 trend: NFTs shifting from static collectibles toward real in-game utility. By connecting Bitcoin Ordinals with a gaming ecosystem, ApeCoin and Otherside continue experimenting with cross-chain use cases focused on long-term engagement rather than short-term hype.