# Getting Started

**The Gotchiverse is currently in a closed alpha phase, which means you'll need an Aavegotchi to join!** 

**For tips on choosing an Aavegotchi, check out the** [**Choosing a Gotchi**](https://docs.gotchiverse.io/resources/guides/choosing-a-gotchi) **guide.**

## How to enter the Gotchiverse

### **1. Setup your blockchain wallet**

Make sure you have a blockchain wallet such as Metamask, Frame, or WalletConnect installed in your browser.

*Don't have a blockchain wallet? Check out **this** helpful tutorial on setting one up!*

![The Connect to Polygon button will appear if you aren't connected to Polygon](https://853031207-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Mb4fCbd_7xII2vY_Vc9%2Fuploads%2F8UOEbHyTDlY7Rn1As38a%2FScreen%20Shot%202022-07-04%20at%2012.25.22%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=c2971571-970e-436e-ba13-a8795362301f)

### **2. Connect to Polygon**

The Gotchiverse is deployed on Polygon Mainnet, a sidechain of Ethereum. To enter, you'll first need to connect to Polygon.

Visit <https://verse.aavegotchi.com> (the official Gotchiverse dApp). If you see a "Switch to Polygon" button, simply click that button to connect to Polygon network.

### 3. Get an Aavegotchi

In our current phase, an Aavegotchi is required to enter the Gotchiverse.&#x20;

There are two main ways to acquire an Aavegotchi:&#x20;

1. Purchase one from the Aavegotchi Baazaar
2. Borrow one trustlessly using [Gotchi Lending](https://docs.gotchiverse.io/resources/guides/gotchi-lending)

### 4. (Optional) Get MATIC Token

MATIC token is the gas token of Polygon, which means you'll need to spend some to make transactions on the network.&#x20;

You can get MATIC token by bridging from Ethereum, topping up with a credit card, or swapping other tokens.&#x20;

### 5. (Optional) Get GHST Token

Both of the options in Step #3 may require you to spend some GHST Token, so if you don't have any yet, you can easily acquire some via Quickswap, the leading DEX on Polygon, or Binance.&#x20;

## **Entering the Gotchiverse**

Once you've gotten your Aavegotchi, you can now enter the Great Portal and [spawn](https://docs.gotchiverse.io/gameplay/spawning) in the Gotchiverse!

### Activities in the Gotchiverse

We have the best game devs in crypto! They are constantly shipping new features to the Gotchiverse.&#x20;

Here's what you can do right now in the Gotchiverse:

1. Decorate your REALM Parcel with limited edition tiles and Installations;
2. Build up your farming operation and start [harvesting Alchemica](https://docs.gotchiverse.io/gameplay/farming/farming-your-parcel);
3. Earn Gotchi UBI by [Channeling](https://docs.gotchiverse.io/gameplay/farming/alchemical-channeling) with your Aavegotchi every day;
4. [Pick up Alchemica](https://docs.gotchiverse.io/gameplay/farming/picking-up-alchemica) spilled by other players (currently happens every Saturday 2PM-4PM UTC!);
5. Chat with your friends via Chat Bubbles;
6. Check out people's parcels to get some inspiration for your own.&#x20;

#### For more details on what's coming, check out our [roadmap](https://docs.gotchiverse.io/overview/roadmap)!