Image via Complex Original
Did you miss out on ComplexLand last year (or are you excited to return to the virtual world)? Good news: ComplexLand is back in a new, 2.0 version with more drops, activations, and features to take your virtual experience to the next level.
Running from 11 a.m. PST on Wednesday, June 16, through 7 p.m. PST on Friday, June 18, ComplexLand 2.0 boasts NFTs, collectibles, a new marketplace, and much, much more. Whether you participated in the 2020 events or are venturing out into the virtual world for the first time this year, there are a few things to know in order to make the most of your experience. Here are the essentials on the shops, drops, and other features in this quick overview of all the things that make ComplexLand 2.0 a can’t-miss event.
ComplexLand takes place from June 16 to June 18. For more info and access, sign up at complexland.com.
Creating and customizing your avatar
When you arrive at ComplexLand, you’ll want to deck out your avatar. ComplexLand 2.0 lets you link to your IG account in order to show off your true self, but as you explore the virtual playground, you can also use emotes to broadcast your feelings, or tweak your outfit and more, by clicking on your avatar. When you start out, you’ll be able to choose from different outfits in a special collection provided by Farfetch, including virtual tops and bottoms from Heron Preston, Palm Angels, Marcelo Burlon, and more. Want pink hair? Go for it. As you navigate each of the neighborhoods in ComplexLand, you’ll also be able to collect coins to use on other special items. You can even change the glowing aura that serves as a spectral replacement for your character’s skin tone to reflect your mood.
The landscape
You’ll be dropped into the City Center to begin your virtual adventures, but that’s just the beginning of what you’ll explore. Other neighborhoods and playgrounds radiate out of the City Center, including hiBye, Astral Market, Sunset Lagoon, and The Boro. You’ll definitely want to return to the City Center to check out panels at FX’s DAVE Theater, but here’s what to expect from each area.
hiBye: Modeled after the Los Angeles hills, hiBye is where you’ll find the ComplexLand Galleria, featuring three different “Brands to Watch.” There are also photo moments to check out in this area.
Astral Market: This Tokyo-inspired nighttime market is home to a number of brands that you’ll definitely want to check out. Nearby you can also find a giant replica of the Luis Guzman-designed Los Calientes hot sauce bottle.
Sunset Lagoon: If you want to check some of ComplexLand’s unique artist collaborations, this is the place to be. This Caribbean-inspired beachfront is host to the Pigeons & Planes pop-up, with access to collabs with The 1975 and other musicians, not to mention the Dr Pepper Zero Sugar x Lyrical Lemonade activation. You’ll also find the RTFKT virtual sneaker activation in Sunset Lagoon, making this a must-visit location.
The Boro: Inspired by the concrete jungles of NYC, The Boro is home to 99th Street (in partnership with 99designs by Vistaprint), which will feature five small businesses getting their time in the spotlight alongside other big names on the platform, plus the chance to view and bid on NFTs in the floating Museum north of The Boro.
Brand-new to ComplexLand 2.0: the selfie cam
Another feature that’s new to ComplexLand 2.0 is the ability to take screenshots with a camera during your adventures, as well as at specific photo moments. Emote for the camera, choose from different angles, zoom in or out, and share your snapshots on your socials to show off the discoveries you make exploring each neighborhood and the drops you score. There are even a few hidden snapshot moments waiting to be discovered.
Multiplayer experience
Also new to ComplexLand is the opportunity to explore each neighborhood alongside friends and strangers. Whether you’re interested in meeting up with people from around the world or starting a private session with up to 50 of your closest friends, the multiplayer options in 2.0 add another dimension to your experience.
Shops
One of the biggest draws of ComplexLand 2.0 is its curated shops and the exclusive deals that run throughout the multi-day event. Brands like Atmos, Topps, Super Plastic, Billionaire Boys Club, Adidas, Lyrical Lemonade, Nicekicks, the NBA, Timberland, Staple, Rtkft, and more will all have new releases and surprise drops throughout the three days. Plus, there will be ComplexLand exclusives—items that won’t be found anywhere else.
At the same time, the “Brands to Watch” space in hiBye will highlight Hayato, JÉBLANC, and Tombogo, all of which will have exclusive pieces for sale. And the Complex SHOP will present OBJECTS, an initiative that will see five brands offering one object each: “The World Within,” a silkscreen poster from Total Luxury Spa; a special edition of All Gone, a book chronicling some of the most important items in streetwear, with a cover exclusive to ComplexLand; a Camp High rug by Noreen Seabrook; coffee mugs by Aries; and a re-release of The Hundreds’ “Adam Bomb” Modernica side table.
Drops
A reason to check into ComplexLand each day is to find exclusive drops and other surprises. Many of these drops occur in playground zones of ComplexLand that otherwise serve as spots to connect with other users. Make sure to check out the desert playground near hiBye, as well as the concrete playground near Sunset Lagoon, in order to see if different avatar upgrades and limited-edition items are up for grabs. You’ll also get notifications during the day that will help point you to a specific drop zone on the map—although it’s just as likely you’ll see a queue forming as you explore on foot. You may even be able to snag something as part of a giveaway, so your navigational skills will definitely be rewarded as you check out each spot.
Monuments
An exciting feature for long-time fans of Complex is the 2022 Complex monument, which celebrates 20 years of Complex. Each of the light-up steps will represent a year in the platform’s history, since its founding in 2002. With 12 of the most significant Complex covers featured in this museum-style gallery, you’ll be able to relive some major moments from Complex’s past; just hover over each cover to learn more. You can also check out monuments celebrating shows including Sneaker Shopping, Full Size Run, and Complex Brackets.
The Leaderboard
The Leaderboard is another new feature that gamifies your journey through ComplexLand. Coin spawns add to your point totals, entering you into daily prize drawings for the Top 10 users, as well as giving you the chance to upgrade your avatar. (This feature will only be accessible to residents of the United States).
FX’s DAVE Theater
What would a virtual destination be without entertainment to break up your shopping and exploring? Located in the City Center, FX’s DAVE Theater (sponsored by the FX series DAVE—look for the anteater) is your destination for panels, performances, and more.
At 6 p.m. PST/8 p.m. EST Wednesday, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith will speak with Complex’s Pierce Simpson in a conversation titled “Fear Nothing & Say What You Mean.”
On Thursday, at the same time, Jim Jones will talk “The Best Rap Music of 2021 (so Far)” with Brian “B. Dot” Miller, host of Complex Brackets and author of this list.
And on Friday, at 6:30 p.m. PST/9:30 p.m. EST, Saweetie (featured on our latest cover) will close things out with an Icy University Content Creator Masterclass, with Natasha Martinez as host.
ComplexLand takes place from June 16 to June 18. For more info and access, sign up at complexland.com.