Ripple's XRP Ledger Expands into xSPECTAR Metaverse Universe

The XRP Ledger (XRPL) has officially launched a digital presence within the xSPECTAR metaverse, establishing a virtual environment designed to support ecosystem engagement and community development. The announcement, shared by XRPL Commons on February 16, 2026, outlined plans to create an interactive space where developers, users, and partners can access information and explore projects built on the XRPL ecosystem.

According to XRPL Commons, the initiative focuses on providing a structured virtual venue for learning and collaboration. Notably, this expansion does not involve the introduction of new protocols, financial products, or blockchain instruments. Instead, it serves as a dedicated environment where stakeholders can interact and access resources related to the XRP Ledger.

Blockchain Networks Embrace Metaverse Functionality Despite Industry Setbacks

The XRPL's entry into the metaverse comes amid a broader reassessment of virtual world platforms. Despite significant financial backing and years of development, mainstream metaverse projects have largely underperformed relative to initial expectations. Platforms such as Meta's Horizon Workrooms, envisioned as immersive collaboration tools, have struggled to gain traction with users. The metaverse sector now serves as a cautionary tale of hype outpacing practical innovation.

Nevertheless, blockchain networks are increasingly exploring immersive digital environments for targeted use cases, including NFT showcases, virtual events, and interactive educational experiences. These networks aim to sidestep the volatility and declining public interest that have affected larger metaverse platforms.

Current market data reflects growing integration between NFTs and metaverse platforms. Over 72% of metaverse platforms now support NFT-based assets, including avatars, wearables, and virtual land. In 2025, NFT sales within metaverse environments exceeded $42 billion, with avatar customization assets representing 31% of all transactions.

Approximately 22 million metaverse users now utilize decentralized identity (DID) systems and wallet-based NFT IDs for verification and access. The virtual land NFT market is projected to expand from $1.1 billion in 2025 to $20.9 billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 34.5%.

Demographic trends show strong adoption among younger users. More than 80% of Gen Z metaverse participants have purchased or traded at least one NFT. Gen Z accounts for 45% of global metaverse users, while Millennials comprise 34%, forming the primary NFT-owning demographics. Corporate NFT initiatives, including branded metaverse wearables, now represent 18% of the total NFT market share.

XRPL Network Activity and Transaction Metrics

The XRP Ledger continues to process substantial transaction volume through its native exchange infrastructure. On-chain data indicates that average daily transactions increased 3.1% quarter over quarter, reaching approximately 1.83 million in the fourth quarter of 2025. However, average daily active addresses declined to roughly 49,000 during the same period.

Payment transactions decreased 8.1% to approximately 909,000, while offer creation expanded to about 42% of the overall transaction mix. According to DefiLlama, stablecoins circulating on XRPL totaled approximately $418 million, with RLUSD accounting for roughly 83% of that figure.

The XRPL decentralized exchange (DEX) recorded about $38.21 million in total value locked and approximately $15.08 million in 24-hour trading volume, with cumulative volume reaching around $2.019 billion.

Transaction costs on the network begin at 0.00001 XRP, ensuring minimal fees for moving assets, particularly RLUSD, even during periods of high trading activity.

XRPL Surpasses Solana in Real-World Asset Tokenization

In a significant development, XRPL has overtaken Solana in real-world asset (RWA) tokenization when excluding stablecoins. The XRP Ledger recorded approximately $1.756 billion in total on-chain real-world assets, compared to roughly $1.682 billion on Solana.

XRPL's represented asset value surged by more than 270% over a one-month period, while Solana's RWA value grew by approximately 40% during the same timeframe. This shift signals evolving institutional activity within the cryptocurrency ecosystem and positions XRPL as an increasingly competitive platform for tokenized real-world assets.

Coinasity's Take

XRPL's expansion into the xSPECTAR metaverse represents a measured approach to virtual engagement, focusing on utility rather than speculation. While mainstream metaverse platforms have faltered, blockchain networks are carving out niche applications that align with their core functionalities. More notably, XRPL's rapid growth in RWA tokenization—outpacing Solana with a 270% monthly increase—demonstrates genuine institutional momentum. The combination of low transaction costs, growing stablecoin circulation, and leadership in real-world asset representation positions XRPL as a serious contender in the evolving tokenization landscape.