Firestorm Viewer for Linux
The Firestorm Viewer — a popular third-party viewer for Second Life and OpenSim — offers a dedicated Linux version that runs smoothly on most major distributions.
🐧 Key Features
64-bit Linux build available as `.tar.xz` archive
Compatible with Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, and other mainstream distros
Includes nearly all features from the Windows version
Supports advanced rendering, WindLight environments, and OpenSim grids
🔧 Setup Notes
Requires OpenGL and modern GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD recommended)
May need additional libraries like `libfontconfig`, `libgtk`, `libcurl`
Some media features (e.g. streaming) may require `gstreamer` plugins
Launching via terminal helps diagnose missing dependencies
📦 Installation Tips
🧩 Integration Ideas
Firestorm works well with creative Linux workflows — including OBS, virtual camera routing, and Stream Deck automation. Ideal for immersive projects and modular setups.
Linux users now have a powerful, open-source-friendly gateway to virtual worlds.
Alchemy Viewer for Linux
Alchemy Viewer is a modern, community-driven viewer for Second Life and OpenSim. It offers a native Linux build alongside Windows and macOS versions.
🐧 Linux Support
64-bit Linux package available as `.tar.xz`
Actively maintained with regular beta releases
Latest version: 7.1.9.2516
Includes bug fixes, UI enhancements, and UUID-based search features
🔧 Setup Notes
No official support team — help is community-based via Discord and in-world group
Terminal launch recommended for debugging and dependency checks
SHA256 checksum provided for integrity verification
🛠️ Recent Improvements
Fixed account age display issues
Improved Heretic skin visuals
Added UUID-based search for people and groups
Fixed auto-response menu inconsistencies
Improved low-resolution texture upload handling
📦 Installation Tips
🧩 Integration Ideas
Alchemy is well-suited for creative Linux setups — including OBS overlays, virtual camera routing, and modular viewer scripting.
Megapahit Viewer for Linux
Megapahit is a performance-focused viewer for Second Life and OpenSim, offering a Linux build alongside Windows and macOS versions.
🐧 Linux Support
🔧 Setup Notes
🛠️ Features & Philosophy
Emphasis on performance, minimalism, and user control
Customizable UI and rendering options
Suitable for advanced users and creative workflows
📦 Installation Tips
🧩 Integration Ideas
Megapahit pairs well with modular Linux setups — including OBS overlays, virtual camera routing, and viewer scripting. Ideal for users who value speed, control, and open-source flexibility.
Linux Viewer Comparison: Firestorm vs Alchemy vs Megapahit
This table compares three actively maintained viewers for Second Life and OpenSim, all offering native Linux builds.
| Viewer | Linux Support | Latest Version | Key Features | Community Support |
| Firestorm | ✅ 64-bit `.tar.xz` | Varies by release | Full feature parity with Windows. SteamVR, WindLight, OpenSim support | Large user base, active forums, in-world groups |
| Alchemy | ✅ 64-bit `.tar.xz` | 7.1.9.2516 (Beta) | UUID search, Heretic skin, bug fixes, low-res texture improvements | Discord, in-world group `.:[Alchemy Viewer]:.` |
| Megapahit | ✅ 64-bit `.tar.xz` | 7.2.1.54496 (Default), 7.2.2.54702 (Beta) | Performance-focused, customizable UI, minimalism | Discord, IRC, in-world support |
🐧 Shared Linux Notes
All viewers require OpenGL and modern GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD recommended)
Launching via terminal helps diagnose missing dependencies
Some media features may require `gstreamer` plugins or additional setup
No Flatpak/AppImage officially supported (yet)
🧩 Integration Ideas
All three viewers work well with creative Linux workflows — including OBS overlays, virtual camera routing, and modular scripting. Ideal for users customizing immersive environments.