IMPORTANT: Ignore old documentation about Mono and XEngine. Those notes are obsolete.
OSgrid current builds require .NET 8.x (Windows, Linux, macOS).
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1 What is OSgrid? Basics
OSgrid is a free, community-driven OpenSimulator grid. It is used as both a creative sandbox for residents and
a test grid for OpenSim development. You can explore regions, build, script, and connect regions you host yourself.
2 Is OSgrid really free? Basics
The core user experience is free: create an account, log in, explore, and build where permitted.
Some services (hosting, custom services, third-party rentals) may have costs depending on what you choose.
3 I am new. What should I do first? New users
Recommended steps:
- Create an account:
/register.php - Install an OpenSim-compatible viewer (many users pick Firestorm OpenSim).
- Add OSgrid to the viewer grid list and log in.
- Teleport to a welcome area and learn basic camera/movement controls.
4 How do I log into OSgrid from my viewer? Viewer
In your viewer, add OSgrid in the grid manager (Add New Grid).
Use the OSgrid login URI shown on official OSgrid pages (commonly something like
http://login.osgrid.org/).
Then log in with your avatar name and password.
Tip: If login fails, double-check you are using the OpenSim build of your viewer and you typed the correct grid URI.
5 What is the HG Address shown on the site? Hypergrid
A Hypergrid address lets you jump to a region using a format like
host:port/Region Name.
Example on your page: hg.osgrid.org:80/Lbsa Plaza.
6 My viewer says "Could not connect" or "Login failed". What do I check? Troubleshoot
Most common checks:
- Make sure the OSgrid login URI is correct in the viewer grid manager.
- Make sure your password is correct (no extra spaces).
- Try another viewer to rule out viewer-specific issues.
- Check if OSgrid is online on the website status indicator.
- Network: firewalls, blocked ports, or DNS issues can prevent login.
7 Firestorm: antivirus / whitelist (common fix) Viewer
If Firestorm search, voice, or web profiles fail, your antivirus may be blocking viewer components.
Add viewer executables, plugin hosts, and cache/settings folders to your antivirus exclusions/whitelist.
OSgrid wiki (viewer configuration):
https://wiki.osgrid.org
8 Avatar is Ruth/Roth, gray textures, or looks broken New users
Quick fixes that often work:
- Re-bake your avatar (Advanced/Develop menu in many viewers).
- Clear viewer cache, then relog.
- Try another region (problem might be local to that sim).
- Inventory loading can take time during busy hours: wait a bit, then relog.
New user tips are documented on the OSgrid wiki:
https://wiki.osgrid.org
9 How do I teleport to a Hypergrid address? Hypergrid
Open your World Map, paste the HG address into the search field (or destination bar), then search and teleport.
Some viewers allow direct paste into the chat command or "Paste SLurl/HG".
10 Why can HG travel fail sometimes? Hypergrid
HG travel may fail if:
- The destination grid is offline or blocks inbound HG.
- The destination region name is wrong or moved.
- Your viewer blocks outbound connections or DNS cannot resolve the host.
- Teleport caps / gatekeeper services are temporarily busy.
11 What is a region (sim) in OSgrid? Regions
A region is a 256m x 256m virtual area hosted by a simulator. Some regions are hosted on OSgrid infrastructure,
and many are hosted by residents (user-hosted regions) connected to the grid.
12 Can I build everywhere? Building
No. Building depends on the region and parcel permissions. Some regions are public sandboxes, others are private.
Always respect region rules and permissions set by the region owner.
13 How do I find places to visit? Explore
You can:
- Use the map and search for popular regions.
- Browse the Destination Guide (if available on the site).
- Check upcoming events (your events system).
- Ask in community channels for recommendations.
14 Where do people socialize and shop? Places
Common hubs mentioned on OSgrid community pages:
- LBSA Plaza: main social hub (often called "LBSA").
- Wright Plaza: shopping and travel info.
See community hints on the OSgrid wiki:
https://wiki.osgrid.org
15 I cannot rez/unpack items. Where can I do it? Sandbox
You may need a sandbox region. In your viewer map/search, look for regions named
Sandbox.
Note: sandboxes may auto-return objects after some time, so do not leave valuables rezzed.
16 What does "host your own region" mean? Hosting
It means you run OpenSimulator on your own server/PC/VPS and connect it to OSgrid.
Your simulator provides one or more regions that appear on the grid.
17 What hardware do I need? Hosting
A basic region can run on a modest server, but performance depends on scripts, avatars, and content.
For stable results, prefer:
- SSD storage
- Good single-core CPU performance
- Enough RAM for your number of regions
- Reliable network (low packet loss)
18 Windows or Linux for hosting? Hosting
Both work. Linux is common for VPS and long uptime. Windows can be easier for local testing.
Choose what you can maintain reliably.
19 Simulators help (official pages) Docs
Use the official OSgrid simulator pages and the OSgrid wiki:
https://www.osgrid.org/simulators.phphttps://wiki.osgrid.org
IMPORTANT: Ignore old documentation about Mono and XEngine. Those notes are obsolete.
OSgrid current builds require .NET 8.x (Windows, Linux, macOS).
20 Hosting checklist (network basics) Checklist
Recommended basics before connecting:
- Use a stable wired connection when possible.
- Prefer a static LAN IP for the host (avoids broken port forwarding).
- Know your external/public IP (or a stable hostname) for configuration.
- Plan ports in advance if you run multiple regions/instances.
21 How do I connect my simulator to OSgrid? Sim connect
High-level steps:
- Install OpenSimulator on your server.
- Configure it to run in grid mode and point it to OSgrid services (Robust endpoints).
- Configure networking (NAT, firewall, public IP/ports).
- Register your region and start the simulator.
Note: exact config values (login URIs, ports, robust endpoints) should match OSgrid official documentation.
If you want, paste your
Robust.ini and OpenSim.ini sections (remove passwords) and I will adapt them.
22 Do I need Mono? What runtime is required? .NET 8
Mono is not used for OSgrid current builds. OSgrid simulator builds require .NET 8.x.
Install the .NET 8 runtime (and SDK only if you compile) on Windows, Linux, or macOS.
If you read older wiki pages mentioning Mono or XEngine, treat them as outdated notes.
Prefer current OSgrid requirements and the simulator guide.
23 Which ports must be open? Networking
It depends on your OpenSim setup, but typically you must open:
- The region listening port(s) you configured (one per simulator/instance).
- The HTTP listener port (caps/services) depending on config.
24 TCP vs UDP ports (common confusion) Networking
Many setups use both:
- TCP: the HTTP listener port (for services/caps, depending on your config).
- UDP: region port(s) defined per region.
25 IPv4 only (avoid strange teleport/connect issues) Networking
OSgrid community documentation warns that IPv6 may cause issues for simulator connectivity.
Keep your hosting path IPv4 where possible.
26 My region appears offline or nobody can enter. Why? Networking
Most common causes:
- Firewall blocks the region port.
- NAT port forwarding missing or wrong internal IP.
- Wrong external hostname/IP configured in OpenSim.
- Region port conflicts with another service.
27 IMPORTANT: do not close the console window with X Best practice
Always shut down the simulator cleanly from the console (proper shutdown/quit command).
Force-closing the window can leave the region "stuck" on the map until it is cleaned up.
28 NAT loopback (I can enter locally but others cannot) NAT
If everything works locally but fails from outside, verify:
- Your port forwarding points to the correct internal LAN IP.
- You do not have "double NAT" (two routers).
- Test connectivity from outside your network, not from inside.
NAT concepts and fixes are documented on the OSgrid wiki:
https://wiki.osgrid.org
29 What is an OAR? Backup
OAR = OpenSimulator Archive. It is a backup of a region: terrain, builds, objects, and sometimes assets references.
Used to save/restore a region or move builds to another region.
30 What is an IAR? Backup
IAR = Inventory Archive. It exports an avatar inventory folder structure into an archive.
Useful for backup or moving content between grids when permitted.
31 How do I save an OAR (console)? Console
On your simulator console you can typically use commands like:
save oar MyRegion.oarload oar MyRegion.oar
32 Automated OAR backups (Linux and Windows) Backup
Common automation approaches:
- Linux: schedule commands via cron and a timer script (server side automation).
- Windows: enable a built-in autobackup module (set interval and retention).
Always verify your backup directory exists and has write permissions, or nothing will be saved.
More examples are documented on the OSgrid wiki:
https://wiki.osgrid.org
33 Full region backup strategy Maintenance
For best safety, do not rely only on OAR:
- Save OARs regularly.
- Backup your INI configuration files.
- If you use a database (ex: MySQL), schedule regular DB dumps.
34 What can I upload? Upload
Uploads depend on region settings and your permissions. Common uploads:
- Textures (images)
- Meshes (DAE)
- Animations
- Sounds
35 Why does my upload fail? Upload
Common causes:
- No build/upload permissions on that parcel/region.
- Viewer cache or viewer bug (try relog).
- File format not supported or too large.
- Network issues or caps service issues.
36 Mesh upload tips? Mesh
Tips:
- Keep polycount reasonable.
- Provide good LODs.
- Use proper scale and rotation.
- Use optimized textures (power-of-two sizes where possible).
37 Why is a region laggy? Performance
Lag can come from:
- Too many scripts running.
- Too many avatars.
- Heavy physics objects (complex collisions).
- Slow host CPU or storage.
- Network packet loss.
38 How do I reduce lag on my region? Performance
Region-owner tips:
- Limit scripted attachments and heavy scripted objects.
- Reduce physics load (simple collision shapes).
- Use optimized meshes and textures.
- Restart region periodically (scheduled restarts).
- Monitor console logs for errors.
39 I see clouds / cannot rez / cannot move. What now? Troubleshoot
Quick fixes:
- Relog (log out and back in).
- Clear viewer cache (or use a clean cache folder) then relog.
- Try another region (problem might be local to that sim).
- Check if you have packet loss.
40 My inventory is empty or not loading. Troubleshoot
Steps:
- Wait 1-2 minutes (inventory can be slow during load).
- Relog.
- Try a different viewer.
- Check grid status (services may be under load).
41 I cannot see textures or everything is gray. Troubleshoot
Likely causes:
- Slow asset delivery or viewer cache issues.
- Packet loss or unstable connection.
- Try lowering viewer bandwidth settings and relog.
42 Where do I look when something breaks? (logs) Logs
For simulator owners:
- Read
OpenSim.log(or console output) for repeated red errors. - Not all warnings matter; repeated errors usually do.
- When updating, avoid editing defaults files directly; keep your overrides in your own INI includes.
More maintenance notes exist on the OSgrid wiki:
https://wiki.osgrid.org
43 What are the key rules on OSgrid? Rules
Core rules:
- Be respectful. No harassment, hate speech, or discrimination.
- Adult content must be clearly marked and placed appropriately.
- Respect region owners and parcel permissions.
- Report abuse to moderators using official channels.
44 How do I report abuse? Safety
Use the official OSgrid reporting channels (website contact / inworld abuse report if supported).
Include region name, coordinates, time, and a short description of the incident.
Want this FAQ to be even more exact for simulator connection and ports?
Follow the official simulator guide:
https://www.osgrid.org/simulators.php
and the OSgrid wiki: https://wiki.osgrid.org.
Ready to explore?
HG Address example: hg.osgrid.org:80/Lbsa Plaza