New to Second Life? No problem. Here’s how to get from your browser to the heart of Sci-Fi Con in just a few steps.
Second Life is a long-running virtual world. People use it to attend live events, build environments, host performances, explore art, and meet others from all over the world. Unlike a game, there’s no set objective — it’s entirely shaped by its residents.
Sci-Fi Con takes place inside Second Life. It’s a sprawling multi-region convention with exhibits, roleplay zones, panel discussions, and themed areas — all built and hosted by the community. To attend, you’ll need a free account and a viewer.
Create Your Second Life Account
Second Life is free to use. You can explore, attend events, and customize your avatar without spending money. Some in-world items and services (like clothing, decor, or land) are available for purchase, but they’re entirely optional.
Accounts are password-protected, and communication tools are similar to those in mainstream social networks or MMOs. Firestorm also supports accessibility features and viewer customization for a smoother experience on a variety of devices.Go to secondlife.com and click Join Free.
Choose a username, select an avatar to begin with, and register your email.
This account lets you log in from any computer using a viewer. Your username becomes your in-world identity — you’ll use it at events, in conversations, and on your profile.
Install a Viewer
To explore Second Life, you need a viewer — a 3D client application that connects you to the grid. We recommend Firestorm, the most widely used third-party viewer, especially for events like Sci-Fi Con. It supports Windows, MacOS, and Linux, and offers extensive customization and in-world performance options.
Download here: https://www.firestormviewer.org/downloads
Choose the version marked “for Second Life” (not OpenSim), install it, and log in using your Second Life account. When you first log in, you’ll land in a basic starter area. You’ll be able to:
- Move, fly, and chat
- Explore how the camera works
- Customize your appearance
You don’t need to master everything on day one. Most controls are intuitive, and the viewer offers helpful menus if you get stuck.
When the event is live, just click this teleport link to go directly to the convention:
🚀 Visit Sci-Fi Con »
(Replace with the actual location link during the event)
You’ll arrive in-world, near the event hub or welcome area, where signage and greeters will help orient you. From there, you can explore different regions, exhibits, and venues.
Costs, Safety & Accessibility
Need Help?
If you run into problems:
Check Firestorm Support
Browse the Second Life Knowledge Base
Or contact the SciFiCon team via Discord or EmailWelcome to a world built by imagination — see you at the con.