The OpenSimulator platform offers a robust ecosystem for users to acquire virtual items without cost, primarily through the hypergrid system. This decentralized network allows individuals to travel between different grids to collect free content and bring it back to their home region. The available source material highlights several key destinations and resources for obtaining these freebies, ranging from avatar accessories to full region designs.
A significant portion of free content is accessible through specific shopping regions on hypergrid-enabled grids. For users looking to acquire items for their avatars, the Clonelife grid hosts a region named "Kang Nae" at login.clonelife.eu:8002:Kang Nae. This location is noted for providing a wide array of avatar basics, including skins, shoes, dresses, and club wear. Similarly, the "Craft World" grid features a region called "Sensation City" at craft-world.org:8002:sensation city, which is described as an amazing place to find freebies.
For those seeking original mesh content, the Andwest Bay region on the Xmir grid (grid.xmir.org:8002:andwest Bay) offers free original mesh items by grid owner Geir Nøklebye. These are located on the second floor of the Xmir Mesh store, with some additional free items available on the first floor. The Avatari destination on the Kitely grid (grid.kitely.com:8002:SEANCHAI MALL) provides an extensive collection of freebies specifically for the avatar, including clothing.
Several regions focus on environmental and home goods. The Bastion region on the Continuum grid (continuum.outworldz.net:8002:Bastion) hosts multiple stores with free content from OpenSim designers. This includes Shabby Seas for furniture, Seaside Gift Shop for nautical items, R & R Refined for items compatible with Ruth and Roth mesh avatar bodies, and Monentes Jewelry. On the Logicamp grid, two regions—Boardwalk Park (logicamp.org:8002:boardwalk park) and Bot7—are based on classic Linda Kellie OAR files. These shopping centers offer beach supplies, clothing, and accessories, with all content licensed under CC0 for unrestricted use.
Francogrid hosts "freebies 4 Saisons" at hg.francogrid.org:8002:freebies 4 Saisons. This region is divided into four seasonal sections (winter, autumn, summer, and spring), each containing landscaping, home content, and a fully furnished freebie house. The Metropolis grid features a Linda Kellie region at hypergrid.org:8002:Linda Kellie, which is described as having an unrivaled list of content. A walk-in teleporter on the region directs visitors to the shopping area.
Beyond specific shopping destinations, other resources for free content exist. OutWorldz provides a collection of free items for download, including scripts, animations, skins, mesh objects, sculpts, and entire regions in OAR file format. Much of this content is released under CCO licensing, permitting commercial use. Additionally, the concept of the hypergrid allows users to travel to various grids, collect items, and return them to their home grid for personal enjoyment.
The hypergrid operates on a technical infrastructure that supports this interoperability. Users typically access these destinations using a viewer that supports the hypergrid protocol. When traveling, it is important to be on a hypergrid-enabled grid. The world map is a primary tool for searching for regions and teleporting, though users must be on a specific grid to search for regions within it. A common technical issue involves the world map displaying the user's home grid land even after teleporting to a different location.
Regarding virtual currency, the Open Metaverse Currency (OMC) is utilized across approximately 30 grids and is hypergrid enabled. However, the source material indicates that the hypergrid generally has a non-commercial orientation, and it is possible to navigate and shop without needing an in-world currency. OpenSimulator itself is free, open-source software, distinct from Linden Lab's Second Life, and is often used by educational institutions and users seeking a more community-driven virtual environment.