SlimeVR

SlimeVR #

SlimeVR is a set of open hardware sensors and open source software that facilitates full-body tracking (FBT) in virtual reality.

SlimeVR is an open source IMU based full body tracking system. Being open source it has Linux support and there are a few variants you can either buy or build yourself.

Installing SlimeVR Server #

Arch #

Install the slimevr-beta-bin AUR package.

Fedora #

Install the .rpm build from their releases.

Ubuntu/Debian/Mint #

Install the .deb build from their releases.

Other distributions #

You should use the AppImage if possible, however the server software is also available on Flathub if preferred or if the AppImage doesn’t work for you.

Selecting your variant #

There are currently three ways to use SlimeVR:

  • Via SteamVR driver
  • Via SolarXR driver for Monado
  • Directly via VRChat OSC (Open Sound Control)

First method: SteamVR driver #

Download the SlimeVR driver for SteamVR, extract it somewhere in your home folder, then run the following command (replacing the last path with the path of the extracted slimevr folder):

Important: Make sure to NOT run this command twice, adding a driver twice will cause problems.

$HOME/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/SteamVR/bin/vrpathreg.sh adddriver $HOME/path/to/slimevr

You then need to set the SteamVR launch option in Steam game properties to PRESSURE_VESSEL_FILESYSTEMS_RW="$XDG_RUNTIME_DIR/SlimeVRDriver" %command% to make the socket file visible to the driver.

Second method: native SolarXR driver for Monado #

This is a native approach to using Slime trackers within the open-source stack without relying on SteamVR, offering results comparable to those provided by the native SteamVR driver.

Important: Make sure to launch SlimeVR first before launching Monado/WiVRn.

Do not stop the SlimeVR server while Monado/WiVRn is running, as it will not attempt to reconnect to the socket and you will have to restart Monado/WiVRn.

For Monado, you need to build rcelyte’s fork:

Envision #

Edit your profile and set:

  • XR Service Repo to https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/rcelyte/monado.git
  • XR Service Branch to solarxr-integration

WiVRn #

See the section on the WiVRn page.

Third method: VRChat OSC #

This method is only available in VRChat.

It requires fewer steps to configure and allows the use of the full FOSS stack without using SteamVR. For now, it is less accurate due to OSC limitations. More information here.

  • Step 1: Tick the checkbox in SlimeVR settings -> VRChat OSC Trackers -> Enable

Configuration steps of VRChat OSC

  • Step 2: Start VRChat

  • Step 3: Go to the radial menu, and enable OSC:

  • Step 4: Calibrate your trackers via built-in SlimeVR configuration wizard (Mounting and body proportions)

How to enable OSC in Radial Menu

  • Step 5: Press the “Full Reset” button while standing straight

Full reset button in SlimeVR menu

  • Step 6: Go to VRChat settings and press “Calibrate FBT” in “Quick actions”.

“Calibrate FBT” button in VRChat Quick Actions menu

  • Step 7: T-pose yourself and submit your calibration via pressing triggers on both sides.

Done! From now on, you should be able to freely move your tracked limbs.