WARNING

This blog post, unlike all my others, is currently entirely AI generated. It's a test of using OpenCode agentic swarms. I'll go through it later this week and de-slop things.

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Linear's official MCP server launched in May 2025. It connects your Linear workspace directly to Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, Codex, and other AI tools. No more copy-pasting issue details into your AI assistant.

I've been using it for a few weeks now. Here's what it does and how to set it up.

What you get

Linear's MCP server exposes:

• Issues: create, list, get, update, delete
• Projects: manage projects and updates
• Teams: list teams and users
• Milestones: create and edit
• Initiatives: manage strategic initiatives
• Labels and statuses: query available options
• Comments: add with markdown

The February 2026 update added initiatives, milestones, project updates, and labels. Product planning workflows now work too.

Setup

Linear hosts the MCP server at https://mcp.linear.app/mcp. Use that endpoint, not the old SSE one which is deprecated.

Cursor

1. Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + P → "Open MCP Settings"
2. Add:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "linear": {
      "url": "https://mcp.linear.app/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Claude Desktop

Add to ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "linear": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "mcp-remote", "https://mcp.linear.app/mcp"]
    }
  }
}

Claude Code

claude mcp add --transport http linear-server https://mcp.linear.app/mcp

Restart and authenticate via OAuth.

Using it

Ask your AI tool:

• "What issues are assigned to me this sprint?"
• "Show me blocked tickets"
• "Create a bug ticket for login timeout, high priority"
• "How are the Q1 roadmap initiatives progressing?"

You can self-assign issues with "me" as assignee, add comments with markdown, and filter by cycle.

One practical example: I'm working on a feature, hit a blocker, and ask "is there a related issue for the auth API?" My AI assistant queries Linear and finds the context I need. No tab switch. No lost momentum.

Why it matters

Manual copy-paste between Linear and your AI tool adds up fast. With MCP:

• AI reads current data, not your memory
• Agents can create issues and update status autonomously
• Product managers keep initiatives in sync without leaving their AI tool

The traditional workflow is dead. This is the new way.

What's next

Linear added initiatives and milestones in February 2026. More is coming: cycles, custom views, automated status transitions.

Five minutes of setup. Try it.