Updating to LineageOS 17.1, replacing su with Magisk Up to 16.1, LineageOS provided su as an add-on, in the shape of an extra zip file which could be installed along with the OS itself using a recovery image such as TWRP.
However, with 17.1 they have discontinued their su addon and no longer support root access. Those who still want it are getting pointed to “one of the other su solutions out there”.
A quick search pointed me to Magisk as pretty much the only solution under active development. However, the install instructions are a bit confusing.
The device is a OnePlus One (bacon), upgrading from LOS 15.1. For now, I am just interested in having a replacement for what su offered up to LOS 16.1; any other features offered by Magisk are secondary to me.
Will it work if I just grab the latest Magisk zip from the Github release page and install it alongside the OS, through the recovery of my choice (currently on TWRP 3.2.2-0)? Or is using Magisk Manager a hard requirement?
Are there any major differences in UX over my current LOS + su setup?
I just went through the trouble of solving a similar situation for a OnePlus Nord. Meaning getting root access via Magisk on a LineageOS 17.1 device.

&quot;Will it work if I just grab the latest Magisk zip&quot;?
Yes. I sideloaded it with the LineageOS recovery and after rebooting the system I was able to grant root access to apps using magisk.

Are there any major differences in UX over my current LOS + su setup?
Yes. By installing the magisk zip-file you will get the magisk App which is used for managing your root privileges. I do not have the root option in developer options anymore (as I was used to when using su).


Unfortunately I don't have a bacon here to test your specific case, but maybe my experience will still be helpful.