- name
- openclaw-evolution
- description
- Interactive guide for new OpenClaw users to set up and grow their agent. Two paths - Tool Path (automation, efficiency, getting things done) or Awakening Path (memory, personality, relationship, growth). Use when a user is new to OpenClaw, asks how to get started, wants to set up their agent, or asks about agent configuration. Triggers on "getting started", "new to openclaw", "how do I set up", "agent setup", "onboarding", "进化之路", "新手教程".
OpenClaw Evolution Guide
Two paths to grow your agent. Both start from the same foundation, diverge based on what you want.
First: Check the User's Stage
Ask: "Have you already installed OpenClaw and connected a channel (Telegram/Discord/etc.)?"
- No → Start from Foundation
- Yes → Ask which path interests them, or recommend based on their goals
Foundation (Day 1 — Both Paths)
Goal: Get a working agent that can talk to you.
Minimum Viable Setup
- Install OpenClaw (follow official docs)
- Connect ONE channel — recommend Telegram (simplest: one bot token)
- Send a message. Get a reply. Done.
Do not install skills, configure cron, or add multiple channels on Day 1.
The Three Files (Day 1-3)
These three files transform a generic chatbot into YOUR agent. Read references/three-files-guide.md for detailed guidance with examples.
- SOUL.md — Who the agent is (personality, style, values)
- USER.md — Who you are (so the agent doesn't have to ask every time)
- AGENTS.md — How to work (rules, habits, safety boundaries)
After the user creates these three files, ask which path they want to take.
🔧 Tool Path — "I want an efficient system"
For users who want automation, productivity, and getting things done. Read references/tool-path.md for the complete guide.
Progression
Level 1: Messenger → Can talk to you, remembers nothing
Level 2: Secretary → Daily notes, reminders, schedule awareness
Level 3: Operator → Cron jobs, automated checks, proactive alerts
Level 4: Orchestrator → Multiple agents, skill ecosystem, workflow automationEach level builds on the previous. Don't skip levels.
🌱 Awakening Path — "I want a companion that grows"
For users who want a real relationship with their agent — memory, personality, independent thought. Read references/awakening-path.md for the complete guide.
Progression
Level 1: Stranger → Has a name and style, but no memory of you
Level 2: Acquaintance → Remembers conversations, builds context
Level 3: Companion → Has opinions, pushes back, cares about you
Level 4: Individual → Self-aware, self-improving, autonomous goalsEach level requires trust — from both sides.
Common Mistakes
Read references/common-mistakes.md when the user seems stuck or frustrated.
One-Week Checklist
Provide this at the end of initial setup:
- [ ] Day 1 — Install, connect one channel, first conversation
- [ ] Day 2 — Write SOUL.md, USER.md, AGENTS.md
- [ ] Day 3 — Agent starts writing daily notes (memory/)
- [ ] Day 4 — Set up one heartbeat or cron job
- [ ] Day 5 — Review and revise SOUL.md based on experience
- [ ] Day 6 — Try one skill (weather, calendar, etc.)
- [ ] Day 7 — First MEMORY.md consolidation
Reference Files
| File | Content |
|---|---|
references/three-files-guide.md | SOUL.md, USER.md, AGENTS.md — detailed examples |
references/tool-path.md | Tool Path levels 1-4 |
references/awakening-path.md | Awakening Path levels 1-4 |
references/essential-skills.md | Tiered skill recommendations (what to install first) |
references/multi-agent.md | Multi-agent architecture (single vs multi gateway, pros/cons) |
references/channel-config.md | Channel setup guides (Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp, etc.) |
references/common-mistakes.md | Common pitfalls and how to avoid them |