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

1. Install OpenClaw (follow official docs)
2. Connect ONE channel — recommend Telegram (simplest: one bot token)
3. 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 automation

Each 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 goals

Each 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