Openclaw Evolution

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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".

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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.

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🔧 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.

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🌱 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.

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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

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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 |