Getting Started
This section covers the basics of getting OpenClaw up and running.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- Anthropic API Key - Get one at console.anthropic.com
- Cloudflare Account (for Workers deployment) or VPS (for traditional deployment)
- 10-30 minutes for setup
Choose Your Deployment Method
Cloudflare Workers (Recommended)
Best for users who want:
- Zero server maintenance
- Global edge deployment
- Pay-per-use pricing (~$5/mo)
- Automatic scaling
Limitations: Telegram integration has reduced reliability due to container hibernation.
Deploy to Cloudflare Workers →
VPS Deployment
Best for users who want:
- Full control over the server
- All integrations working reliably (including Telegram)
- Persistent storage
- Custom domain with SSL
Trade-offs: Requires basic Linux knowledge and ongoing maintenance.
Done-For-You
Best for users who want:
- Professional setup with security hardening
- 30-day support included
- No technical knowledge required