What Are the System Requirements for OpenClaw?

OpenClaw is lightweight when using cloud AI models. The main resource consumers are the Gateway process and installed MCP skill servers.

Minimum requirements: 2 GB RAM, 1 vCPU, 20 GB SSD, Node.js 22+. Supported OS: Ubuntu 22.04+, Debian 12+, Fedora 38+, macOS 13+, Windows via WSL2. This handles one agent with cloud models and up to 10 skills.

Recommended: 4 GB RAM, 2 vCPU, 40 GB SSD. This comfortably runs multiple workspaces, 20+ skills, and provides headroom for peak loads.

For local models via Ollama: 16 GB+ RAM minimum (32 GB recommended), 4+ CPU cores, and ideally a GPU. A 7B parameter model needs about 8 GB RAM; a 13B model needs about 16 GB. Apple Silicon Macs are excellent for local models thanks to unified memory architecture.

Network: a stable internet connection is required for cloud models and messenger integrations. Bandwidth usage is minimal — mostly text-based API calls. A static IP is recommended but not required (Cloudflare Tunnel works without one).

Storage: OpenClaw itself uses about 500 MB. Conversation history and memory grow over time — budget 5-10 GB for a year of active use. Skills and their data may need additional space.

Bottom line: a $5-7/month VPS from any major provider meets or exceeds the minimum requirements for cloud-model usage.