> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.baimoqilin.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting started

> Absolute beginner path: from vanilla launcher to your first MineClawd chat.

## Goal

Follow this page step by step, and you will get one successful reply from MineClawd.

## Tiny glossary

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Minecraft Java Edition">
    The PC version of Minecraft from the official Minecraft Launcher.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Mod loader">
    Software that lets Minecraft run mods. MineClawd supports Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Mod">
    A `.jar` file that adds features to Minecraft.
  </Card>

  <Card title="API key">
    A secret key that lets MineClawd talk to an online AI service.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Choose your platform

MineClawd supports three loader and version combinations. Pick the tab that matches your setup.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="NeoForge 1.21.1 (Recommended)">
    ### Step 1: install NeoForge

    1. Download NeoForge Installer from: [neoforged.net](https://neoforged.net/)
    2. Select Minecraft version **1.21.1** and run the installer.
    3. Open Minecraft Launcher and run the **NeoForge 1.21.1** profile once, then close the game.

    ### Step 2: download required mods

    Download these files from Modrinth. On each page, choose a file matching **NeoForge** and **1.21.1**.

    | Mod                           | Download link                                                                  |
    | ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
    | MineClawd                     | [modrinth.com/mod/mineclawd](https://modrinth.com/mod/mineclawd)               |
    | KubeJS                        | [modrinth.com/mod/kubejs](https://modrinth.com/mod/kubejs)                     |
    | Architectury API              | [modrinth.com/mod/architectury-api](https://modrinth.com/mod/architectury-api) |
    | Rhino                         | [modrinth.com/mod/rhino](https://modrinth.com/mod/rhino)                       |
    | YetAnotherConfigLib v3 (YACL) | [modrinth.com/mod/yacl](https://modrinth.com/mod/yacl)                         |
    | Better ModList                | [modrinth.com/mod/better-modlist](https://modrinth.com/mod/better-modlist)     |
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Forge 1.20.1">
    ### Step 1: install Forge

    1. Download Forge Installer from: [files.minecraftforge.net](https://files.minecraftforge.net/net/minecraftforge/forge/index_1.20.1.html)
    2. Run the installer and select **Install Client**.
    3. Open Minecraft Launcher and run the **Forge 1.20.1** profile once, then close the game.

    ### Step 2: download required mods

    Download these files from Modrinth. On each page, choose a file matching **Forge** and **1.20.1**.

    | Mod                           | Download link                                                                  |
    | ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
    | MineClawd                     | [modrinth.com/mod/mineclawd](https://modrinth.com/mod/mineclawd)               |
    | KubeJS                        | [modrinth.com/mod/kubejs](https://modrinth.com/mod/kubejs)                     |
    | Architectury API              | [modrinth.com/mod/architectury-api](https://modrinth.com/mod/architectury-api) |
    | Rhino                         | [modrinth.com/mod/rhino](https://modrinth.com/mod/rhino)                       |
    | YetAnotherConfigLib v3 (YACL) | [modrinth.com/mod/yacl](https://modrinth.com/mod/yacl)                         |
    | Better ModList                | [modrinth.com/mod/better-modlist](https://modrinth.com/mod/better-modlist)     |
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Fabric 1.20.1">
    ### Step 1: install Fabric

    1. Download Fabric Installer from: [fabricmc.net/use/installer](https://fabricmc.net/use/installer/)
    2. Run the installer.
    3. Choose **Client** and Minecraft version **1.20.1**.
    4. Click **Install**.
    5. Open Minecraft Launcher and run **Fabric Loader 1.20.1** once, then close the game.

    ### Step 2: download required mods

    Download these files from Modrinth. On each page, choose a file matching **Fabric** and **1.20.1**.

    | Mod                           | Download link                                                                  |
    | ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
    | MineClawd                     | [modrinth.com/mod/mineclawd](https://modrinth.com/mod/mineclawd)               |
    | Fabric API                    | [modrinth.com/mod/fabric-api](https://modrinth.com/mod/fabric-api)             |
    | KubeJS                        | [modrinth.com/mod/kubejs](https://modrinth.com/mod/kubejs)                     |
    | Architectury API              | [modrinth.com/mod/architectury-api](https://modrinth.com/mod/architectury-api) |
    | Rhino                         | [modrinth.com/mod/rhino](https://modrinth.com/mod/rhino)                       |
    | YetAnotherConfigLib v3 (YACL) | [modrinth.com/mod/yacl](https://modrinth.com/mod/yacl)                         |
    | Mod Menu                      | [modrinth.com/mod/modmenu](https://modrinth.com/mod/modmenu)                   |
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Step 3: put mod files into your `mods` folder

1. Open your Minecraft folder.
2. Open `mods` folder. If it does not exist, create it.
3. Move all downloaded `.jar` files into `mods`.
4. Do not unzip `.jar` files.

## Step 4: launch game and open MineClawd config

1. Start Minecraft with your mod loader profile.
2. Create or open a single-player world.
3. Turn **Allow Cheats** ON for that world.
4. Open **Better ModList** -> **MineClawd** -> **Configure** (or **Mod Menu** if on Fabric).

<Frame caption="MineClawd config GUI in game">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/cyniaai/qq7jpO_G131Xb8Bd/images/mineclawd-config.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=qq7jpO_G131Xb8Bd&q=85&s=28debc82f73e827b063b2ab416caba43" alt="MineClawd configuration screen in game" width="2880" height="1659" data-path="images/mineclawd-config.png" />
</Frame>

## Step 5: connect an AI service

If you do not have an AI account yet, use OpenRouter and pick a free model.

1. Create account: [openrouter.ai](https://openrouter.ai/)
2. Create API key: [openrouter.ai/settings/keys](https://openrouter.ai/settings/keys)

<Frame caption="OpenRouter API key management page">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/cyniaai/qq7jpO_G131Xb8Bd/images/openrouter.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=qq7jpO_G131Xb8Bd&q=85&s=eed1e59d8e62dc2caf1d8b2224e8e906" alt="OpenRouter settings page showing API key management" width="2880" height="1530" data-path="images/openrouter.png" />
</Frame>

3. In MineClawd config screen, set:
   * **Provider**: `OpenAI`
   * **Endpoint**: `https://openrouter.ai/api/v1`
   * **API Key**: paste your OpenRouter key
   * **Model**: pick one model id from [openrouter.ai/models](https://openrouter.ai/models) (free models often include `:free`)
   * **Summarize Model**: use the same model id for now
4. Save config.

<Info>
  Free models and limits change over time. If one model fails, pick another model id from the same models page.
</Info>

### Step 5b (optional): enable web search

MineClawd can search the web during conversations using Tavily. This is optional but useful when you want MineClawd to look up mod documentation, crafting recipes, or other online references.

1. Create a Tavily account: [tavily.com](https://tavily.com/)
2. Copy your API key from the Tavily dashboard.

<Frame caption="Tavily API key management page">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/cyniaai/qq7jpO_G131Xb8Bd/images/tavily.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=qq7jpO_G131Xb8Bd&q=85&s=5abd5fa53d78394206af5e13e1a243d4" alt="Tavily API platform showing API key management interface" width="2880" height="1530" data-path="images/tavily.png" />
</Frame>

3. In MineClawd config screen, paste the key into the **Tavily API Key** field under the **Search** group. You can also set it via command:

```bash theme={null}
/mineclawd config tavily-api-key <your-tavily-key>
```

When configured, MineClawd gains a `search` tool that queries the web and returns concise source snippets. If the key is not set, the search tool is disabled and MineClawd will let you know if you ask for a web search.

## Step 6: send your first message

You have two ways to talk to MineClawd:

### Option A: use the overlay GUI

Look for the floating orb (AssistiveTouch) on the left side of your screen. Click the orb to open the overlay, type your message in the input bar, and click **Send**.

<Frame caption="The AssistiveTouch orb opens the overlay with one click">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/cyniaai/V8MogwCX4un-bpiN/images/mineclawd-assistive-touch.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=V8MogwCX4un-bpiN&q=85&s=32f44103e6a93d020a2fd193cafd6968" alt="MineClawd AssistiveTouch floating orb" width="2880" height="1659" data-path="images/mineclawd-assistive-touch.png" />
</Frame>

### Option B: use chat commands

Open chat and run:

```bash theme={null}
/mclawd hello
```

Both methods work. The overlay gives you streaming responses and session management in one place. See [using the GUI](/tutorials/using-the-gui) for the full walkthrough.

## If it does not work

Go to [/resources/troubleshooting](/resources/troubleshooting) and follow the matching symptom.

## Next steps

Use these guides to go deeper after your first successful request.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Using the GUI" icon="desktop" href="/tutorials/using-the-gui">
    Learn the overlay layout, streaming status, and inline questions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Managing sessions" icon="book-open" href="/tutorials/managing-sessions">
    Create, switch, and repair Sessions for long-running work.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Tracking assets" icon="box" href="/tutorials/tracking-assets">
    Browse and manage everything MineClawd creates in your world.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Command reference" icon="terminal" href="/commands/overview">
    Explore every `/mineclawd` command with examples.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>