Step-by-Step OpenClaw Setup on Ubuntu LTS

Comprehensive guide to installing OpenClaw on Ubuntu LTS, including environment setup, build instructions, and tips for optimal performance. Please take note that all commands are bolded.

Introduction
OpenClaw Installation Guide (Ubuntu 22.04 / 24.04)
Overview
Prerequisites
- System Requirements
- Recommended Packages
Install Node.js 22 (Required)
Install OpenClaw (Git Method)
First-Time Setup (Onboarding)
Understanding the Gateway & Dashboard
- Key facts
Accessing the Dashboard on a VPS (Correct Method)
- Create an SSH tunnel from your local machine
- Open the dashboard in your browser
Handling the “Unauthorized: Gateway Token Missing” Message
Gateway Service Management
Common Issues & Fixes (Based on Real Troubleshooting)
- Gateway crashes immediately
- The gateway service shows “active,” but the port is not open
- Cannot find module … entry.js
- GitHub clone asks for username
- The dashboard is not opening on server IP
Full Installation Summary (Copy/Paste Ready)
Final Notes & Reference Link

Introduction

If you are interested in playing the classic game Captain Claw on Linux with optimal performance and stability, the OpenClaw engine is currently the most suitable open-source solution. This tutorial will teach you how to install OpenClaw on Ubuntu 22.04 and Ubuntu 24.04 with a clean, complete, and production-ready installation process.

This tutorial is suitable for Linux newcomers, classic gamers, and developers who want to master the installation of all dependencies to run OpenClaw on Linux with optimal performance and stability. By following this tutorial, you will be able to properly set up your environment to enjoy a seamless classic gaming experience on Ubuntu.

1. OpenClaw Installation Guide (Ubuntu 22.04 / 24.04)

A complete, battle‑tested installation manual based on real‑world troubleshooting and verified working steps.

2. Overview:

OpenClaw is a local-first AI automation framework that provides:

A command‑line interface (CLI)
A secure local gateway
A web dashboard (localhost-only)
Plugin and agent support
This guide walks you through:
Prerequisites
Node.js installation
OpenClaw installation (Git method)
Onboarding
Gateway setup
Dashboard access (via SSH tunnel)
Common pitfalls and fixes
This document applies to:
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
Both server and desktop editions

3. Prerequisites

System Requirements

Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04
Root or sudo access
Internet connectivity
Git installed with HTTPS support
Ability to SSH into the server (for dashboard tunneling)

Recommended Packages

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y git ca-certificates curl build-essential

4. Install Node.js 22 (Required)

OpenClaw requires a modern Node.js runtime. Install Node 22 using NodeSource:

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash –
sudo apt install -y nodejs
Verify:
node -v
npm -v
Expected:
v22.x.x
10.x.x or higher

5. Install OpenClaw (Git Method)

The Git method ensures you get the full source tree, including all workspace packages.
Run:
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash -s — –install-method git –no-prompt –no-onboard
This will:

Clone the OpenClaw repository
Install dependencies
Build the workspace
Install the CLI wrapper
Install and start the gateway

Verify installation:
openclaw –version
You should see something like:
OpenClaw 2026.x.x

6. First-Time Setup (Onboarding)

Onboarding is mandatory. It configures:

Your AI provider
API keys
Gateway token
Local configuration files
Run:
openclaw onboard
Follow the prompts.

7. Understanding the Gateway & Dashboard

Key facts:

The dashboard always runs on localhost
Default port: 18789
It is not exposed publicly
It requires HTTPS or localhost for security
On a VPS, you must use SSH tunneling

This is by design.

8. Accessing the Dashboard on a VPS (Correct Method)

Create an SSH tunnel from your local machine

ssh -N -L 18789:127.0.0.1:18789 root@YOUR_SERVER_IP
Keep this terminal open.

Open the dashboard in your browser

http://localhost:18789/

9. Handling the “Unauthorized: Gateway Token Missing” Message

This is normal. The dashboard requires a secure token.
Generate a tokenized URL:
openclaw dashboard –no-open
Copy the URL and open it in your browser (still via localhost).

10. Gateway Service Management

Start the gateway

openclaw gateway start

Install as a systemd user service

openclaw gateway install

Restart

systemctl –user restart openclaw-gateway.service

Check status

systemctl –user status openclaw-gateway.service

Check if the port is open

ss -tulpen | grep 18789

11. Common Issues & Fixes (Based on Real Troubleshooting)

Gateway crashes immediately

Cause: Missing or incomplete source checkout.
Fix: Reinstall using the Git method (already covered).

The gateway service shows “active,” but the port is not open

Cause: Systemd is using the wrong Node version.

Fix: Ensure
which node
node -v
Matches:
usr/bin/node
v22.x.x

Cannot find module … entry.js

Cause: Gateway package missing or build incomplete.
Fix: Reinstall OpenClaw using:
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash -s — –install-method git –no-prompt –no-onboard

GitHub clone asks for username

Cause: Wrong repository URL or GitHub rate limiting.
Correct repo:
https://github.com/OpenClaw-AI/OpenClaw

The dashboard is not opening on server IP

This is expected. The dashboard is localhost-only.
Use SSH tunneling

12. Full Installation Summary (Copy/Paste Ready)

Update system
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y git ca-certificates curl build-essential
# Install Node.js 22
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash –
sudo apt install -y nodejs
# Verify
node -v
npm -v
# Install OpenClaw (Git method)
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash -s — –install-method git –no-prompt –no-onboard
# Verify CLI
openclaw –version
# Run onboarding
openclaw onboard
# Install and start gateway
openclaw gateway install
openclaw gateway start
# Access dashboard (from your local machine)
ssh -N -L 18789:127.0.0.1:18789 root@YOUR_SERVER_IP
# Then open:
# http://localhost:18789/
# If token required
openclaw dashboard –no-open

Final Notes:

This guide is valid for Ubuntu 22.04 and 24.04, server or desktop.
The Git installation method ensures a complete workspace, including the gateway.
SSH tunneling is the only correct way to access the dashboard on a VPS.
The gateway runs as a systemd user service, not a system service.
Node.js 22 is mandatory.

Reference links:

Written By Junaid Farooqui