OpenClaw starts, logs 'Loading skills...' and then crashes immediately with a module error or syntax failure. In most cases, the underlying issue is a skill dependency is broken, a package was installed under the wrong Node.js version, or the skill code is not compatible with the running runtime.
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Medium priorityTested by MilanVerified fix
Agent Crashes on Skill Load
If you are seeing this exact OpenClaw issue, the fastest path is to confirm the likely cause, then work the recovery steps in order without skipping the full restart and retest sequence.
MilanLast updated Mar 5, 2026Verified recovery sequence documented in this repo
Likely Cause
A skill dependency is broken, a package was installed under the wrong Node.js version, or the skill code is not compatible with the running runtime.
Tags
SkillsCrash
Recovery Steps
- 1Set LOG_LEVEL=debug and reproduce the crash.
- 2Identify the last skill name logged before exit.
- 3Open that skill folder and reinstall its dependencies.
- 4Remove and reinstall the skill if the crash persists.
- 5Run openclaw doctor to catch any other dependency mismatches.
Related OpenClaw resources
Adjacent issue guides
Issue FAQ
These answers are written to be self-contained, so you can confirm the likely problem before you start changing your setup.
Work through the recovery steps in order and fully restart OpenClaw before retesting. Skipping the restart or leaving stale auth/config state in place usually causes the issue to return.
Move to the related guide or service link below so you can rule out adjacent configuration problems instead of repeating the same failed steps.
Still blocked?
If the steps above do not clear it, review the full fixes index or book direct troubleshooting help.