Install Claude Code Using OpenRouter (Free)
Get Claude Code running for free in minutes using OpenRouter's generous free-tier models. No Anthropic account needed.
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What You'll Learn
In this guide, you'll install Claude Code — Anthropic's official AI coding CLI — and connect it to OpenRouter, which provides free access to powerful models like Llama 3, Qwen, and Mistral.
What is Claude Code?
Claude Code is a terminal-based AI assistant that reads your codebase, writes and edits files, runs commands, and helps you build software faster.
What is OpenRouter?
OpenRouter is a free API gateway that lets you access dozens of AI models with a single API key. Many models are completely free with no credit card required.
Requirements
- A Windows, Mac, or Linux computer
- An internet connection
- About 20 minutes
Install Node.js
Node.js is required to run Claude Code. Download and install the LTS version from the official website.
Windows/Mac: Download the installer from nodejs.org
Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_lts.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt-get install -y nodejs
After installing, verify it works:
node --version
npm --version
You should see version numbers like v20.x.x.