Here’s the honest setup. Want to know how to install Ruflo? Because Ruflo works on top of Claude Code — turning it into a swarm of specialist agents — setup is really about getting Claude Code ready, then adding Ruflo. Here’s the honest, no-nonsense version.
The fastest route is the ready-made setup, but I’ll cover both.
Last updated: July 2026.
Key takeaways
- Ruflo runs on top of Claude Code — so get Claude Code working first.
- Then add Ruflo and configure the swarm of specialist agents.
- It’s free — your only cost is whatever model powers Claude Code (and that can be free too).
- The pre-built version is in the AI Profit Boardroom Agent OS.
What You Need Before Installing Ruflo
Ruflo isn’t a standalone app — it turns Claude Code into a coordinated swarm. So the requirement is simple: you need Claude Code running. If you want to run it cheaply, you can point Claude Code at a local or free API (that’s the ‘free Claude Code’ approach), so Ruflo costs you nothing to run.
Beyond that, it’s light — a normal computer, a terminal, and a model to power it.
Ruflo Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Claude Code | The foundation Ruflo runs on |
| A model | A paid API, or free/local to run at no cost |
| A terminal | Built into every OS |
| Computer | Any modern machine |
How to Install Ruflo (The Two Routes)
Route 1: Ready-made (fastest)
The simplest path is to use the pre-built version. The Agent OS inside the AI Profit Boardroom has Ruflo-style agent swarms already set up, so you skip the fiddly parts and just start using them. This is what I’d recommend if you want results fast.
Route 2: Set it up yourself
- Get Claude Code running first — that’s the foundation Ruflo builds on.
- Point it at a model — a paid API, or a free/local one to run at no cost.
- Add Ruflo on top of Claude Code to enable the agent swarm.
- Configure your swarm — define the specialist roles (research, planning, organising).
- Run a test task to confirm the agents are working in parallel.
Make Claude Code Free First
Since Ruflo needs Claude Code, the smart move is to make Claude Code free before you add Ruflo. An open-source project runs the Claude Code harness on local or free APIs — so the whole Ruflo swarm runs at no cost. See my free Claude Code guide.
After Install: Start Using It
Once Ruflo is installed, the next step is learning to drive it — giving it goals and letting the swarm split the work. I cover that in my how to use Ruflo guide, and you can pair it with Hermes for always-on automation.
If you get stuck, the AI Profit Boardroom is where you can learn these agent workflows without guessing through every setup step alone.
Common Install Problems (and Fixes)
Claude Code isn’t set up
Ruflo can’t run without it — get Claude Code working and confirmed first, then add Ruflo.
Burning through tokens
If costs climb, point Claude Code at a free or local API before adding the swarm — a swarm multiplies calls, so a free model keeps it cheap.
Swarm agents not coordinating
Usually a configuration issue — define clear specialist roles, or start from the pre-built version in the Agent OS where it’s already wired up.
Why Most People Use the Ready-Made Route
Setting up Claude Code, a free model and a coordinated swarm by hand takes time and a few false starts. That’s exactly why the pre-built version exists — the Agent OS in the AI Profit Boardroom has the swarm configured and working, so you spend your time using it, not debugging setup. If you value speed over tinkering, that’s the route I’d take.
Get It Pre-Installed
The ready-made Agent OS with Ruflo-style swarms built in is inside the AI Profit Boardroom, with a zip installer and daily tutorials.
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FAQ
How do I install Ruflo?
Get Claude Code running first (Ruflo builds on it), point it at a model, then add Ruflo and configure your swarm of specialist agents. Or use the pre-built version in the Agent OS to skip setup.
Does Ruflo need Claude Code?
Yes — Ruflo turns Claude Code into a swarm of specialist agents, so Claude Code is the foundation you install it on top of.
Is Ruflo free to install?
Yes — Ruflo itself is free, and if you run Claude Code on a free or local API, the whole swarm costs nothing to run.
What’s the fastest way to get Ruflo?
Use the ready-made Agent OS in the AI Profit Boardroom, which has Ruflo-style agent swarms already set up — no manual configuration needed.
The Bottom Line
Installing Ruflo means getting Claude Code running, then adding the swarm on top — or just use the pre-built version in the AI Profit Boardroom.
