Table of Contents
ToggleOpenClaw, the open-source AI proxy platform hailed by a16z co-founder Marc Andreessen as one of the "Top Ten Software Breakthroughs in History," received its largest version update in recent times on March 22nd (Taiwan time). This v2026.3.22 version, personally spearheaded by project founder @steipete, features a complete overhaul from the underlying architecture to model adaptation, and is hailed by the community as a super update that "requires a dedicated directory."
ClawHub debuts: Agents can now "learn" new skills.
The key highlight of this update is that the ClawHub plugin marketplace has officially become the default plugin installation source. This means:
- Self-expansion: The AI agent now has the ability to automatically search for and pull the required plugins, no longer limited by the initial settings.
- Enhanced security: ClawHub provides a more secure skill package verification mechanism than traditional npm, reducing the risk of malicious code injection.
- Search Power Explosion: Integrates top search tools such as Exa, Tavily, and Firecrawl, and supports precise date filtering, greatly improving the timeliness and accuracy of information obtained by the Agent.
The model's capabilities have been fully upgraded: it now supports GPT-5.4 and independent inference.
In terms of model support, OpenClaw demonstrates an astonishing adaptation speed:
- GPT-5.4 family: natively supports GPT-5.4, GPT-5.4-mini and GPT-5.4-nano models.
- Per-agent reasoning: Allows each agent to have independent reasoning logic, rather than sharing global settings, which makes multi-agent orchestration more accurate.
- Chinese Light: Natively integrates the MiniMax M2.7 model, providing stronger support for proxy tasks in the Chinese context.
Execution Environment Revolution: Get Rid of Docker and Introduce SSH Sandbox
To completely address security concerns regarding AI agents executing code, version 2026.3.22 introduced an OpenShell + SSH sandboxes architecture. This change allows developers to execute tasks within a lightweight SSH sandbox using protected keys and certificates, eliminating the need for a heavy Docker environment and significantly reducing agent cold start time.
Key Updates Comparison for OpenClaw v2026.3.22
| project | Older versions (prior to v2026.2) | New version (v2026.3.22) |
|---|---|---|
| Session timeout | 600 seconds (10 minutes) | 48 hours (suitable for long-term tasks) |
| Execution environment | Depends on Docker / local environment | SSH Sandboxes (More Secure, Lighter) |
| Plugin Source | Mainly relies on npm | ClawHub Official Marketplace (Default Source) |
| Model support | GPT-4o / GPT-5 early versions | GPT-5.4 series / MiniMax M2.7 |
| Error handling | Frequent JSON error messages | Returning to plain text (makes the conversation more natural) |
Remind users: Path migration and /btw function
For existing users currently "raising shrimp" (running the OpenClaw Agent), the official documentation specifically reminds users that the status directory has been migrated from the old ~/.moltbot to the new ~/.openclaw . Please back up your files during the upgrade. In addition, the new version adds a Claude-like /btw side question feature , allowing users to ask "side questions" that don't interfere with the main quest while interacting with the agent, making the dialogue experience more intuitive.
Related reports
