test-repo/openclaw-context-management-guide.md

How to Never Hit OpenClaw's 150K Context Limit

Source: X Thread by Johann Sathianathen
Date: February 21, 2026
URL: https://x.com/johann_sath/status/2025440759416045702

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The Problem

Most OpenClaw users hit 150K context in a single conversation and wonder why their agent gets dumber. The solution isn't a bigger window—it's never needing one.

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The 5 Strategies

1. Add "Orchestrator" Pattern to SOUL.md

File: SOUL.md
Add: "You are the orchestrator. Subagents execute."

Why it works:

• Main session stays lean
• Heavy work runs in fresh context windows
• Subagents spawn, work, report back, context dies

Result: Main session runs 24/7 without bloat

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2. Use BRAIN.md as External Memory

File: BRAIN.md
Pattern: Agent reads & writes instead of remembering everything in-context

Why it works:

• Offloads memory from context to disk
• Agent references files instead of recalling
• Structured storage for complex state

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3. Set Up Heartbeats

Pattern: Fast check-ins (<3s) that don't load files unless you're idle

Implementation:

• Only check critical items
• Skip file reads unless necessary
• Batch multiple checks together

Benefit: Keeps session responsive without context bloat

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4. Run Cron Jobs Isolated

Pattern: Each cron job gets its own session

Why it works:

• Never bloats main thread
• Independent execution contexts
• Parallel processing without interference

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5. Delegate Everything to Subagents

Pattern: Subagent spawns → does work → reports back → context dies

Flow:

1. Main session identifies task
2. Spawns subagent with specific goal
3. Subagent completes work in isolation
4. Reports results back
5. Subagent context garbage collected

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The Result

Johann's main session:

• Runs 24/7
• Rarely passes 30K context
• Stays responsive and smart

Key insight: The trick isn't a bigger window. It's never needing one.

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Implementation Checklist

• Add orchestrator pattern to SOUL.md
• Create/improve BRAIN.md for external memory
• Audit heartbeats for efficiency (<3s checks)
• Review cron jobs for isolation
• Identify opportunities for subagent delegation

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Related Resources

• SOUL.md Guide: https://soul.md (defining AI identity)
• Johann's Weekly Newsletter: https://johann.fyi
• Author: Building dmpro.ai (ex-Cisco), 1x exit, founder @jars_global

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Key Takeaway

Context management isn't about having more—it's about using less by:

1. Orchestrating instead of executing
2. Externalizing memory
3. Efficient polling
4. Isolated scheduling
5. Delegating to subagents

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Compiled from X thread by Johann Sathianathen
Engagement: 5 replies, 5 reposts, 60 likes, 199 bookmarks, 5,198 views