diff --git a/scripts/check_setup.py b/scripts/check_setup.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..9b77b697
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/check_setup.py
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+import sys
+from importlib.util import find_spec
+from pathlib import Path
+
+
+REQUIRED_MODULES = [
+    "requests",
+    "cryptography",
+]
+
+
+def main() -> int:
+    root = Path(__file__).resolve().parents[1]
+
+    missing_files = []
+    for required in ["requirements.txt", "main.py", "clients.py"]:
+        if not (root / required).exists():
+            missing_files.append(required)
+
+    missing_modules = [m for m in REQUIRED_MODULES if find_spec(m) is None]
+
+    print("Kalshi starter setup check")
+    print(f"Python: {sys.version.split()[0]}")
+
+    if missing_files:
+        print("\nMissing required files:")
+        for f in missing_files:
+            print(f"- {f}")
+
+    if missing_modules:
+        print("\nMissing Python packages (install with pip):")
+        for m in missing_modules:
+            print(f"- {m}")
+
+    if not missing_files and not missing_modules:
+        print("\nOK: basic project files and dependencies look good.")
+        return 0
+
+    print("\nNOT OK: please fix issues above and re-run this script.")
+    return 1
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    raise SystemExit(main())