Openclaude context looping issues

[NoReplyUI5]

Does anyone know why OpenClaude starts hallucinating and repeating the same task multiple times? Just to clarify, I don't believe this is an issue with the provider/model itself, but rather a problem specific to OpenClaude. I use Mino with opencode, which never hallucinates, yet I consistently encounter these issues with OpenClaude. How can I fix this?

also note: i am using latest openclaude with nodejs version 24 LTS

[isheng-eqi]

This is a common issue with OpenClaude and usually comes down to the system prompt or tool configuration. Since you confirmed other clients (opencode) work fine with the same model, the problem is specific to how OpenClaude manages the agent loop.

Most likely causes and fixes

1. Check your system prompt for tool usage instructions

OpenClaude's default behavior can be too aggressive with tool calls. If the system prompt says something like "use tools to solve the task," the agent may enter a loop: call tool → get result → call tool again → repeat.

Fix: Add explicit stop conditions to your system prompt:

Complete the task in as few steps as possible. After receiving a tool result, evaluate whether the task is complete. If it is complete, respond to the user directly without calling any more tools. Do not repeat the same tool call with the same parameters.

2. Check max_turns or iteration limit

OpenClaude has a configurable maximum number of tool-calling turns. If set too high, the agent will keep going until it hits the limit. Look for a setting like:

{
  "maxTurns": 20,
  "maxToolCalls": 10
}

Set these to lower values (e.g., maxTurns: 5, maxToolCalls: 5) and see if the looping stops.

3. Tool description overlap

If multiple tools have similar descriptions, the model may call them interchangeably, creating a loop. Check your MCP server's tool descriptions — make sure each tool has a distinct, specific purpose stated in its description.

4. Context window exhaustion

When the conversation exceeds the context window, OpenClaude may lose track of what it has already done and repeat tasks. This is the "context looping" you described. Fixes:

• Start a new conversation more frequently
• Use /compact or the equivalent command if OpenClaude supports it
• Reduce the system prompt length
• Reduce the number of MCP tools registered

5. Node.js version compatibility

You mentioned Node.js 24 LTS. OpenClaude may not be fully tested on Node 24. Try Node.js 22 LTS instead:

nvm install 22
nvm use 22

Some MCP-related packages have edge cases on newer Node versions.

Quick diagnostic

Run OpenClaude with verbose logging to see what is happening:

DEBUG=* openclaude

Look for repeated tool calls with identical parameters — that confirms a looping issue. If the tool calls vary but the task never completes, it is a prompt/instruction issue.

If none of this helps

Open an issue on the OpenClaude repo with:

1. Your system prompt
2. The list of registered tools
3. A specific example of the looping behavior (what the agent repeats)
4. Your maxTurns and related config values