01What Free Claude Code Is and How It Works

Free Claude Code is a way to use Claude Code without paying for tokens or being locked to one API. It is an open-source project that sits between the Claude Code CLI and whatever free API you choose. You can plug it into any free model, like our alpha, Hermes 3, or NVIDIA Nemotron.

In this episode, Julian Goldie explains that most people think Claude Code only works with Anthropic and costs per token. But with the free Claude Code setup, you can use any free API. This means you can build apps, games, websites, and even videos without spending money.

The system works by connecting the free Claude Code project to your chosen free API. Then you use an agent operating system, like the one Julian built, to control everything with text or voice. The result is a free, powerful coding tool that you can use forever.

02Main Features of the Goldie Agent Engine

Julian's setup, called the Goldie agent engine, has several key features. It includes a custom dashboard that shows a preview of what the AI is building. You can see the code being written in real time on the right side, and you can check out your workspace and previous projects.

  • Custom dashboard: You can type or chat with the AI to build projects.
  • Memory system: It uses Obsidian as a persistent memory, so your data stays the same no matter which AI agent you switch to.
  • Tool integration: You can add contacts, calendar, studio, Kanban, journal, and live status.
  • Voice control: You can control the system with your voice.
  • ReMotion integration: This lets you train your AI agent to create videos and animations.

Julian says the agent operating system makes it easy for non-coders to use. You can mold and change the system as new tools come out, like plugging in Hermes Jarvis for voice agents.

03How to Set Up Free Claude Code

Setting up free Claude Code is simple, even if you are not technical. Julian explains that you do not need to run it locally. You can use free APIs from OpenRouter.

Here are the steps he shows:

  1. Get the zip file from the AI Profit Boarding (link in the description or at AIProfitBoarding.com).
  2. Install the zip file using Hermes, Claude, or any AI agent you prefer.
  3. Follow the readme instructions inside the zip file for setup.
  4. Plug in a free API, like our alpha on OpenRouter, or other free models.
  5. Start using the agent operating system to build and manage your projects.

Julian notes that the setup is designed so any AI agent can install it easily. Many users, like Nick, Eric, and Mike, have already built their own systems using this method.

04How to Use It: Examples from the Episode

Julian shows several examples of what you can build with free Claude Code. He created a video that showcases all the projects together, using ReMotion to train the agent for video creation. The video was fully made with free Claude Code.

He also built a playable snake game by typing a prompt: "build out a snake game." The system started building it immediately, with a preview on the right side. Other projects include a spinning galaxy animation, apps, and reworked apps.

  • Build apps: Type a one-sentence prompt, and the free model writes the whole app.
  • Create games: Like the snake game, built in real time.
  • Make videos: Use ReMotion to train agents for video production.
  • Control with voice: Speak to the system to give commands.

Julian says the system can also be trained for computer use and other tasks. He built six real apps in one morning just for fun.

05Results and Comparisons from the Episode

Julian compares the old way of using Claude Code with the free setup. Before, you needed an API and used a lot of tokens. You held back because you worried about costs.

Now, with free Claude Code, you can experiment and build cool stuff without limits.

He tested the outputs and says they are good, even though he thought it would be terrible. The video and all demos were created for free. The cost to make them was zero.

Julian also lists free models available on OpenRouter: Hermes 3 by Nous Research, NVIDIA Nemotron, and KimiK 2.6. He says 99% of people are not aware of these free APIs. The system uses our alpha because it has a million-token context window, native tool use, and is purpose-built for AI agents.

06Tips, Limits, and Mistakes to Avoid

Julian addresses common misconceptions about free Claude Code. Some people think free models are weak, but our alpha is powerful for agentic work. Others think it is technical and scary, but the agent OS makes it non-technical.

  • Don't worry about losing chat history: With Obsidian memory, your data stays the same when switching tools.
  • Don't fear that our alpha will stop being free: There are many free APIs, and new ones keep appearing.
  • Don't think you have to pay per token: Free Claude Code works with any API.
  • Don't use the terminal only: The agent OS gives you a clean dashboard and previews.

Avoid the mistake of thinking the setup is complex. Julian says, "If I can build it, you can build it." He also warns against shiny object syndrome: with a memory system you own, you can swap models easily when new ones come out.

07Who It Is For and Why It Matters

Free Claude Code is for anyone who wants to build apps, games, tools, or websites without paying for AI tokens. It is especially useful for non-coders because the agent operating system makes everything easy to access and control.

Julian says the cost of running AI is collapsing. People who set up the right architecture today will have a free agent engine forever. Even if you don't run it locally, you can use free APIs from OpenRouter.

The system improves every time you use it. Every conversation feeds your memory, and every memory sharpens the next conversation. You can choose which model you use and switch around freely.

Julian recommends getting his setup from the AI Profit Boarding, which includes the full system, a 30-day plan, and access to a community for support.