Anthropic (reference server) · official
Sequential Thinking
Structured step-by-step reasoning for complex problems.
This skill gives the assistant a scratchpad for hard problems: it breaks tasks into explicit, revisable thinking steps instead of answering in one shot. Noticeably better results on planning and analysis tasks. No API key, no data leaves your machine.
Install Sequential Thinking
You need: an AI app that supports skills (pick yours above) · Node.js (LTS) — one-time install from nodejs.org. Check with `node -v` in a terminal.
Open Settings → Developer → Edit Config in Claude Desktop (this opens claude_desktop_config.json) and merge this block, then fully restart the app:
{
"mcpServers": {
"sequential-thinking": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@modelcontextprotocol/server-sequential-thinking"
]
}
}
}Vendor
Anthropic (reference server)
Category
Developer tools
API key
Not required
Source
FAQ
What is the Sequential Thinking skill?
This skill gives the assistant a scratchpad for hard problems: it breaks tasks into explicit, revisable thinking steps instead of answering in one shot. Noticeably better results on planning and analysis tasks. No API key, no data leaves your machine.
How do I install Sequential Thinking in Claude Desktop?
Open Settings → Developer → Edit Config in Claude Desktop and add a sequential-thinking entry under mcpServers (the install widget on this page generates the exact block). Fully restart the app afterwards. Local skills run on Node.js — install the LTS version from nodejs.org once.
Does Sequential Thinking need an API key?
No. Sequential Thinking works without an API key.
Which apps can use Sequential Thinking?
Sequential Thinking works with Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code — any app that supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP).
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