Introducing ArqZero

We built ArqZero because every AI coding tool we used had the same problem: they generate code without following engineering methodology. Ask Claude Code to "add authentication" and it writes code. It doesn't plan first. It doesn't write tests first. It doesn't verify its work before claiming done.

ArqZero is different. It ships a library of structured capabilities — real multi-step engineering protocols for TDD, debugging, code review, migration, incident response, and more. Each capability is a precise sequence of imperative steps the agent follows, not freestyle prose.

Verification gates

The feature we're most proud of: verification gates. When ArqZero activates a capability that has a verification gate (testing, security review, refactoring), it cannot claim the task is done until it completes the verification steps. Run the tests. Check the coverage. Confirm no regressions.

No other coding agent has this. Claude Code, Cursor, Continue — they all rely on the model's judgment about when work is complete. ArqZero enforces it structurally.

Bring your own AI

ArqZero works with any OpenAI-compatible LLM provider. Fireworks, OpenAI, Anthropic (via proxy), Together, Groq, or local Ollama. Your API key, your choice, your data stays on your machine.

For managed inference, ArqZero ships a four-model lineup: ENSO (default), PRIMUS (deep reasoning), SHIORI (long context), and FLARE (fast). Auto-routing picks the right model per task. Override with /model any time.

Free to start

Install and start using ArqZero in 30 seconds. No account required.

Free tier includes all 18 tools, every slash command, full session memory, and 50 managed-inference messages per day — unlimited with your own key. Pro ($12/mo) unlocks unlimited managed inference across all four models, seven parallel subagents, and priority support.

What's next

We're shipping the Anthropic native adapter next (direct Claude API, not just OpenAI-compatible), followed by a VS Code extension, and team features for shared memory and settings. The core is open-source — audit the code, verify our no-telemetry claim, build on top of it.

— prana, creator of ArqZero