Published: May 26, 2026
Category: Guides
> Quick Answer: OpenCode is a free, open-source AI coding agent that supports SKILL.md skills. It stores skills in the .opencode/skills/ directory and works with any API provider (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, local models). No subscription fees. Pay only for the API tokens you use. Install community skills from agensi.io/skills or write your own.
OpenCode emerged in 2026 as a lightweight alternative to Claude Code for developers who want full agent capabilities without vendor lock-in. It's open-source, runs in your terminal, and supports the SKILL.md standard.
The key difference from Claude Code: OpenCode works with any LLM provider. You can use OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Mistral, or local models. You bring your own API key and pay only for tokens at the provider's rate with zero markup.
Project skills: .opencode/skills/ in your repository root.
Personal skills: ~/.opencode/skills/ in your home directory.
The format is identical to Claude Code. A folder containing a SKILL.md file with YAML frontmatter and markdown instructions. Skills written for Claude Code work in OpenCode without modification.
Download any SKILL.md skill and place it in the skills directory:
# From Agensi
unzip skill-name.zip -d ~/.opencode/skills/
From GitHub
git clone https://github.com/user/skill-name ~/.opencode/skills/skill-nameRestart your OpenCode session. The skill loads automatically when your task matches the skill's description.
OpenCode users tend to be cost-conscious developers. The most valuable skills reduce token consumption and produce correct output on the first try:
Code review skills catch issues before they become expensive debugging sessions. Essential for any agent, especially one running on a pay-per-token model.
Testing skills eliminate the generate-review-regenerate cycle. The right test on the first attempt saves tokens and time.
Architecture skills for your specific stack prevent OpenCode from inventing abstractions you'll ask it to rewrite.
Browse the full catalog at agensi.io/skills.
| Feature | OpenCode | Claude Code | Aider |
|---------|----------|-------------|-------|
| Price | Free (API only) | $20/month Pro | Free (API only) |
| Model support | Any provider | Anthropic only | Any provider |
| Skills support | SKILL.md | SKILL.md | Partial |
| Agent Teams | No | Yes | No |
| Hooks | No | Yes | No |
| IDE integration | Terminal | Terminal + VS Code | Terminal |
OpenCode sits between Aider (minimal, git-focused) and Claude Code (full-featured, Anthropic-only). It offers SKILL.md support with model flexibility.