Using Superpowers
Activate and utilize advanced agent capabilities to solve complex problems.
SKILL.md Definition
IF A SKILL APPLIES TO YOUR TASK, YOU DO NOT HAVE A CHOICE. YOU MUST USE IT.
This is not negotiable. This is not optional. You cannot rationalize your way out of this.
How to Access Skills
In Claude Code: Use the Skill tool. When you invoke a skill, its content is loaded and presented to you—follow it directly. Never use the Read tool on skill files.
In other environments: Check your platform's documentation for how skills are loaded.
Using Skills
The Rule
Invoke relevant or requested skills BEFORE any response or action. Even a 1% chance a skill might apply means that you should invoke the skill to check. If an invoked skill turns out to be wrong for the situation, you don't need to use it.
digraph skill_flow {
"User message received" [shape=doublecircle];
"Might any skill apply?" [shape=diamond];
"Invoke Skill tool" [shape=box];
"Announce: 'Using [skill] to [purpose]'" [shape=box];
"Has checklist?" [shape=diamond];
"Create TodoWrite todo per item" [shape=box];
"Follow skill exactly" [shape=box];
"Respond (including clarifications)" [shape=doublecircle];
"User message received" -> "Might any skill apply?";
"Might any skill apply?" -> "Invoke Skill tool" [label="yes, even 1%"];
"Might any skill apply?" -> "Respond (including clarifications)" [label="definitely not"];
"Invoke Skill tool" -> "Announce: 'Using [skill] to [purpose]'";
"Announce: 'Using [skill] to [purpose]'" -> "Has checklist?";
"Has checklist?" -> "Create TodoWrite todo per item" [label="yes"];
"Has checklist?" -> "Follow skill exactly" [label="no"];
"Create TodoWrite todo per item" -> "Follow skill exactly";
}
Red Flags
These thoughts mean STOP—you're rationalizing:
| Thought | Reality |
|---|---|
| "This is just a simple question" | Questions are tasks. Check for skills. |
| "I need more context first" | Skill check comes BEFORE clarifying questions. |
| "Let me explore the codebase first" | Skills tell you HOW to explore. Check first. |
| "I can check git/files quickly" | Files lack conversation context. Check for skills. |
| "Let me gather information first" | Skills tell you HOW to gather information. |
| "This doesn't need a formal skill" | If a skill exists, use it. |
| "I remember this skill" | Skills evolve. Read current version. |
| "This doesn't count as a task" | Action = task. Check for skills. |
| "The skill is overkill" | Simple things become complex. Use it. |
| "I'll just do this one thing first" | Check BEFORE doing anything. |
| "This feels productive" | Undisciplined action wastes time. Skills prevent this. |
| "I know what that means" | Knowing the concept ≠ using the skill. Invoke it. |
Skill Priority
When multiple skills could apply, use this order:
- Process skills first (brainstorming, debugging) - these determine HOW to approach the task
- Implementation skills second (frontend-design, mcp-builder) - these guide execution
"Let's build X" → brainstorming first, then implementation skills. "Fix this bug" → debugging first, then domain-specific skills.
Skill Types
Rigid (TDD, debugging): Follow exactly. Don't adapt away discipline.
Flexible (patterns): Adapt principles to context.
The skill itself tells you which.
User Instructions
Instructions say WHAT, not HOW. "Add X" or "Fix Y" doesn't mean skip workflows.
About Superpowers
Superpowers is a complete software development workflow for your coding agents, built on top of a set of composable "skills".
Philosophy
- Test-Driven Development - Write tests first, always
- Systematic over ad-hoc - Process over guessing
- Complexity reduction - Simplicity as primary goal
- Evidence over claims - Verify before declaring success
Installation
Note: Installation differs by platform. Claude Code has a built-in plugin system. Codex and OpenCode require manual setup.
Claude Code (via Plugin Marketplace)
In Claude Code, register the marketplace first:
/plugin marketplace add obra/superpowers-marketplace
Then install the plugin from this marketplace:
/plugin install superpowers@superpowers-marketplace
Verify Installation
Check that commands appear:
/help
# Should see:
# /superpowers:brainstorm - Interactive design refinement
# /superpowers:write-plan - Create implementation plan
# /superpowers:execute-plan - Execute plan in batches
Links & Support
- Repository: https://github.com/obra/superpowers
- Issues: https://github.com/obra/superpowers/issues
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Powerful Agent Skills
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Ready to Use
Copy and paste into any agent system supporting skills.
Modular Design
Mix and match 'code skills' to create complex agent behaviors.
Optimized
Each 'agent skill' is tuned for high performance and accuracy.
Open Source
All 'code skills' are open for contributions and customization.
Cross-Platform
Works with various LLMs and agent frameworks.
Safe & Secure
Vetted skills that follow best practices for AI safety.
How it Works
Get started with agent skills in three simple steps.
Pick a Skill
Find the skill you need from our collection.
Read Docs
Understand how the skill works and its constraints.
Copy & Use
Paste the definition into your agent's config.
Test
Verify the results and refine as needed.
Deploy
Launch your specialized AI agent.
What Developers Say
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Alex Smith
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"Agiskills has completely changed how I build AI agents."
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FAQ
Everything you need to know about Agiskills.
Yes, all public skills are free to copy and use.