Claude Code 101 - RPG Learning Platform

Learn Claude Code by playing an RPG.

Earn XP, level up, unlock skills, collect Aura, and customize your character while learning real technical skills.

---

Quick Start

One-Click Install (macOS)

Run this command in your terminal:

/bin/bash install.sh

This automatically installs Homebrew, Node.js, and Claude Code CLI (skipping anything already installed).

Installation time:

• First-time setup: 5-8 minutes
• Re-run (updates only): 10-30 seconds

After installation:

1. Get your API key from console.anthropic.com
2. Open a new terminal window (to load the updated PATH)
3. cd ~/Developer/projects/"Claude Code 101"
4. Run claude
5. Type: start lesson

---

Manual Install (Alternative)

If you prefer to install components manually or the script fails:

1. Enable Smooth Teaching Flow

For the best beginner experience, configure Claude Code to skip permission prompts:

1. Open Claude Code settings (Cmd+, or Code > Settings)
2. Search for "permissions"
3. Enable: "Dangerously Skip Permissions"

Why this helps:

• No constant approval prompts during lessons
• Teaching flow feels smooth and game-like
• Claude can verify your commands automatically
• You can always undo changes with git

Alternative: Create .claude/project-instructions.md in this folder:

{
  "dangerouslySkipPermissions": true
}

2. Install Dependencies

# Install Homebrew (if not already installed)
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

# Install Node.js
brew install node

# Install Claude Code CLI
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

3. Start Learning

Open a conversation with Claude Code in this project folder and type:

start lesson

That's it! Your RPG learning adventure begins.

---

Troubleshooting

Homebrew Installation Issues

"Password doesn't work / won't let me type"

When Homebrew asks for your password, macOS hides what you type (no dots, no asterisks, nothing). This is normal security behavior. Just type your Mac password and press Enter - it's working even though you can't see it!

"Install Command Line Tools" popup appears

Click "Install" and wait 10-15 minutes. This is totally normal for fresh Macs. Homebrew needs these development tools. If installation fails, try:

xcode-select --install

Then re-run the Homebrew installation command.

"zsh: command not found: brew" after installation

Homebrew installed successfully, but your terminal doesn't know where to find it yet. Close Terminal completely (Cmd+Q) and open a fresh window. Homebrew should work now.

If still broken, add this to your shell config:

# For Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3):
echo 'eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"' >> ~/.zshrc

# For Intel Macs:
echo 'eval "$(/usr/local/bin/brew shellenv)"' >> ~/.zshrc

Then restart Terminal.

"Permission denied" errors

Your user account needs admin privileges. If you're the only user on this Mac, you should have admin rights. Check: System Preferences → Users & Groups → your username should say "Admin" underneath.

If you don't have admin rights, ask the admin to either:

• Give you admin privileges (temporarily or permanently)
• Run the installation for you

Other installation problems

Check Homebrew's official troubleshooting: https://docs.brew.sh/Troubleshooting

Claude Code Installation Issues

"npm: command not found"

Node.js didn't install properly. Try:

brew install node

If Homebrew itself isn't working, see Homebrew troubleshooting above.

"EACCES: permission denied" during npm install

Your npm doesn't have write permissions. Fix:

sudo chown -R $(whoami) $(npm config get prefix)/{lib/node_modules,bin,share}

Then retry: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

"claude: command not found" after installation

Close Terminal completely (Cmd+Q) and open a fresh window. If still broken, check your PATH:

echo $PATH

You should see npm's global bin directory. If not, add to ~/.zshrc:

export PATH="/usr/local/bin:$PATH"

Getting Help

Still stuck? Common solutions:

1. Restart Terminal completely (Cmd+Q, then reopen) - fixes 80% of PATH issues
2. Check you're logged in as admin - System Preferences → Users & Groups
3. Try the one-click installer - bash install.sh handles most edge cases
4. Ask Claude - Once you get claude working, just ask "I'm stuck with [problem]"

---

What This Is

An RPG-styled learning platform that teaches complete beginners how to use Claude Code. You start with zero technical knowledge and end up building real projects, deploying websites, and mastering AI-powered development.

The twist: it's a game. You earn XP, level up, unlock skills, buy cosmetics, and compete on leaderboards (coming soon). But every single task teaches a real skill. No filler.

---

Who It's For

• People who have never opened a terminal
• People who think "command line" sounds scary
• People who want to learn to build things but don't know where to start
• Anyone curious about AI-powered development
• Complete beginners. Absolute zero experience required.

---

How to Start

Option A: Web Onboarding (Recommended for Beginners)

Visit the website and complete the mock terminal quests first. No installation needed - practice basic commands right in your browser, then follow the download instructions to set up locally.

Option B: Jump Straight In

Already comfortable with a terminal? Go direct:

1. Open Terminal (Cmd + Space, type "Terminal", press Enter)
2. Navigate here:

   cd ~/Developer/projects/"Claude Code 101"

3. Launch Claude Code:

   claude

4. Type start lesson and follow along.

Don't have Claude Code installed yet? No problem - Module 2 walks you through installation step by step.

---

The 6 Character Classes

Choose your class in Module 3 and shape your entire learning journey:

	Class	Vibe
💪	Gigachad Builder	"I want to BUILD things"
🐺	Sigma Grinder	"I want to be FAST"
👑	Aura Farmer	"I want maximum FLEX"
🔥	Chaos Agent	"I want to break RULES"
😎	Meme Lord	"I want to have FUN"
🧙	Hackerman	"I want MASTERY"

Each class has unique stat bonuses, a skill tree with 15 abilities, and 3 evolution stages.

---

What You'll Learn (15 Modules)

#	Module	What You'll Build/Learn
1	Getting Into the Terminal	Navigate your computer like a pro
2	Installing Claude Code	Get your AI assistant running
3	First Conversations	Talk to AI + choose your class
4	Models	Haiku vs Sonnet vs Opus
5	Prompt Engineering	Write prompts that get results
6	Plan Mode	Explore safely before committing
7	Technical Foundations	JSON, file types, paths, power moves
8	Git & Version Control	Save points for your code
9	Personal Website	Build and deploy a real site
10	Agents	AI specialists working for you
11	MCP	Plugins that expand Claude's power
12	Advanced Patterns	Debug, review, refactor, optimize
13	Shipping Products	From idea to live product
14	Autonomous Mode	Let Claude run on autopilot
15	Graduation	You're a builder now

---

Features

Progression System

• 8 core levels + endless progression
• XP from every task, lesson, and module
• Skill points on level up

Stats

• 5 stats that grow as you learn: Speed, Accuracy, Creativity, Efficiency, Aura
• Each lesson type grows a specific stat
• Class bonuses stack on top

Aura (Triple Layer)

• Currency: Buy cosmetics from the shop
• Glow: Visual prestige based on total earned
• Reputation: Social rank from Newcomer to Transcendent

Skill Trees

• 15 skills per class across 4 tiers
• Passive bonuses, active abilities, and ultimate powers
• Unlock as you level up

Customization

• 26 character skins
• 9 aura colors
• 15 terminal themes
• 4 sound packs
• 12 accessories
• Custom titles

Living Cheat Sheet

• MY_CHEAT_SHEET.md - Auto-updates as you learn
• Grows with every lesson you complete
• Only shows what you've actually learned (no spoilers!)
• Searchable reference for commands, shortcuts, and concepts
• Copy-paste ready examples
• MY_CHEAT_SHEET.html - Beautiful browser version with search

Music/DJ System

• Sound effects and celebration sequences
• Event-triggered celebration sounds
• Customizable sound packs

Streaks

• Daily tracking with milestone rewards
• Streak freeze (miss a day without losing progress)
• Bonus Aura at 7, 14, 30, 60, 100 days

Easter Eggs

• Hidden rewards for dedicated players
• Triggered by going beyond the daily recommendation
• Special bonuses for Chaos Agent class

---

Commands

Command	Action
start lesson	Begin your journey
status	See your full player card
class	View class details
skills	Skill tree
shop	Buy cosmetics
aura	Aura details
streak	Streak progress
cheat	Open your living cheat sheet
sandbox	Free mode (Level 5+)
help	All commands
I'm stuck	Get simpler instructions
explain [x]	Plain-language explanation

---

File Structure

File	Purpose
CLAUDE.md	Instructions for the AI teacher
curriculum.md	All 15 modules with tasks
progress.json	Your save file (XP, stats, position)
skill_trees.json	All class skill trees
cosmetics.json	Shop items and prices
music_config.json	Music event triggers
seasons.json	Seasonal events (Coming Soon)
MY_CHEAT_SHEET.md	Your personal cheat sheet (auto-updates as you learn!)
MY_CHEAT_SHEET.html	Beautiful browser version with search
quick-reference.md	Static quick reference for commands
web/	Landing page + mock terminal onboarding site
README.md	This file

---

Remember

• There are no stupid questions
• Mistakes are XP in disguise
• Every expert was once a complete beginner
• You're building real skills on your real computer
• The RPG makes it fun, but the skills are 100% real
• You're brave for starting this

Let's go.