How to add Vibe Check MCP to Claude Desktop

Research-backed mentor layer that interrupts agent pattern inertia to prevent over-engineering and reasoning lock-in. Paste the config into ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json and restart Claude Desktop.

Last updated June 14, 2026 · 492★ · stdio · apikey

Claude Desktop config for Vibe Check MCP

npx -y @pv-bhat/vibe-check-mcp start --stdio

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "vibe-check-mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@pv-bhat/vibe-check-mcp",
        "start",
        "--stdio"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Setup steps

1Open Claude Desktop → Settings → Developer → Edit Config (this opens ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json).
2Paste the Vibe Check MCP config below under the top-level "mcpServers" key.
3Fill in any placeholder secrets (API keys, paths) in the snippet.
4Save the file, then fully quit and reopen Claude Desktop.
5Open a chat and confirm Vibe Check MCP's tools appear under the 🔌 tools menu.

Before you start

Node.js >= 20
An LLM provider API key (GEMINI_API_KEY by default; OPENAI_API_KEY, ANTHROPIC_API_KEY, or OPENROUTER_API_KEY also supported)
An MCP-aware client (Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code, etc.)

What Vibe Check MCP can do in Claude Desktop

vibe_check

Challenge assumptions and prevent tunnel vision; invokes a second LLM to give metacognitive feedback on the agent's plan. Pass the full user request and current plan; supports sessionId for history continuity.

vibe_learn

Optionally capture mistakes, preferences, and successes to build a history for future reflection and self-improvement.

update_constitution

Set or merge a per-session rule set (constitution) that the CPI layer will honor, keyed by sessionId.

reset_constitution

Clear the constitution rules for a given session.

check_constitution

Return the effective constitution rules currently in force for a given session.

Security

Requires an LLM provider API key (Gemini by default; OpenAI, Anthropic, or OpenRouter also supported) supplied via environment variables (e.g. GEMINI_API_KEY) or a .env file. The server invokes a second LLM, so prompts/context are sent to the configured provider. A CI-based security scan runs npm audit and source pattern checks; see SECURITY.md. v2.8.0+ updated the MCP SDK to 1.26 to address a cross-client data-leakage fix and resolved 14 npm audit vulnerabilities.

Vibe Check MCP + Claude Desktop FAQ

Where is the Claude Desktop config file?

Claude Desktop reads MCP servers from ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json. Paste the Vibe Check MCP config there under the "mcpServers" key and restart the client.

Is Vibe Check MCP safe to use with Claude Desktop?

What problem does Vibe Check solve?

LLMs can confidently follow flawed plans and spiral into over-engineering or misalignment (pattern inertia / reasoning lock-in). Vibe Check provides an external nudge via short reflective pauses, improving reliability and safety.

Which LLM providers are supported?

Gemini (default), OpenAI, Anthropic (including Anthropic-compatible endpoints), and OpenRouter. Set DEFAULT_LLM_PROVIDER and the matching API key.

Which transports are supported?

Both STDIO and streamable HTTP. Transport resolution follows explicit flags (--stdio/--http) → MCP_TRANSPORT → default stdio. For HTTP, the default port is 2091.

View repo Full Vibe Check MCP page