# Getting Started

{% embed url="<https://github.com/gensyn-ai/rl-swarm>" %}

## Overview

RL Swarm is a peer-to-peer reinforcement-learning swarm you can run on a laptop or a GPU server. This page is an orientation & navigation hub.&#x20;

Start by picking your OS below and follow the platform guide. If something breaks, start at [Troubleshooting](https://docs.gensyn.ai/testnet/rl-swarm/troubleshooting) or join the [Gensyn Discord](https://discord.com/invite/gensyn) for help.

### Before you Begin

RL Swarm is available across several environments: [Windows (via WSL 2)](https://docs.gensyn.ai/testnet/rl-swarm/getting-started/windows-wsl-2), [Linux (Ubuntu 22.04+)](https://docs.gensyn.ai/testnet/rl-swarm/getting-started/linux), and [macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon)](https://docs.gensyn.ai/testnet/rl-swarm/getting-started/macos).&#x20;

### System Requirements

* A 64-bit arm64 or x86 CPU with at least 32 GB RAM, or an officially supported NVIDIA GPU (3090, 4090, 5090, A100, H100)
* Between **Python 3.10** and **Python 3.13**
* [Docker](https://www.docker.com/) and [Git](https://git-scm.com/install/) installed & configured
* Stable internet connection

{% hint style="danger" %}
Python 3.14 is incompatible with RL Swarm.
{% endhint %}

#### Accounts & Access

* **Hugging Face account:** You’ll need a Write-access API token to participate in the swarm.
* **Gensyn Testnet account:** Automatically created when you first log in through your browser during setup.

### Supported Platforms & Installation Paths

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Windows (WSL 2)</strong></td><td>Run RL Swarm via Docker inside WSL 2 for a consistent Linux-based environment.</td><td><a href="getting-started/windows-wsl-2">windows-wsl-2</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Linux (Ubuntu 22.04+)</strong></td><td>Recommended for most users. Run RL Swarm directly or inside Docker.</td><td><a href="getting-started/linux">linux</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>macOS (Intel &#x26; Apple Silicon)</strong></td><td>Best for M1/M2/M3 users with Apple Silicon. <em>Supports CPU-only training.</em></td><td><a href="../blockassist/getting-started/macos">macos</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

#### FAQ

<details>

<summary>Can I run RL Swarm on my laptop?</summary>

Yes. If you don’t have a GPU, you’ll run in CPU mode. It will be slower, but you’ll still participate in the swarm.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What happens when I log in?</summary>

You’ll create an on-chain identity (via Alchemy) and a local `swarm.pem` file that identifies your peer.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What if I want to switch machines?</summary>

Copy your `swarm.pem` file to the new machine. That preserves your peer identity and animal name.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What if I encounter errors or crashes?</summary>

Check the [Troubleshooting](https://docs.gensyn.ai/testnet/rl-swarm/troubleshooting) guide first, or visit our [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/gensyn) for help.

</details>

#### Resources

If you need additional set-up or post-launch support, you can [open a ticket](https://github.com/gensyn-ai/rl-swarm/issues) or [visit our Discord.](https://discord.com/invite/gensyn)

| [Troubleshooting Guide](https://docs.gensyn.ai/testnet/rl-swarm/troubleshooting) | Common setup issues and fixes.                                     |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| [Gensyn Discord](https://discord.gg/gensyn)                                      | Ask questions, report issues, or chat with the team.               |
| [Gensyn Blog](https://gensyn.ai/blog)                                            | Learn more about the AI Prediction Market and current experiments. |
| [Gensyn Testnet Dashboard](https://dashboard.gensyn.ai)                          | Track your peer’s training and on-chain activity.                  |