How to run OpenCode on a VPS

To run OpenCode on a VPS, create a secured non-root Linux account, install OpenCode using its current official instructions, configure your chosen model provider, clone the repository, and launch OpenCode inside tmux, zellij, or another persistent terminal. The session then survives your laptop disconnecting.

What does the OpenCode VPS need?

Choose enough CPU, memory, and disk for the project’s build, test, database, and language-server workload. Add a non-root developer user, SSH key authentication, a firewall, security updates, and backups. Do not expose development ports directly unless they sit behind deliberate authentication and TLS.

How do you install and authenticate OpenCode?

Use OpenCode’s official installer and verify the version. Its provider flexibility is useful, but it also means authentication differs by model provider. Use the provider’s supported environment or login method, grant the smallest necessary scope, and avoid placing keys in shell history, prompts, committed files, or logs.

Then authenticate GitHub and clone the repository:

gh auth login --hostname github.com --web
mkdir -p ~/projects
cd ~/projects
git clone git@github.com:owner/repo.git

Generate VPS-specific SSH credentials if needed and register only the public key.

How do you keep OpenCode running after disconnecting?

tmux new -s opencode
cd ~/projects/repo
opencode

Detach using Ctrl-b, then d. Reconnect later with:

ssh developer@your-server
tmux attach -t opencode

This protects against a network disconnect. It does not make the process reboot-proof or protect it from resource exhaustion. If a large test run exhausts memory, tmux will faithfully preserve a session containing a killed process.

When does a persistent workspace remove useful setup work?

Matrix can install OpenCode as a developer tool and run it beside other coding agents on the same dedicated computer:

matrix run -it --session opencode-main -- bash -lc 'cd ~/projects/repo && opencode'

Matrix adds managed browser access, persistent named sessions, files, previews, and review surfaces around the underlying computer. See the coding-agent guide or self-host Matrix on a VPS.

Can OpenCode run beside Claude Code or Codex?

Use one worktree per writing agent. Give OpenCode a defined branch and task, assign unique application resources, and keep production credentials out of the environment. Require tests and review before merging.

Common questions about running OpenCode on a VPS

Which model does OpenCode use on a VPS?

OpenCode supports multiple providers. The VPS does not determine the model. Your OpenCode configuration and provider credentials do.

Does OpenCode keep running after SSH disconnects?

Only when it runs inside a persistent session or platform terminal. A process attached directly to the dropped SSH shell may terminate.

Should OpenCode run as root?

No. Use a non-root development account and least-privilege credentials so a mistaken command has a smaller blast radius.