OpenClaw makes DeepSeek V4 Flash the default agent model

OpenClaw has officially made DeepSeek V4 Flash the default agent model, a significant move that reflects a strategic shift in agent workflow optimization. Released on April 24, 2026, this update not only introduces the new model but also addresses previous issues related to DeepSeek's thinking and replay behavior during tool-call turns. With V4 Flash priced at $0.14/$0.28 per 1M input/output tokens, it presents a cost-effective alternative to competitors like OpenAI's GPT-5.5, which charges significantly more, highlighting OpenClaw's focus on AI automation and cost efficiency in agent operations.

The integration of DeepSeek V4 Flash into OpenClaw's offerings is a clear signal of the company's commitment to enhancing developer tooling and API capabilities. By prioritizing a model with 285 billion total parameters and a more affordable active-parameter path, OpenClaw aims to streamline agent performance while managing rate limits effectively. This release not only serves as a cost optimization case study but also sets the stage for future model updates and integrations that can further enhance the agent ecosystem.