> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.arct.cloud/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Self-host Hermes Agent

> Deploy Hermes Agent on a Linux VPS, install it, and keep its messaging gateway running.

Arct Cloud provides the Linux VPS. Hermes Agent is not preinstalled or managed by Arct Cloud. Install it with the official Nous Research tools below. Model-provider access and any related charges are separate from the VPS price.

## Choose a Plan

| Plan          | vCPU | RAM  | NVMe storage | Best for                                       |
| ------------- | ---- | ---- | ------------ | ---------------------------------------------- |
| **cvm.pico**  | 1    | 1 GB | 15 GB        | Official minimum profile                       |
| **cvm.micro** | 2    | 4 GB | 40 GB        | Official recommended profile and browser tasks |

Review current plan availability and pricing on the [Arct Cloud pricing page](https://www.arct.cloud/pricing).

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Deploy a Linux Server">
    [Deploy a server](/compute/virtual-machines/deploy), choose one of the plans above, and select an available Ubuntu 24.04 image. Linux images deploy in under 30 seconds. Every plan includes DDoS protection and network capacity up to 25 Gbps.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect over SSH">
    Find the server IP address in the Arct Cloud dashboard, then connect:

    ```bash theme={null}
    ssh ubuntu@YOUR_SERVER_IP
    ```

    See [Connect via SSH](/compute/virtual-machines/connect-ssh) if you need help with your key or username.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install Hermes Agent">
    Run the official installer and follow its prompts:

    ```bash theme={null}
    curl -fsSL https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/install.sh | bash
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect Nous Portal">
    Start the Portal setup and open the sign-in link shown in the terminal:

    ```bash theme={null}
    hermes setup --portal
    ```

    Model-provider access and usage charges are separate from your Arct Cloud server.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Messaging">
    Open the interactive gateway setup:

    ```bash theme={null}
    hermes gateway setup
    ```

    Choose your messaging platform and enter the bot credentials requested by the wizard.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start Hermes at Boot">
    Install and start the system service so the gateway returns after a server restart:

    ```bash theme={null}
    sudo hermes gateway install --system
    sudo hermes gateway start --system
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify the Gateway">
    Check that the service is running:

    ```bash theme={null}
    sudo hermes gateway status --system
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Security

Port `8642` is only needed for the optional Hermes API. Do not open it when you use Hermes only through messaging platforms. Configure a strong `API_SERVER_KEY` whenever you enable the API. If a remote client needs access, also restrict inbound traffic to trusted source addresses. Follow the official [Hermes API Server security guidance](https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/user-guide/features/api-server) before enabling remote access.

## Official Resources

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Hermes Agent Documentation" icon="book-open" href="https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/">
    Current installation, provider, gateway, and security guidance.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Hermes Agent on GitHub" icon="github" href="https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent">
    Source code, releases, and issue tracker.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>Hermes Agent is developed by Nous Research. Arct Cloud is an independent hosting provider and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Nous Research.</Note>