How to Use Claude Code for FREE with Ollama
Learn how to use Claude Code for free with Ollama and a local AI model running on your own computer. In this step-by-step Windows tutorial, we'll install both tools, adjust Ollama's context length, connect Claude Code to Gemma 4 12B, and build a playable Breakout game. Then we'll improve the game with a follow-up prompt and learn how to return to the project later. This setup uses a local model in the Claude Code tool, with no AI subscription or per-token API charges for local inference. It does not give you free access to Anthropic's Opus or Sonnet models. Speed and results depend on your hardware and the model you choose. Host: Kevin Stratvert 📚 RESOURCES - Download Ollama: https://ollama.com/download/windows - Claude Code: https://claude.com/product/claude-code - Ollama + Claude Code setup: https://docs.ollama.com/integrations/claude-code - Gemma 4 12B: https://ollama.com/library/gemma4:12b - Qwen 3.5 4B: https://ollama.com/library/qwen3.5:4b Commands used in the video (PowerShell; run each line separately): ollama --version claude --version mkdir breakout-game cd breakout-game ollama launch claude Windows "claude is not recognized" fix (native installer): For the current PowerShell window, run: $env:Path += ";$env:USERPROFILE\.local\bin" To also save it for future terminals, run these three lines: $claudeBin = Join-Path $env:USERPROFILE '.local\bin' $userPath = [string][Environment]::GetEnvironmentVariable('Path', 'User') if (($userPath -split ';') -notcontains $claudeBin) { [Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable('Path', ($userPath.TrimEnd(';') + ';' + $claudeBin).TrimStart(';'), 'User') } Restart Windows Terminal after saving, then run claude --version. Installation help: https://code.claude.com/docs/en/setup Build prompt: Create a colorful, playable Breakout arcade game using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Include a paddle controlled by the mouse, a bouncing ball, bricks that disappear when hit, a score counter, and a restart button. Make sure the game works in a web browser. Improve prompt: Make the Breakout game look more polished. Add a glowing ball, particle effects when bricks break, and a subtle animated background. Keep the existing gameplay working. ⌚ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Introduction 0:37 - Download and install Ollama 1:30 - Adjust the context length 2:13 - Install Claude Code on Windows 2:58 - Create your project folder 3:31 - Connect Ollama and choose a local model 4:42 - Build and play a Breakout game 5:35 - Improve the game with a follow-up prompt 6:01 - Exit and reopen Claude Code 6:24 - Hardware requirements and model limitations 📺 RELATED VIDEOS - Playlist with all my videos on Artificial Intelligence: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlKpQrBME6xIARXD7aDFbQGAOHibBTqpe 📩 NEWSLETTER - Get the latest high-quality tutorial and tips and tricks videos emailed to your inbox each week: https://newsletter.kevinstratvert.com 🔽 CONNECT WITH ME - Official website: http://www.kevinstratvert.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstratvert/ - Discord: https://bit.ly/KevinStratvertDiscord - Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevstrat - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kevin-Stratvert-101912218227818 - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kevinstratvert - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinstratvert/ 🎁 PARTNERS & DISCOUNTED OFFERS 💻 Hostinger | https://hostinger.kevinstratvert.com 📋 Notion | https://notion.kevinstratvert.com 💵 Quickbooks Online | https://qbo.kevinstratvert.com 🎙️ Voicemod AI Voice Changer | https://voicemod.kevinstratvert.com 🕵️ VidIQ | http://vidiq.kevinstratvert.com 🎒 MY COURSES - Go from Excel novice to data analysis ninja in just 2 hours: https://kevinstratvert.thinkific.com/ 🎓 TRAINING - Take your skills, or your team’s, to the next level by partnering with us for expert training: https://kevinstratvert.com/training 🙏 REQUEST VIDEOS https://forms.gle/BDrTNUoxheEoMLGt5 🔔 SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/user/kevlers?sub_confirmation=1 🙌 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL - Hit the THANKS button in any video! - Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3kCP2yz ⚖ DISCLOSURE Some links are affiliate links. Purchasing through these links gives me a small commission to support videos on this channel. The price to you is the same. #stratvert #claudecode
