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[Bug]: New session doesn't auto-load memory files #13987

@frankzzziii

Description

@frankzzziii

Bug Report: New session doesn't auto-load memory files

Description:
When creating a new session via /new or /reset, the memory files specified in AGENTS.md are not automatically loaded, causing the AI to lose all context about identity, user, and recent activities.

Expected Behavior:
According to AGENTS.md > "Every Session", the following files should be automatically loaded at the start of each session:

  1. SOUL.md — who the AI is
  2. USER.md — who the user is
  3. memory/YYYY-MM-DD.md (today + yesterday) — recent context
  4. MEMORY.md — long-term memory (main sessions only)

Actual Behavior:
When /new or /reset is triggered, none of these files are automatically read. The agent starts with zero context and must manually call the read tool to access these files.

Impact:

  • New sessions start "blank" — AI doesn't know its name, user's name, or previous work
  • Violates the "Continuity" principle from SOUL.md: "Each session, you wake up fresh. These files are your memory."
  • Makes /reset effectively a hard reset rather than a context refresh

Environment:

  • OpenClaw Version: 2026.2.9
  • Node.js: v22.22.0
  • OS: Linux 6.8.0-71-generic
  • Workspace: /root/workspace

Steps to Reproduce:

  1. Have populated SOUL.md, USER.md, and memory/2026-02-11.md files
  2. Send /new or /reset in a chat
  3. Observe the AI greeting without any knowledge of its identity or user

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