Sequential Thinking Tools MCP server

Provides structured problem-solving tools for step-by-step analysis, branching thoughts, and adaptive reasoning strategies in complex decision-making processes.
Back to servers
Setup instructions
Provider
Scott Spence
Release date
Jan 25, 2025
Language
TypeScript
Package
Stats
8.6K downloads
245 stars

The MCP Sequential Thinking Tools server provides a powerful framework for breaking down complex problems into manageable steps while recommending the most appropriate MCP tools at each stage. This server enhances problem-solving by combining sequential thinking with intelligent tool suggestions that include confidence scores and rationales.

What Is MCP Sequential Thinking Tools

This server analyzes each step of your thought process and recommends appropriate MCP tools to help accomplish tasks. For each step, it provides:

  • Confidence scores (0-1) indicating tool suitability
  • Clear rationales explaining why each tool would be helpful
  • Priority levels for suggested tool execution order
  • Alternative tool options for flexibility

The server adapts to your problem-solving process, supporting branching paths, thought revision, and progress tracking while working with any MCP tools in your environment.

Installation

Using NPX

The simplest way to install and use the server is through NPX:

npx -y mcp-sequentialthinking-tools

Configuration

You'll need to configure your MCP client to use this server.

Cline Configuration

Add this to your Cline MCP settings:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-sequentialthinking-tools": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "mcp-sequentialthinking-tools"]
    }
  }
}

Claude Desktop with WSL Configuration

For WSL environments, add this to your Claude Desktop configuration:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-sequentialthinking-tools": {
      "command": "wsl.exe",
      "args": [
        "bash",
        "-c",
        "source ~/.nvm/nvm.sh && /home/username/.nvm/versions/node/v20.12.1/bin/npx mcp-sequentialthinking-tools"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Usage

The server implements a single MCP tool with configurable parameters:

sequentialthinking_tools

This tool facilitates dynamic problem-solving with intelligent tool recommendations.

Parameters

  • thought (string, required): Your current thinking step
  • next_thought_needed (boolean, required): Whether another thought step is needed
  • thought_number (integer, required): Current thought number
  • total_thoughts (integer, required): Estimated total thoughts needed
  • is_revision (boolean, optional): Whether this revises previous thinking
  • revises_thought (integer, optional): Which thought is being reconsidered
  • branch_from_thought (integer, optional): Branching point thought number
  • branch_id (string, optional): Branch identifier
  • needs_more_thoughts (boolean, optional): If more thoughts are needed
  • current_step (object, optional): Current step recommendation with:
    • step_description: What needs to be done
    • recommended_tools: Array of tool recommendations with confidence scores
    • expected_outcome: What to expect from this step
    • next_step_conditions: Conditions for next step
  • previous_steps (array, optional): Steps already recommended
  • remaining_steps (array, optional): High-level descriptions of upcoming steps

Example Usage

Here's how the server guides tool usage during problem-solving:

{
  "thought": "Initial research step to understand what universal reactivity means in Svelte 5",
  "current_step": {
    "step_description": "Gather initial information about Svelte 5's universal reactivity",
    "expected_outcome": "Clear understanding of universal reactivity concept",
    "recommended_tools": [
      {
        "tool_name": "search_docs",
        "confidence": 0.9,
        "rationale": "Search Svelte documentation for official information",
        "priority": 1
      },
      {
        "tool_name": "tavily_search",
        "confidence": 0.8,
        "rationale": "Get additional context from reliable sources",
        "priority": 2
      }
    ],
    "next_step_conditions": [
      "Verify information accuracy",
      "Look for implementation details"
    ]
  },
  "thought_number": 1,
  "total_thoughts": 5,
  "next_thought_needed": true
}

Key Features

  • Dynamic Problem-Solving: Adapts and evolves with your thinking process
  • Flexible Thinking: Supports branching and revision of thoughts
  • Intelligent Recommendations: Suggests appropriate tools with confidence scores
  • Progress Tracking: Monitors completed and remaining steps
  • Alternative Suggestions: Provides multiple tool options for each step

The server helps maintain context across multiple steps and suggests next steps based on your current findings, making complex problem-solving more manageable and effective.

How to install this MCP server

For Claude Code

To add this MCP server to Claude Code, run this command in your terminal:

claude mcp add-json "mcp-sequentialthinking-tools" '{"command":"npx","args":["-y","mcp-sequentialthinking-tools"]}'

See the official Claude Code MCP documentation for more details.

For Cursor

There are two ways to add an MCP server to Cursor. The most common way is to add the server globally in the ~/.cursor/mcp.json file so that it is available in all of your projects.

If you only need the server in a single project, you can add it to the project instead by creating or adding it to the .cursor/mcp.json file.

Adding an MCP server to Cursor globally

To add a global MCP server go to Cursor Settings > Tools & Integrations and click "New MCP Server".

When you click that button the ~/.cursor/mcp.json file will be opened and you can add your server like this:

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "mcp-sequentialthinking-tools": {
            "command": "npx",
            "args": [
                "-y",
                "mcp-sequentialthinking-tools"
            ]
        }
    }
}

Adding an MCP server to a project

To add an MCP server to a project you can create a new .cursor/mcp.json file or add it to the existing one. This will look exactly the same as the global MCP server example above.

How to use the MCP server

Once the server is installed, you might need to head back to Settings > MCP and click the refresh button.

The Cursor agent will then be able to see the available tools the added MCP server has available and will call them when it needs to.

You can also explicitly ask the agent to use the tool by mentioning the tool name and describing what the function does.

For Claude Desktop

To add this MCP server to Claude Desktop:

1. Find your configuration file:

  • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
  • Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
  • Linux: ~/.config/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

2. Add this to your configuration file:

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "mcp-sequentialthinking-tools": {
            "command": "npx",
            "args": [
                "-y",
                "mcp-sequentialthinking-tools"
            ]
        }
    }
}

3. Restart Claude Desktop for the changes to take effect

Want to 10x your AI skills?

Get a free account and learn to code + market your apps using AI (with or without vibes!).

Nah, maybe later