Overview

The Sequential Thinking MCP Server enables AI models to perform structured, step-by-step problem-solving through a standardized MCP interface. It provides tools for breaking down complex problems, revising thoughts, exploring alternative reasoning paths, and maintaining context over multiple thinking steps. For more details, explore its Key Features, learn about Available Tools, and find Installation instructions. You can also see Common Use Cases.

Official Server:

Developed and maintained by Model Context Protocol

Key Features

📝

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Divide complex problems into manageable thinking steps

🔄

Thought Revision

Revise and refine previous thoughts as understanding deepens

🌲

Branching Reasoning

Explore alternative thinking paths from specific decision points

📊

Dynamic Adjustment

Adjust total thought count based on problem complexity

Available Tools

Quick Reference

Tool	Purpose	Category
`sequential_thinking`	Perform structured step-by-step thinking	Problem-Solving

Detailed Usage

sequential_thinking▶

Facilitates a detailed, step-by-step thinking process for problem-solving and analysis.

// Initial thought step
use_mcp_tool({
  server_name: "sequential-thinking",
  tool_name: "sequential_thinking",
  arguments: {
    thought: "First, we need to understand the problem requirements.",
    thoughtNumber: 1,
    totalThoughts: 5,
    nextThoughtNeeded: true
  }
});

// Revised thought
use_mcp_tool({
  server_name: "sequential-thinking",
  tool_name: "sequential_thinking",
  arguments: {
    thought: "Actually, we need to clarify the problem requirements first.",
    thoughtNumber: 1,
    totalThoughts: 5,
    nextThoughtNeeded: true,
    isRevision: true,
    revisesThought: 1
  }
});

// Branching thought
use_mcp_tool({
  server_name: "sequential-thinking",
  tool_name: "sequential_thinking",
  arguments: {
    thought: "Let's explore an alternative approach.",
    thoughtNumber: 3,
    totalThoughts: 5,
    nextThoughtNeeded: true,
    branchFromThought: 2,
    branchId: "alternative-approach"
  }
});

Supports thought revision, branching, and dynamic thought count adjustment.

Installation

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "sequential-thinking": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-sequential-thinking"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Common Use Cases

1. Complex Problem Solving

Break down multi-faceted problems into manageable steps:

// Define initial thinking step for algorithm design
use_mcp_tool({
  server_name: "sequential-thinking",
  tool_name: "sequential_thinking",
  arguments: {
    thought: "First, identify the core algorithm requirements and constraints.",
    thoughtNumber: 1,
    totalThoughts: 6,
    nextThoughtNeeded: true
  }
});

2. Iterative Planning

Revise project plans as new information emerges:

// Revise a previous planning thought
use_mcp_tool({
  server_name: "sequential-thinking",
  tool_name: "sequential_thinking",
  arguments: {
    thought: "Revised: Allocate 2 weeks for testing instead of 1 week based on new requirements.",
    thoughtNumber: 3,
    totalThoughts: 5,
    nextThoughtNeeded: true,
    isRevision: true,
    revisesThought: 3
  }
});

3. Alternative Analysis

Explore different solution paths:

// Branch into alternative approach
use_mcp_tool({
  server_name: "sequential-thinking",
  tool_name: "sequential_thinking",
  arguments: {
    thought: "Alternative approach: Use machine learning instead of rule-based system for classification.",
    thoughtNumber: 4,
    totalThoughts: 7,
    nextThoughtNeeded: true,
    branchFromThought: 3,
    branchId: "ml-alternative"
  }
});

Sources

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Sequential Thinking MCP Server: AI Step-by-Step Problem Solving