Problem

The Matrix plugin fails to load after OpenClaw updates with:

[plugins] matrix failed to load from extensions/matrix/index.ts: Error: Cannot find module '@vector-im/matrix-bot-sdk'

Root Cause

@vector-im/matrix-bot-sdk is declared in both the main package.json and extensions/matrix/package.json, but pnpm silently fails to install it during updates. Likely due to the native module dependency @matrix-org/matrix-sdk-crypto-nodejs failing compilation.

The module exists in the dependency tree but doesn't end up in node_modules/ after pnpm install.

Reproduction

1. Install OpenClaw via pnpm
2. Run openclaw doctor — Matrix shows as error, missing module
3. Manual fix: cd /opt/homebrew/lib/node_modules/openclaw && pnpm add @vector-im/matrix-bot-sdk
4. openclaw gateway restart — Matrix loads

Frequency

This has occurred on at least two separate occasions (2026-02-01 and 2026-02-13) after updates.

Environment

• macOS 26.2 (arm64 / Apple Silicon)
• Node 25.4.0
• pnpm 10.29.3
• OpenClaw 2026.2.12

Suggested Fix

Either bundle the pre-built binary or add a post-install hook that verifies the matrix extension dependencies are present.