Bolt: Standard and Max Agent Selection
BoltBolt introduced a new agent selection system that gives users a direct choice between two distinct AI agents: Standard and Max. The Standard agent is optimized for speed and token efficiency for everyday development tasks, while the Max agent applies deeper reasoning for complex, multi-file, or ambiguous projects. Bolt handles model selection internally based on the chosen agent, abstracting away the underlying Claude model. The Standard agent is available on all plans including free; Max requires a paid subscription.
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Bolt Introduces Agent Selection: Standard and Max
Bolt launched a new agent selection feature during the May 2–15, 2026 release window, giving users explicit control over the depth of AI reasoning applied to their projects for the first time.
Two Distinct Agents, Two Different Use Cases
The new system presents users with two agents at the start of every project and within existing project settings:
Standard is designed as the fast, token-efficient default. It performs well when task requirements are well-defined — things like building small-to-medium applications, making targeted UI changes, and working through straightforward development goals. Bolt describes Standard as "a good default for most development work," and it is available on all plan tiers, including free.
Max takes a more deliberate approach. Rather than generating quickly, Max evaluates each step more thoroughly before acting, making it better suited for large-scale systems with interconnected components, complex feature dependencies, significant code restructuring, and ambiguous problems that require extended deliberation. Max is available on paid plans only.
Bolt Abstracts the Underlying Model
One notable aspect of this change is what it removes from the user experience: model selection. Previously, Bolt users chose directly between Claude model variants — Haiku, Sonnet, Opus — and had to reason about which model was appropriate for their task. With the new agent system, Bolt handles model selection internally based on the agent choice. The documentation describes this as: "Bolt handles model selection behind the scenes based on the agent you choose."
This represents a deliberate UX simplification. Rather than asking developers to understand the nuances between individual Claude models, Bolt now frames the choice in terms of task type — everyday vs. complex — and makes the model decision on their behalf.
Switching Agents and Defaults
Users can switch between agents from the Bolt homepage or from within any project. The agent preference is retained per project, so switching to Max for a complex refactor does not change the default for other projects. Personal settings allow users to configure a default agent that applies to all newly created projects.