k3s

Deploy and administer K3s clusters with embedded etcd and custom CNI.

Updated Apr 3, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/kettleofketchup/KettleOfSkills --skill k3s-kettleofketchup
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: k3s
Source: https://github.com/kettleofketchup/KettleOfSkills/tree/main/plugins/k3s/skills/k3s
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/kettleofketchup/KettleOfSkills --skill k3s-kettleofketchup

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Deploying and managing lightweight Kubernetes clusters for edge, IoT, homelab, or resource-constrained environments often requires specialized configuration for high availability, airgapped deployments, custom networking, and private registries, which can be complex and error-prone without targeted guidance.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Full Cluster Lifecycle Management: Install and configure single-node, multi-node, and high-availability K3s clusters with embedded etcd, including server/agent node setup and flag configuration.
  • Custom Environment Support: Set up airgapped deployments, private container registries, and replace default Flannel CNI with Calico or Cilium for specialized networking requirements.
  • Troubleshooting & Integration: Debug containerd/kubelet issues, manage K3s component disabling, and integrate K3s with NixOS modules for infrastructure as code workflows.
  • Use Case: A homelab user can use this skill to set up a 3-node HA K3s cluster with Calico CNI, private registry access, and automated etcd snapshots for reliable self-hosted workloads.

Quick Start

Use the k3s skill to configure a 3-node high-availability K3s cluster with embedded etcd, Calico CNI, and private registry support for your homelab environment.

Frequently Asked Questions about k3s

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I install a high-availability K3s cluster with embedded etcd?

To install a high-availability K3s cluster, configure multiple server nodes using embedded etcd. This provides a resilient multi-node setup optimized for edge and homelab environments without requiring an external database.

Can I replace the default Flannel CNI with Calico or Cilium in K3s?

Yes, you can replace the default Flannel CNI with Calico or Cilium in K3s. This allows you to implement custom networking requirements and advanced network policies within your lightweight Kubernetes distribution.

What is the best way to deploy K3s in an airgapped environment?

Deploying K3s in an airgapped environment involves using pre-packaged images and configuring private container registries. This ensures isolated installation and operation without requiring direct internet access to pull dependencies.

Does K3s work with NixOS for infrastructure as code workflows?

Yes, K3s integrates with NixOS modules to support infrastructure as code workflows. You can define and manage your lightweight Kubernetes cluster configuration declaratively alongside your system setup.

How do I troubleshoot containerd and kubelet issues in a K3s cluster?

Troubleshooting K3s involves managing K3s component disabling and debugging containerd and kubelet runtime settings. This helps identify and resolve node-level failures and container lifecycle issues in your cluster.

Do I need a private registry for a multi-node K3s homelab setup?

Setting up a private registry is recommended for multi-node K3s homelab setups. It ensures consistent and reliable image pulling across server and agent nodes, especially when deploying custom self-hosted workloads.