diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index ac880cd..7372d4c 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -40,9 +40,48 @@ GuardDen is a comprehensive Discord moderation bot designed to protect your comm
 ### Prerequisites
 - Python 3.11+
 - PostgreSQL 15+
-- Discord Bot Token ([Discord Developer Portal](https://discord.com/developers/applications))
+- Discord Bot Token (see setup below)
 - (Optional) Anthropic or OpenAI API key for AI features
 
+### Discord Bot Setup
+
+1. Go to the [Discord Developer Portal](https://discord.com/developers/applications)
+2. Click **New Application** and give it a name (e.g., "GuardDen")
+3. Go to the **Bot** tab and click **Add Bot**
+
+4. **Configure Bot Settings:**
+   - Disable **Public Bot** if you only want yourself to add it
+   - Copy the **Token** (click "Reset Token") - this is your `DISCORD_TOKEN`
+
+5. **Enable Privileged Gateway Intents** (all three required):
+   - **Presence Intent** - for user status tracking
+   - **Server Members Intent** - for member join/leave events, verification
+   - **Message Content Intent** - for reading messages (automod, AI moderation)
+
+6. **Generate Invite URL** - Go to **OAuth2** > **URL Generator**:
+   
+   **Scopes:**
+   - `bot`
+   - `applications.commands`
+   
+   **Bot Permissions:**
+   - Manage Roles
+   - Kick Members
+   - Ban Members
+   - Moderate Members (timeout)
+   - Manage Channels
+   - View Channels
+   - Send Messages
+   - Manage Messages
+   - Embed Links
+   - Attach Files
+   - Read Message History
+   - Add Reactions
+   
+   Or use permission integer: `1239943348294`
+
+7. Use the generated URL to invite the bot to your server
+
 ### Docker Deployment (Recommended)
 
 1. Clone the repository: