Claude Code Users Face Unannounced Usage Restrictions Sparking Widespread Concern Since Monday morning, Claude Code users have been experiencing abrupt and unexplained usage restrictions. Discussions on the GitHub repository reveal primary complaints from power users subscribed to the $200/month Max plan. The vague notification system, merely stating "Claude usage limit reached" with reset timeframes of several hours, has led many to believe their subscriptions were downgraded or request tracking malfunctioned. "One of you has changed how usage is tracked - and it's inaccurate," one user lamented. "It's impossible to reach 900 messages within 30 requests in just 30 minutes." Anthropic acknowledged these issues but provided no details beyond confirming response time delays: "We are actively working to resolve these service disruptions." This sudden policy shift caught users off guard due to complete lack of prior notice or guidance. An anonymous user revealed his projects were completely stalled: "This absolutely prevents any progress. I've tried Gemini and Kimi, but nothing matches Claude Code's capabilities." These concerns emerged alongside broader infrastructure problems, as API users reported overloading errors during the same period. While Anthropic's status page shows 100% uptime this week, it simultaneously recorded six separate incidents in the past four days. The tiered pricing structure has created particular confusion. The Max plan, costing $200/month, promises 20x more tokens than Pro, which itself offers 5x the free tier's capacity. However, the company admits free user limits "will fluctuate based on demand." This uncertainty leaves users unable to plan their workflow, as they cannot predict when access will be restricted. Heavy users of the Max plan estimate their daily API costs exceed $1000 in standard pricing. While some expected stricter limits eventually, they stressed the importance of transparent communication. "Just be clear about it," one user emphasized. "Lack of communication breeds distrust." Anthropic's evolving approach to usage management, combined with inconsistent service reliability, highlights fundamental challenges in maintaining profitability with high-tier subscriptions while managing user expectations. The situation remains unresolved as users continue seeking clarity on future limitations.