10 Best Deepseek Alternatives for Roleplay and Writing

Deepseek has been a go-to tool for many writers and role-players, but the recent update left a lot of people searching for options that feel closer to what they need.

Some miss the earlier R1 model, while others are frustrated with server issues or stricter filters. Luckily, there are plenty of other AI tools that handle creative writing and roleplay really well.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 10 of the most recommended Deepseek alternatives.

These platforms come from real user suggestions, and each offers something a little different whether you’re into character-driven roleplay, long-form storytelling, or flexible writing support.

Why people are moving away from Deepseek

Deepseek earned its popularity for roleplay and writing because of the R1 model, which felt smart, detailed, and flexible.

Many users enjoyed how it could switch between reasoning and pure storytelling without much friction. That changed with the recent updates.

The biggest complaints include:

• Removal of the R1 model – Roleplayers say newer versions feel worse at staying in character.

• Server issues – Busy servers and connection errors make it frustrating to use consistently.

• Heavier filters – Some feel it censors more, especially in roleplay and creative writing contexts.

• Flat responses – Compared to earlier versions, many say the output is less engaging, with more repetition.

Because of these shifts, communities that once relied heavily on Deepseek started testing other models.

What we now have is a growing list of alternatives that don’t just match Deepseek’s old quality but sometimes outperform it in specific areas.

1. Kimi

Kimi has become a strong favorite for people who want both roleplay and structured writing.

It’s available on multiple platforms and can even generate presentations, which gives it an edge for anyone who blends creative writing with practical tasks.

Users highlight how Kimi’s responses are detailed and “spicier” compared to newer Deepseek versions. Kimi K2 in particular has impressed people with its long outputs and smart handling of prompts.

The tradeoff is that it may require tweaking settings like temperature to avoid verbosity or repetition.

For roleplay, Kimi feels immersive and better at staying in character than Deepseek’s current models. It’s not flawless, but for many, it’s the closest replacement they’ve found so far.

2. GLM-4.5

GLM-4.5 is another model that has been gaining attention. Writers say it’s cheaper than Deepseek while offering strong prose for both safe-for-work and roleplay content.

It’s described as clever and more focused than Deepseek’s recent versions, though sometimes less “intelligent” in reasoning-heavy tasks.

One strength of GLM-4.5 is how well it adapts to presets, making it easier for roleplayers to fine-tune personalities and settings.

Swipe variety is also praised, with fewer repeated lines compared to Deepseek.

If cost is a concern, GLM-4.5 stands out as a more affordable daily-use option that still handles storytelling effectively.

For people moving away from Deepseek, it feels like a balanced mix of quality and price.

3. Candy AI

Candy AI has become a favorite for roleplay fans who want unlimited conversations without the constant worry of filters.

Unlike Deepseek’s newer versions, Candy AI lets you dive into immersive storylines that can run as long as you like. For people who roleplay daily, this feels like a breath of fresh air compared to running into limits or server issues.

What stands out most is how Candy AI balances memory with character consistency.

You can shape personalities, create long-running interactions, and not feel like the AI is drifting off track after a few prompts. While some people use it mainly for roleplay, others say it works just as well for collaborative story writing.

It’s not trying to copy Deepseek directly, but for anyone frustrated with the recent changes, Candy AI feels like a natural upgrade.

4. Qwen

Qwen has surprised a lot of users by performing better than expected. It handles both roleplay and general writing tasks smoothly, and when used with official web search enabled, it becomes even more versatile.

Writers say Qwen strikes a good balance between creativity and structure.

It might not always be as sharp as Kimi or as focused as GLM-4.5, but for many, it’s reliable and enjoyable to work with. The lower price point also makes it easier to adopt as a daily driver for long writing sessions.

For those who want a steady, no-frills alternative to Deepseek that still produces strong writing, Qwen is proving to be a dependable choice.

5. HaloMate AI

HaloMate AI is an option that stands out for roleplay because it lets you create multiple personas with independent memories.

This feature makes it feel closer to a true roleplay platform rather than just a general-purpose chatbot. If you enjoyed the flexibility of Deepseek’s earlier R1 model, this setup will feel familiar but with more control.

HaloMate also offers a free daily tier that gives you plenty of credits to test different models, including DeepSeekV3 and even older versions like R1.

That makes it attractive for people who still miss how Deepseek used to perform but want a smoother, less restricted way to use it.

Writers also appreciate the fact that HaloMate is not just for roleplay.

It works well for creative writing projects, brainstorming, and even organizing multiple storylines at once.

6. Gemini (via Google AI Studio)

Gemini has been improving steadily, especially when accessed through Google AI Studio.

The AI Studio version often feels less restricted compared to the browser-based Gemini, which keeps it locked in “assistant mode.” For roleplay and writing, this difference matters a lot.

Users highlight how Gemini produces strong, well-structured text that can match Deepseek in storytelling tasks.

Some even say the smaller Gemma models within Gemini outperform the larger flagship ones when it comes to creative writing. That flexibility gives writers room to experiment with what fits their style best.

If you’ve been frustrated with Deepseek’s filters, Gemini through AI Studio is a solid workaround that makes the model more open and better suited for creative tasks.

7. Z.ai

Z.ai has been getting recognition for combining speed with strong writing ability.

Roleplayers mention it feels natural in conversations and can sustain character consistency over longer sessions.

It also works well for general storytelling, offering outputs that feel closer to Deepseek’s earlier style.

What makes Z.ai appealing is its simplicity. You don’t need heavy adjustments or advanced setups to get good results.

For people moving away from Deepseek, this “plug and play” experience is refreshing. It may not have as many extra features as something like HaloMate, but when it comes to roleplay and writing, it delivers reliably.

8. Meta Maverick

Meta Maverick is another model people mention when looking for alternatives, mainly because it handles roleplay at a lower cost.

It isn’t the most advanced in reasoning-heavy conversations, but its writing style is engaging enough for role-based storytelling.

Writers describe it as consistent and cheaper to run compared to Deepseek, which makes it attractive for those who spend hours roleplaying daily.

The tradeoff is that it doesn’t always offer the same depth as something like Kimi K2 or GLM-4.5, but for cost-conscious users, it’s a solid alternative.

9. OpenRouter with Paid Models

Some users who don’t want to give up on Deepseek entirely are turning to OpenRouter.

By using the paid models there, you can still access versions like Deepseek V3, often at a low cost that comes out to just a few dollars every few months.

For heavy roleplayers, that affordability makes it a practical choice.

The added benefit of OpenRouter is that it isn’t limited to Deepseek.

You can try other uncensored models, including Mistral variants, and switch between them depending on your writing needs.

If you’re comfortable setting up API keys and managing credits, this route offers both flexibility and consistency.

10. AegisMind (Kimi K2 Unlimited)

For those who want to push Kimi even further, AegisMind is worth checking out.

It provides free and unlimited access to Kimi K2 and a couple of other models without login requirements.

All the processing runs through a proxy, and your data stays local to your device, which adds a privacy layer that appeals to many writers.

The project is open-source, available on GitHub at https://github.com/Mostlime12195/Aegis-AI.

Beyond just access, it also enables global memory, custom instructions, and personalization features that make roleplay richer.

Combined with Kimi K2’s already strong reputation, this setup feels like a powerhouse for people looking for something closer to what Deepseek used to offer.

Deepseek Comparison Table

Comparison Area	Deepseek Now	Best Alternatives
Response Quality	Flatter tone, more repetition	Kimi and GLM-4.5 deliver richer prose and better flow
Character Consistency	Often drifts off persona	Candy AI and HaloMate maintain tone and memory better
Filters	Stricter restrictions on roleplay	Gemini via AI Studio and Qwen feel more open
Stability	Frequent busy servers and slow replies	OpenRouter and AegisMind give smoother access
Cost	Cheap tiers but limited models	GLM-4.5 and Meta Maverick offer budget-friendly writing

Final thoughts on Deepseek alternatives

Deepseek is still around, but it doesn’t feel the same as it once did. The removal of the R1 model and the increase in filters have pushed many roleplayers and writers to look elsewhere.

That shift has actually opened up more choices than before.

Tools like Kimi, GLM-4.5, and Candy AI are now proving themselves as strong replacements, while HaloMate and AegisMind add extra flexibility with unique features.

If you’re serious about roleplay or long-form storytelling, you no longer have to settle for weaker responses or busy servers.

The alternatives listed here are already tried and tested by the community, and many users are happier with them than with Deepseek’s current direction.

Exploring these platforms might not only solve your frustrations but also give you better tools for writing than you had before.

At RoboRhythms.com we’ll keep tracking the AI platforms people actually use, so if Deepseek improves again or a new standout tool arrives, you’ll hear about it here.