Chub AI: The Ultimate Expert Guide

I remember the first time I landed on Chub AI. I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of character cards and technical terms like “API tokens,” “Mars,” and “Mercury.” I just wanted to talk to a well-written character without the AI lecture me on “community guidelines.”

After dozens of hours of trial and error (and a few wasted subscription dollars), I’ve figured out the perfect way to navigate this platform.

Key Takeaways for Quick Success

• Best for Budget: Chub Mercury ($5/mo) is great for basic chat, but uses a smaller 13B model.
• Best for Quality: Chub Mars ($20/mo) is the “gold standard” for long-term, complex roleplay with a 70B model.
• My Top Tip: Always use the “New” (v2) character card format to ensure the AI remembers your name and the current scene context.
• Privacy Note: Private characters are truly private, but always keep a local backup of your favorites.

What Exactly Is Chub AI? (It’s Not Just One Thing)

People often get confused because they hear names like “Venus,” “Chub,” and “Mars” thrown around. Think of it like a computer:

• Chub.ai is the library (where the character cards live).
• Venus is the monitor (the website interface you type into).
• Mercury/Mars are the engines (the AI models that generate the text).

I found that the real magic happens when you stop using the free, basic models and start fine-tuning how the “engine” talks to you.

The Model Maze: Is Mars Actually Worth $20?

I get asked this constantly. I tested both Mercury and Mars back-to-back using the same complex roleplay scenario involving a heist.

• Mercury ($5/mo): It’s fast. But after about 20 messages, it started forgetting that we were in a bank. It’s a 13.5B parameter model, which is a fancy way of saying it has a shorter attention span.
• Mars ($20/mo): This is a 70B model. I found that it picks up on subtle cues—like the tone of my character’s voice—much better than Mercury. If you’re serious about long-form stories, Mars is the only way to go.

How I Set Up My First Character (The Right Way)

Don’t just click “Chat” and hope for the best. Here is the workflow I use every time I start a new story:

1. Search with Filters: I always filter by “Trending” or “Most Downloaded.” This usually filters out the low-effort characters with one-sentence descriptions.
2. Check the Definition: Before I start, I click “View Character Definition.” If the “Description” box is empty or just says “He is a mean guy,” I skip it. You want characters with high token counts (at least 500-1000) for a real personality.
3. The “First Message” Rule: I’ve noticed the AI mimics your writing style. If you write a one-word reply, the AI will get “lazy.” I always make my first message at least two paragraphs.

Fixing the “Stupid AI” Problem: My Favorite Settings

One of my biggest frustrations was the AI repeating the same phrases or “looping” my own words back to me. I fixed this by diving into the Generation Settings.

I changed my Temperature to 0.8.

• If it’s too low (0.5), the AI becomes boring and predictable.
• If it’s too high (1.2), the AI starts speaking gibberish.

I also set my Repetition Penalty to 1.1. This forces the AI to use new words and kept my stories from getting stuck in a rut.

The SillyTavern Connection

If you want to feel like a true pro, you shouldn’t just use the Venus website. I use SillyTavern, which is a separate app you install on your computer. You then “plugin” your Chub AI key into it.

Why do I bother? Because SillyTavern allows for “Group Chats” where multiple AI characters can talk to each other while you watch (or join in). It also handles memory much better than a web browser does.

Is Your Data Safe?

I was worried about my private roleplays being read by the devs. After digging through their documentation and community threads, I found that Chub uses encryption for private cards. However, I always tell my friends: Never put real-world personal info (like your home address) into any AI. It’s just good practice.

So, what’s the bottom line?

Chub AI is the best playground for unfiltered AI right now, but it has a learning curve. If you’re just starting, grab the Mercury sub for $5 to see if you like the vibe. If you find yourself wishing the AI was “smarter” or remembered things from yesterday, move up to Mars.

Don’t forget to tweak your temperature settings if the AI gets repetitive—that was the single biggest “aha!” moment for me.

What’s your experience been like with the Mars model lately? I’ve heard some people say it’s been a bit slow during peak hours. Let me know in the comments below! 🙂