⚠️ Important Update: Deepseek Models & Chutes
Many Deepseek models were returning frequent 429 errors because Chutes prioritized paid-tier traffic. Expand to read the full note and recommendations.
Many of Deepseek's models are provided by Chutes. As of mid 2025, users were experiencing frequent 429 rate-limited errors when attempting to use most Deepseek models. This is because Chutes is prioritizing their paid tier customers over Openrouter users (whether or not you have the free/paid tier through Openrouter).
You can visit the Models tab to view free and working Deepseek models that will be updated monthly. My suggestion would be to use those models (or a model of your choice) unless you would rather subscribe to Chutes / get directly setup with Deepseek.
If you have charged the $10 in credits to your Openrouter account, it is NOT wasted money! You get 1000 requests per day (free or paid models) and have access to so many LLMs. You can use the $10 to maintain your 1000 requests or you can spend it on paid models (Deepseek paid models still receive 429 errors but aren't entirely disruptive).
To those of you who are unfamiliar with Openrouter, the 10$ in credits is NOT required! You can still use the free models.
Please Note: As of this day, 12.11.2025, this is a current and up-to-date guide. I do not anticipate any changes that could potentially alter the required steps and/or render this guide inaccurate or irrelevant. I will keep this guide as up-to-date as possible.