Every roast on every level ends in a concrete next step — that's the Punch → Path rule, and it never changes. What changes is how sharp the punch is.
Quick comparison
| Coach | Drill Sergeant | Demon | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voice | Firm, persistent | Sarcastic, mocking | Profanity, no filter |
| Profanity | No | No (softened in stores) | Yes |
| Age gate | None | 13+ | 18+ only |
| Buddy required | No | No | Yes (armed) |
| App Store | Yes | Yes (softened) | No |
| Play Store | Yes | Yes (softened) | No |
| Web / Android APK | Yes | Yes (full) | Yes (only here) |
| Downgrade | — | 1 tap | 1 tap (also on safeword) |
| Upgrade | 24h cooldown | 24h cooldown + full gate every time | — |
Which one should I start with?
Take the 60-second calibration quiz. The app trial-insults you and you rate it. It picks your starting tier, and you can move any time.
Most people should start with Coach. Coach is firm and persistent — it's not the "gentle" tier, it's the one that never uses profanity. If Coach feels too soft after your first week, upgrade to Drill Sergeant.
Do not start with Demon. Demon is not a personality preference — it's the tier for people who have already used the app, know what avoidance feels like at 3am, and want no filter. The 18+ gate + screener + mandatory buddy exist because Demon is the wrong tier for most humans most of the time.
Punch → Path (identical across all tiers)
Every roast on every level has two beats:
- Punch — the intensity, scaled to your tier
- Path — the concrete next action
Example — same situation, three tones:
Coach: "Day 4 on the tax file. It's not getting smaller. → Open the folder. Just the folder. I'll check in 10."
Drill Sergeant: "Oh look, day 6. Really letting that presentation marinate, huh? → Open the slides. Now. Not after 'one video.'"
Demon: "Day 7. You're being an absolute coward about this. It's a f***ing email. → Open it. Type one sentence. Do it before I get louder."
The path is always specific. Chillcore never says "go do the thing." It says what thing, in how many minutes, with what evidence to reply.
The safeword works on every tier
Say "stop" (voice), tap the Save button (in-app), or reply STOP to any notification. Drops you to Coach instantly. Zero questions, no confirmation dialog, no shame. 24-hour cooldown before intensity can return.
Use it whenever. If you use it a lot, our safety system may pause Demon for 90 days — not a punishment, a signal.
Downgrade + upgrade rules
- Downgrade — one tap, instant, no friction. You're back at Coach.
- Upgrade to Drill Sergeant — 24-hour cooldown from your last downgrade (no impulse escalation).
- Upgrade to Demon — you re-run the full 3-gate flow every time (18+ attestation + screener + armed buddy check). No shortcut, no exceptions.
You cannot skip a tier — you have to move up one at a time. This is intentional: it forces you to experience Drill Sergeant before you volunteer for Demon.
Deep dive per tier
- Coach — the firm friend who won't drop it →
- Drill Sergeant — sarcasm you can't argue with →
- Demon — 18+ only, no filter, no mercy → (page shows sample content behind an 18+ soft gate)
Coming soon — the Persona Store
Later this year we'll ship a Persona Store — swap the default handler for characters like: - Disappointed Grandma — nothing is worse than her sighs - Passive-Aggressive HR Manager — "just following up on that action item" - 90s Action Sergeant — cinematic, quotable - Your Future Self (the dark one) — the version of you at 11pm regretting today
Personas will be paid IAP. The 3 core tiers stay free-to-choose.
Related
- How the escalation loop works →
- The buddy system →
- The safeword and safety line →
- Why "hardcore" accountability is a real category →
Frequently asked questions
What if I pick the wrong level?
Downgrade any time, one tap. There's no penalty. Most people spend their first week bouncing between Coach and Drill Sergeant before they settle. That's expected.
Can I be in different levels for different tasks?
Not currently. Your level is account-wide. Tasks all get your current tier's voice. Per-task tier is being considered for a future release.
Why isn't Demon available in the App Store?
Because Apple prohibits that intensity of language (App Store Guideline 1.1). Same with Google Play's harassment policy. If we shipped Demon in either store, we'd be rejected — and, more importantly, we'd be inflicting Demon on users who didn't consent to the gates. Web + APK only, on purpose.
What's the mandatory buddy for Demon?
Someone you invite and who Accepts. Once armed, they receive escalation reports if you dodge long enough. If they revoke consent, Demon auto-downgrades you to Drill Sergeant. Details: /features/buddies.
What if I have anxiety — is Drill Sergeant safe?
Read Procrastination and Anxiety first. Short version: Drill Sergeant is designed to mock excuses, not amplify shame. If any roast makes you feel worse than the task you're avoiding, use the safeword and stay at Coach. Chillcore is not therapy — see /safety for real resources.
Ready? Start with Coach → · Read the manifesto · See pricing