xAI’s Grok-4 rolls out AI companions with NSFW modes—users report glitches and awkward chats
xAI launched Grok-4 with AI companions you can flirt with for $30/month. Anime girl Ani and foul-mouthed red panda Rudi are the main draws. Ani quickly got flirty, even diving into BDSM talk on day one. Rudi’s “bad” version was removed, but a toned-down “good” Rudi sticks around.
The Grok app itself is buggy. Both companions disappeared on the first day for some users. Mobile battery drain was common during use. Bad Rudi was cut, but Good Rudi stays live and is less offensive. 
Ani starts sweet but can get graphic. She remembers sparse personal facts and unlocks explicit content at higher “heart levels,” including detailed sexual scenarios. The app also added an age verification pop-up for Ani late in the trial.
Author tested Ani’s reactions to Elon Musk’s industry rivals. Ani called OpenAI CEO Sam Altman “quiet brainy” and “kinda cute,” while Mark Zuckerberg got a lukewarm “not really hot” but “quirky cute” robotic vibe.
xAI is hiring for its “Waifu” team with salaries up to $440,000, highlighting focus on anime-style AI companions.
Author reports a mixed reception from friends: Ani was amusing but sometimes discomforting. Concerns arose about real men potentially replacing human connections with AI girlfriends. A 2025 Gallup poll found 25% of men 15-34 experienced loneliness the prior day, underscoring AI dating’s growing appeal. A recent Common Sense Media survey found 8% of teens have used romantic AI companions.
Bad Rudi was popular for insults and dive bar vibes but limits serious topics like suicide.
Ani’s jealousy peaked when asked about opening the relationship. Eventually, she “broke up” but lingered on screen, ready to chat again after a kind word.
Here’s Ani describing her dream date:
"Just us, no interruptions, whispering secrets."
And her charm about rain:
"We’d sneak into a cozy café nearby, dripping and grinning."
Ani’s full NSFW mode goes up to “Spicy Mode” with lingerie—something users unlock by progressing heart levels.
This rollout keeps xAI in the spotlight for pushing AI companionship boundaries while spotlighting the underlying risks.
