Credits: Freehold Games

A great gift for devoted fans—Caves of Qud at last set to launch on December 5, 2024, for Windows, MacOS, and Linux, celebrating 15 years of development. This science fantasy RPG and roguelike, created by Freehold Games and published by Kitfox Games, is known for its rich simulation and vast open world, combining pre-made and randomly generated features.

Caves of Qud unfolds in a richly detailed far-future setting that marries classic science fiction elements with the unpredictability of a roguelike. Its world is a tapestry of ancient civilizations and emerging societies, shaped by both pre-made and procedurally generated terrain. Players find themselves in a universe inspired by the likes of Gamma World and Dungeons & Dragons, where every decision can alter the fabric of the game's deeply simulated ecosystem.

The game boasts a sophisticated quest system that combines scripted adventures with procedurally generated scenarios, ensuring each playthrough is unique. As players embark on their journey, they can choose between distinct character archetypes: for example, the True Kin—unmutated humans with superior stats and cybernetic augmentations, or mutants with a vast array of physical and mental mutations. This choice, along with the option to start in various procedurally generated towns, adds layers of customization and replayability.

Caves of Qud has been in development for over fifteen years, continually evolving with input from its dedicated community. This journey has seen countless updates, including an interface overhaul and the introduction of a comprehensive beginner tutorial to welcome new players. The game's rich history is further deepened by its dynamic historical simulation, drawing inspiration from the systems found in Dwarf Fortress, where historical events and faction relationships evolve in each game.

Key Features

• Over 70 Mutations and Cybernetic Implants: Build and customize your character with a wide array of abilities and enhancements.
• Procedurally-Generated World: Explore an immense world with nearly a million maps, ensuring a unique experience in each playthrough.
• Dynamic Historical Simulation: Engage in a world where historical events and faction dynamics are simulated and ever-changing.
• Roguelike and RPG Modes: Play with the challenge of permadeath or explore in more forgiving modes like Roleplay or Wander.
• Comprehensive Lore and Storyline: Delve into a rich narrative filled with lore, legendary items, and a unique in-game history.
• Advanced Simulation Systems: Interact with a world where creatures have levels, skills, and allegiances, providing deep strategic layers.

Don't worry about dying—The Caves of Qud are quite challenging, and death is common. But there's no need to stress; you can always create a new character!

Caves of Qud will be available on several platforms, including Steam, Itch.io, and GOG (now in Early Access), allowing players to fully experience this unique world on PC, Linux, and Mac. More platforms will be announced later.

Freehold Games is a tiny indie studio co-founded in 2006 by life-long friends Brian Bucklew and Jason Grinblat. It's dedicated to making games that feel like overgrown gardens, with offbeat settings, deep simulation, rich prose, and lots of emergence. They've released Sproggiwood and science fantasy epic Caves of Qud.

About Kitfox Games

A scrappy Canadian games studio focused on creating dangerous, intriguing worlds to explore. The Kitfox co-founders are Tanya X. Short (Designer) and Xin Ran Liu (Artist). They started working together in 2013 on Shattered Planet with the gracious support of the Execution Labs incubator, and officially incorporated in 2014. Currently working on: Streets of Fortuna, Loose Leaf: A Tea Witch Simulator. Games previously developed: Boyfriend Dungeon, Moon Hunters, Lucifer Within Us, The Shrouded Isle... and more! Published: Dwarf Fortress, Caves of Qud, Six Ages, Pupperazzi... and more!