Caves of Qud

Last updated: 2025-03-15
  • Immersive worldbuilding and unique lore.
  • Deep mechanics with a rewarding learning curve.
  • Emergent storytelling creates unique experiences.
  • Unparalleled freedom in character customization.
  • Unforgiving difficulty and steep learning curve.
  • Clunky UI and controls hinder gameplay.
Caves of Qud header
Reviews
(sample size)
2000
Helpful reviews
67%
Unhelpful reviews
32%
Protest reviews
0%
Positive points
3258
Negative points
1362
Gameplay points
650
Perf. points
46
Rec. points
1010
Misc points
162
PointDescriptionImportance
Immersive, unique worldbuilding and loreThe game features a captivating and unique world with deep lore, stunning visuals, and excellent writing. Procedural generation ensures varied experiences, while a compelling main quest provides grounding. Character customization is extensive, and the world feels alive with diverse cultures and emergent stories.92%
Deep mechanics, rewarding learning curveThe game features complex mechanics and systems that reward player investment. The UI, while initially overwhelming, becomes intuitive with practice, and controller support is well-implemented. The game gradually introduces complexity, making it accessible to newcomers while still offering depth for experienced players.71%
Emergent storytelling, unique experiencesThe game excels at emergent storytelling, creating unique and memorable experiences through its randomized elements and player actions. The game encourages experimentation and creative problem-solving, leading to absurd and hilarious situations. The world is weird and quirky, offering a refreshing departure from typical game narratives.45%
Unparalleled character customization freedomThe game offers unparalleled freedom in character customization, allowing players to create diverse and unconventional builds with mutations, cybernetics, and psychic powers. Players can become anything from a four-armed mutant with a flamethrower to a sentient door, leading to hilarious and unbalanced situations.22%
Addictive, engaging gameplay loopThe game is addictive and has a strong "just one more turn" vibe. The game is worth the purchase price and is endlessly replayable. The game induces a wide range of emotions, including joy, excitement, panic, dread, victory, and defeat.20%
Deep, expressive character buildingThe game features a deep and exciting stats and abilities system, with character builds feeling infinite and ever-changing. Experimenting with different character builds is enjoyable, and the leveling system doesn't feel grindy. The game offers a good variety of character builds and customization options.16%
Immersive soundtrack and sound designThe game features a compelling soundtrack and sound design that enhances the atmosphere and immersion. The music is unique and fitting, creating an exotic and alien feel that perfectly complements the game's setting. The sound design elevates the experience, making actions feel weighty and creating memorable moments.16%
Incredible achievement, genre pinnacleThe game is described as an incredible achievement and a peak within the roguelike RPG genre. It is considered one of the best roguelikes available, with a fantastic atmosphere and undeniable depth. The game's music is excellent, and it provides an incredibly immersive experience.13%
Encourages system exploitation, creativityThe game encourages players to break and exploit its systems, offering a ridiculous amount of tools and possibilities. The game is practically infinite in detail and replayability, with absurd hours of gameplay and nigh infinite build possibilities. The game almost expects you to break it to progress at a good rate.10%
Thriving modding community, customizationThe game has a thriving modding community that is embraced by the developers, offering a deep level of customization. The inclusion of a mod kit and Steam Workshop enhances customization options. The developers are dedicated to providing updates for the game for a decade or more.8%