The acclaimed roguelike Caves of Qud is set to receive its first expansion, titled Diaspora, which will introduce a host of new features including playable sapient trees and mutated animals. The expansion is scheduled to enter early access on Steam on December 9.
Caves of Qud is known for its deep simulation and complex science-fantasy world, allowing players to undertake runs as incredibly varied characters. With the Diaspora expansion, players will be able to begin their adventures not just as a traditional human character but as a mutated animal or plant stock. This offers a reversal of the existing mutation system, where players could evolve human characters into animal or plant forms; now, players can start as a plant and potentially mutate into other forms, or remain as a plant with new capabilities.
Diaspora will also expand the world of Qud with new creatures and artifacts, introducing fresh challenges and items for players to discover. The game's trade caravans are receiving an update, with the camelfolk's saltback tortoise steeds becoming mountable for the first time. These additions are part of a broader effort to inject more 'riotous life and culture' into the game's desolate environments.
The expansion's early access launch is just the beginning. Over the course of approximately one year of development, the team plans to introduce a new multi-step questline, additional factions, underground villages, seasonal mega-caravans, more items, creatures, mutant stocks, and new fungal infections.
Caves of Qud was previously recognized as the best roguelike of 2024, lauded for its immense depth and the sheer variety of simulated possibilities within its gameplay.