Monumentally expansive roguelike Caves of Qud is getting even bigger in December with an early access expansion that lets you play as messed up dogs and trees
The roguelike Caves of Qud expansion Diaspora launches December 9, introducing playable animals and plants, new mutations, and enhanced worldbuilding, alongside a planned 2027 roadmap of further additions.
Caves of Qud, a roguelike praised by Rock Paper Shotgun at its 1.0 launch, is receiving its first expansion, Diaspora, which will allow players to assume roles as plants and animals. The developer, Freehold Games, is taking the unusual step of releasing the expansion in early access, mirroring the approach used for the base game. This decision stems from the game's intricate systems and emergent gameplay, which the studio believes benefits from community testing throughout development.
The expansion introduces a variety of new playable creatures, including dogs, cats, frogs, chameleons, vines, and trees, each accompanied by unique mutations such as claws, muzzles, and tails. Additional content includes new creatures, artifacts from disparate cultures, and improved road and river networks generated by advanced algorithms. These changes aim to create more dynamic and interconnected environments within the game's world.
Diaspora's early access release is scheduled for December 9, with plans for significant updates throughout 2027. Upcoming additions include a new questline centered on migrants entering Qud, a character named Je'ome the Bounty, two new humanoid factions (the foxen and snailfolk), and expansions to creatures, items, biomes, ingredients, and diseases.
The expansion will also feature roaming mega-caravans, underground villages, multi-zone dungeons, and new music. An update to the base game is planned alongside or before Diaspora's early access conclusion, with some free additions appearing first in the DLC. Updates are expected weekly or monthly, supported by a roadmap launching in December.