The roguelike genre is renowned for its intricate gameplay systems and the depth of its procedural storytelling, and Caves of Qud stands as a prime example of this complexity. Often mentioned in the same breath as Dwarf Fortress, another titan of the genre, Caves of Qud offers players a rich tapestry of interlocking systems and bizarre simulations, all under a veneer of minimalist graphics. These games represent the pinnacle of emergent gameplay, where every playthrough promises a unique narrative woven from the game’s deep mechanics and player choices.
Major Update: Creatures of the 7th Plague
The Creatures of the 7th Plague update for Caves of Qud has introduced a plethora of new content and enhancements that significantly expand the game’s universe. This major update includes an additional segment of the main quest, a comprehensive UI overhaul, the introduction of new creatures, and various effects that enrich the gameplay experience.
- New leg of the main quest, expanding the game’s narrative.
- Introduction of the Girsh nephilim, formidable adversaries that add to the game’s lore and challenge.
- A UI rework that improves player interaction and accessibility.
- Native gamepad and Steam Deck support, broadening the range of input devices.
- New creatures that offer fresh encounters and strategic considerations.
Enhanced Gameplay and Mechanics
The Creatures of the 7th Plague update for Caves of Qud not only adds new content but also introduces innovative gameplay mechanics that deepen the player’s engagement with the game’s world. Among the most notable additions are the pilotable mechs, which come with their own set of special mechanics for infiltration and operation. Furthermore, the update revamps the First Aid skill tree, now renamed to Physic, allowing for more complex medical interventions, including the voluntary amputation of limbs.
| Old Feature | New Feature |
|---|---|
| First Aid skill tree | Physic skill tree with expanded capabilities |
| Basic medical treatments | Advanced treatments including limb amputation |
| Heal and Set Limb skills | Replaced with Nostrums and Amputate Limb skills |
UI Improvements and Input Flexibility
The Creatures of the 7th Plague update has significantly improved the user interface and input flexibility for Caves of Qud, making the game more accessible and enjoyable across various platforms. The update has merged all input managers into one, allowing for seamless gamepad integration without the need to adjust settings. Additionally, the introduction of native support for the Steam Deck opens up new ways to play the game on the go.
Key UI and input improvements include:
- A new keybind screen with enhanced flexibility.
- Robust support for keyboard, gamepad, and Steam Deck inputs.
- An updated Abilities screen with dynamic descriptions and the ability to reorder abilities.
- Automatic hotkeying of abilities and new visual effects for various abilities and weapons.
As Caves of Qud marches towards its full release in 2024, the Creatures of the 7th Plague update stands as a significant milestone, being the last major update before the game’s completion. This update not only enriches the current gameplay experience but also sets the stage for the final version, which is eagerly anticipated by fans of the genre. The enhancements and new features serve to solidify Caves of Qud as one of the most intricate and engaging roguelikes in the gaming landscape, promising a full release that will be the culmination of years of dedicated development and player feedback.
