Qud

Caves of Qud is an expansive roguelike game with a 2D top-down perspective, and tons of procedurally generated content. It has a very TDTTOE attitude, much like Nethack, and is notable for procedurally generating everything from maps to quests to characters to foundational in-game lore. Despite that, it does a really great job tying all that random content together into a cohesive world that feels rich, deep, and ripe for exploration.

A screenshot of the load game menu showing my most recent game: a character named Uumuuyushum with a turtle-like carapace.
Uumuuyushum, level 10

After being initially a little put off for it, the recent 1.0 release along with a bunch of praise from folks I follow on social media persuaded me to grab a copy. I’ve put several hours into it now, including spending most of a 6 hour flight back from the east coast on the screenshotted game, and I am really enjoying it.

My best game so far. A vaguely turtle-shaped (?) being that can emit sleeping gas when under threat, is pretty handy with a revolver, and eats Snapjaws for breakfast.
My best game so far. A vaguely turtle-shaped (?) being that can emit sleeping gas when under threat, is pretty handy with a revolver, and eats Snapjaws for breakfast.

Live and drink, friend.