This guide is presented as a partially fictitious work of trying to understand the world and mechanics of Caves of Qud. The contents of this guide are based upon my own hands on experience with the game, presented form the point of view of my character. Things said may not be entirely factual at the fault of my lack of understanding for the game. The main purpose of this guide is to entertain, and possibly help newer players get more engaged with the game. Enjoy!

Hello fellow traveler. If you are reading this, then you are holding my compendium of notes from my journey through Qud. But who AM I? Well...

My name is Detective C. As you can see from this attached image, I'm not your typical mutated human. Though I've met few on my travels I am aware I am on the lower end of mutation intensity. I lack the distinct features of what one would call a face, and that certainly sets me apart from some others. Beyond that, I'm a detective. I seek to find answers to the unanswerable. And in this world we find ourselves in, there is no shortage of questions to answer.

I do what I do not for myself but for others. I desire to help people. Make surviving the wastes even just a little bit easier for those who come after. And to chronicle my adventures so that others may be inspired to chart their own paths. I know I am not the only person traversing these wilds, and to help others gain better knowledge is truly the nature of my delving.



I've acquired quite an adeptness for firearms. Whilst I don't enjoy killing, one must do what must be done to survive in the wilds of Qud. That being said, a gun is only as good as its wielder. I don't allow myself to be nothing without my firearms. I've got a keen strength on me, enhanced further by a mutation the reinforces my body's muscles to make me even tougher a foe. Many of these abilities seem to stem from whatever source of mutations caused my lack of face. Some other notable attributes that I've got include my heightened quickness, night vision, and my advanced regenerative abilities. I've also picked up the keen ability to sense psychics. Perhaps this is some form of danger-sense? More evaluation is required I suppose.

I've no psychic abilities nor mutations other than the sense, as I have an aversion to psychic powers. Though that being said, I also know mutations can occur in random, so should I develop any, I know to use them for the greater good of my journey.

With all of that out of the way, I embark into Qud.

And so I embark, as many more have before me, into Qud.



I arrived, as many others do, in the city of Jappa. I suggest that when arriving at a new location you should always take your time to get your bearings and asses what lies before you. In the case of Jappa, I see a simple town of moisture farmers and saltwater. I've jotted the layout down here in my notes.

I've denoted many points of interest. Word on the streets is that the farmer and tinkerer are looking for someone to get things done for them. Seek them out if you are in need of work and find yourself here. You may also note that I pointed out the local trader in my notes. He seems to be a friend to the humans of this land. Trading his wares and wandering the wilds of Qud. I could probably learn a thing or two from his nomadic ways, though I must continue my journey for now. For all intents and purposes right now, you can see him as a useful provider of wares you may require on your travels.

In summary, if you're new to Qud, I'd recommend getting your bearings of the land around where you find yourself before finding work. It can be easy to be overwhelmed by the vastness of the land around you. Take some time to truly soak in the surroundings, and gain some experience in combat and the such.

This town and it's people seem to carry many customs. They appear to have a ritualistic exchange of water. I could probably gain some more standing with them if I were to indulge, though I haven't the time for that at the moment. Perhaps later.

In the Northeast of the town there's a humble statue. It appears dedicated to one of the last sultans, Reseph. These people look up to him for teaching them the ways of the watervine they farm to this day. It's endearing for certain. I stopped to pay my respects before continuing.



Before taking on my quests from the locals, I decided to survey the surrounding wilds (as aforementioned). The lands around are peppered with patched of saltwater and the local watervine. I'll most likely need to secure a manner of filling my waterskins with freshwater, but that is not a worry for the time being. I've plenty of water to drink before it becomes an issue.

Though traveling in broad strokes using your map of Qud may seem easier, traveling by foot can make it far less likely to lose your bearings while exploring. Though at the end of the day, this is ultimately up to how you decide to adventure.

I saw many strange fish, and a few crocodiles. Though the creatures may be quite hostile, I make sure to conserve ammunition by using hand to hand combat when possible. It may not work on stronger foes, but it suffices for weaker ones. Use your best judgement.

Editor's tip of the log: Use f1. It can help get you started!

I walk out into the wilds of Qud, without a clue of what I would truly find. Secrets? Answers? Myself? (Probably not that last one... dopplegängers give me the creeps).


I decided to explore the lands to the east of Jappa to gain some more experience in exploration. As stated in the previous entry, I believe it is far more interesting to travel by foot, rather than via the broad strokes using your map. It can lead to far more interesting scenarios and opportunities to gain experience. Though there's no shame in a quick stroll either.

My initial impressions went quite well. I saw some interesting fish, trudged through the saltwater, and navigated my way around the area. Unfortunately the calm simply indicated a storm to come. The Alligators and bugs soon came out to impede my advances. I would certainly like to think of myself as proficient in combat, though these creatures have certainly proven me wrong for the time being.

A few notes.

Be sure to always keep track of the states of your opponents. Make sure to take note of of the ones that are flying (marked with a blinking ↑) and other such indicated special conditions. Otherwise you will be spending an embarrassing amount of time swinging at something that can simply dodge your attacks at close range. Be sure to use whatever abilities you may posses in order to gain the upper hand on foes. You may have to often treat each battle as your last when things get dire enough, so get used to utilizing your whole arsenal before you end up dead.

As I ventured onward, the Snapjaws decided to join the fray the further I went. Those damn scavengers are somehow easier to take out than the literal alligators. You can take the Scavengers down with a simple ranged attack most times, though you'll want to watch for those wielding bows. If you're looking for knick knacks or trade goods, then be sure to search the body of whatever you happen to take down. You never know what you may find in a dead man's pocket. Luck can treat you poorly, but it can also pull through when you need it most.

The battle and exploration netted me the experience I needed after some time to advance my skills. I decided to hone in my abilities to travel without becoming lost, though you may decide to focus another area to invest your knowledge (Skill Points) into. I find my hand is not as steady as I would prefer it to me, so I've made note to train in my agility. I shan't allow myself to be an unreliable shot for long.

I also found some interesting trinkets. Though as a detective I question my own requirement for a grenade, it will probably come in handy regardless in lands such as these. If not I can always trade it away to someone I think won't use it for destruction. Remember to always examine your trinkets, they could be something useful or interesting.



With my wits now about my, I ventured back in to Joppa. Now that I've gained a more keen sense for the land and my skills, I find it a far better time to see what work the townspeople are offering. I found that the farmer, Mehmet, was concerned at some sort of pest disturbing the watervines localized somewhere in the Red Rock to the north of the town. As it helps out the people of this village, I humbly accepted the quest. Though before I embark on that, I must be sure I'm not missing any other opportunities to help these people.



Argyve, The Tinkerer, was quite skeptical of me at first. I presented him with some odd trinkets I found in my earlier scavenging (Though I did not wish to part with the grenade to such a suspicious individual) and he soon changed his tune. He revealed to me a new mission to collect wire for a invention of his. A network of seamless communication. I'm not one to say no to things for bettering the conditions around here so I obliged. Being able to unite the wilds through vastly advancing communication technologies would be a large leap for the dwellers of Qud. Though more immediately I should figure out what is plaguing the town's watervine.



Though before embarking I spotted the town cat. I decided to share some attention with it and pet the creature. In return it caused me to glow radiantly. Interesting side effect. Moderately helpful, even.

I then decided to restock on food and moved swiftly on.

And so, once more I set off into the wilds of Qud, with newfound purpose to my wandering. From Joppa, I traveled due north toward Red Rock to find the source of the pox upon Joppa's crops. Though my curiosity was piqued by the sight of a strange graveyard accompanied by a statue across the road. The graves provided little insight to those who came before, though the statue wielded more concrete answers.

This statue was of another Sultan, Yathritafa. This one told of a ritualistic stopping of time in honor of the Sultan. I wonder what significance the temporal held to these people long forgotten. 'Suppose it's food for thought as I trek on.

Approaching Red Rock I encountered several baboons. They Viciously threw stones at me, though none of them hurt me too bad. That being said, in the heat of battle I gained the inspiration to name my revolver. In honor of the surroundings:

The Red Rocker.

I defeated the horde of baboons to find myself manifesting a new mutation: Digging Claws.


Thought I will need to test these more in the field, they seem like a useful addition to my skill set.
And so after a well-fought battle, I arrived at the entrance to the red rock dungeon. And that's where I leave you for now.

Editor's tip of the log: Actually take in the UI, otherwise you'll take too long to realize the F key actually does something.

There I stood, in front of the entrance of my first objective in this strange new land. I stared into the darkness beyond the stairs. I knew that though I couldn't see it now, a plethora of creatures were staring back. It was paralyzing.


I just stood there and continued to stare at the entrance. I wanted nothing more than to go down and face what lied ahead but there was a nibbling fear of myself not coming out the other side. It felt like weeks, months I stood there, but in reality it was no more than a few minutes. I knew that my action would matter more in the end than simply standing there idly by no matter my fate.

Crossing the threshold into the unknown can be a scary thing. But what other choice is there? I may die down there, but it will be MY decision to attempt to brave the harsh challenges of this world, and mine alone.

I dove into the depths below for the better of the community I've tasked myself to serve. Caves are always a pretty daunting task to explore, and no less was this one a navigational challenge. I'll share some tips for effective cave navigation now.


C's Basic Cave Maneuvering Tips!

• 1. Try to map the outline.
  Makes for easier additional exploration in pursuit of things like chests.
  
  
• 2. Everything wants you DEAD!
  Anything that moves is a risk. and some risks are unmoving too. Keep a keen eye out for hazards like brambles and enemies alike as you delve deeper.
  
  
• 3. Always have an easy escape.
  When foes block the path you need a good exit strategy when the cards are stacked against you. A good combative strategy can work, but evasion has a time and place.
  
  
• 4. Check everything!
  When you want the best of goodies and gizmos, leave no stone unturned!
  
  
• 5. Stairways are key.
  The cave only ends when the stairs do.

Emerging into a round room, I investigated the plants that surrounded me,and went on my way through the open path. I may have digging claws at will now, but I won't take a clear path for granted when one presents itself. Though clear may have been the wrong word. This whole cave is crawling with vines and vine creatures at the ready to have my head. Regardless, I pressed further, determined to find the pest responsible for the watervine tampering.

Further down the path I encountered some Snapjaws. It was an easily won battle, though among the spoils I did find a wooden buckler. Looting bodies may seen a tad macabre for some, but sometimes you have to take what you need from the dead to ensure you don't share in their fate too soon.

I descended a strata layer deeper into the cave.

A piece of invaluable advice; make sure to learn skills (Use your SP) when possible. Having your skills underdeveloped can make you an extremely easy target in combat. Case in point, I'm currently writing this as I cling to life following a particularly fierce enemy encounter.

What first appeared to be a simple combat encounter was complected when a large centipede entered the fray and simply tore me apart. Though the Snapjaws before it could put up a fair fight in numbers, this single foe nigh expunged me from this mortal coil all on its own.


I emerged victorious lathered in the blood of my enemies and saltwater. Positively rancid.

Walking onward I allowed the salt-laced blood to drain from my clothes as I began to regenerate from the previous encounter. Though even a passing glimpse of simple respite was replaced by dread, when I sighted a new foes at the end of the hallway I had come upon. A Slime was attacking a helpless dog at the end of this corridor! For as injured as I was, I did what was right, though not without sustaining further injury at the hands of this gelatinous mass. On closer inspection I determined this to creature to actually be a Slimy Giant Amoeba. Gross, but I'd be lying if I said it weren't slightly fascinating.

I trekked onward, an interesting sight befell me. There was an adjacent cave room that was coated in colorful flowering plants, with a godly statue at the back. I performed a minor investigation of the room and found nothing out of the ordinary within it, so I prayed to the statue and was on my way.


I dove another strata level deeper into the cave and was met with an entirely new sort of underground biome. Fungal caves. Mushrooms my size dotted the area of this dank ecosystem underground. Some stood there, simply standing in my way, and others emanated colorful spores into the air. I spotted a pink mushroom blocking what appeared to be a potential path. Though after sinking several attacks into the blockage, all it revealed was a small crawlspace. Such a small revelation should've been disappointing, though I felt I gleaned new experience through this venture.

It was only after the pointless slaughter of this shroom that I decided to erect camp and take a short break from my delving to regain my bearings on myself. I spent time on small routines to improve my skills, becoming quicker, more agile, and improving my tactical prowess. Sometimes you just need to take a breather to bring the inner strength out I suppose.



{ Detective C learned Skills! Physic & Staunch Wounds, Acrobatics & Jump, Tactics & Hurdle. }

A very productive rest, when all was said and done, so I pressed on deeper into the fungal frontier I found myself in. Encountering more Snapjaws, I found that this particular group had seemingly become fixated on the fungi that surrounded them. They Called themselves "Friends to Fungi" though that made them no less hostile towards me. I dispatched of them all the same for the time being.

Deeper into this strata of the cave I found another so-called Friend to Fungi, though this one was at the very least friendly to me as well. A hermit, clad in the scrap of technology long gone by. I spotted some of these technological scraps in his grasp and I offered trade, hoping to find the wires I sought for the tinkerer. Alas, no components of wire showed themselves when the hermit showed me his wares.

I bid a kind farewell and continued my surveying of this spore-filled cavern.

My next find was a touch bone-chilling. I waded through a narrow part of the cavern that was partially submerged, and found a farmer's pair of tattered overalls. There was no sign of a body, so I merely said a prayer that whatever poor soul left these behind was sill out there and not merely food for whatever may still be plaguing the crop.

If these were the clothes of a dead man, the cause for no cadaver being spotted could be what I found ahead...

{ To Be Continued... }

I shall continue writing when I have more updates.
Should this be my final log, tread wiser than I.
Live and drink.