GamesRoguelikeCaves of QudLegendary roguelike RPG’s 9 years in Steam Early Access was possible as devs wanted a “positive lifestyle and great game, rather than maximum profit"When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesRoguelikeCaves of QudLegendary roguelike RPG’s 9 years in Steam Early Access was possible as devs wanted a “positive lifestyle and great game, rather than maximum profit"When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Freehold Games)

Nine years since its early access launch, the wait for Caves of Qud’s 1.0 release is almost over, as its publisher reaffirms that it’s still coming this year and explains how the indie devs at Freehold Games have handled its lengthy development.
In celebration of the ninth anniversary that Caves of Qud celebrated yesterday, publisher Kitfox Games reaffirmed the plan to launch the 1.0 version of the roguelike this year – something which wasfirst announced almost a year ago. “Nine years ago today, Caves of Qud went into Early Access on Steam,” Kitfox Games begins. “And after over 15 years of development, it’s finally coming to 1.0 later this year!”
9 years ago today, Caves of Qud went into Early Access on Steam. And after over 15 years of development, it’s finally coming to 1.0 later this year! pic.twitter.com/lxEV6K5aT2July 15, 2024
9 years ago today, Caves of Qud went into Early Access on Steam. And after over 15 years of development, it’s finally coming to 1.0 later this year! pic.twitter.com/lxEV6K5aT2July 15, 2024
In a separateblog post, Kitfox Games lead and co-founder Tanya X. Short and community and marketing manager Alexandra Orlando have been discussing what games need to do to do early access “right” (spoiler alert, every game is different), in which they use Freehold Games' approach with Caves of Qud as an example. They point out that the roguelike itself isconstantlybeing updated as the devs make sure to “address community concerns,” but note that the devs have some “special qualities” which have helped make this all possible over the years.
Unfortunately though, neither Kitfox Games or Freehold Games have confirmed exactly when in 2024 that the 1.0 version will actually be released – we’re already halfway through the year at this point, after all. However, back in April, an officialroadmap was released that placed its launch in “late 2024,“so with that in mind, we hopefully only have a maximum of five and a half months to wait for it.
In the meantime, be sure to check out our roundup of the25 best roguelike games.
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