Caves of Qud headed to mobile with portrait mode

Freehold Games co-founder Brian Bucklew confirmed a mobile port of Caves of Qud is in development and that the version will support portrait orientation. The studio has not announced a release date.

The developer says the team is adapting the game’s interface and controls for single-handed play on phones. Freehold has not specified which mobile operating systems will be supported or whether the release will be simultaneous across platforms.

Caves of Qud is a Hugo Award–winning science-fantasy roguelike known for deep sandbox role-playing systems, turn-based exploration and combat, and a highly simulated world.

The game features more than 70 factions and over 100 mutation and cybernetic options. Its simulation lets players change the environment and characters: walls can be dug through, corroded or melted, and creatures and NPCs have individual levels, skills, equipment, body parts and faction loyalties that affect interactions.

Players have used the game’s systems to attempt unconventional solutions, including taking control of creatures to explore from a different perspective.

Freehold has not confirmed whether handcrafted quests, historic locations, the soundtrack and the full set of mutations and factions will be preserved on mobile. The studio has also not provided a testing timetable, pricing details or plans for post-launch support matching the desktop edition.

The announcement expands the title from desktop to mobile. Freehold asked players to stay tuned for further updates as development continues.