Famed science fantasy rougelike Caves of Qud has recently released an update which modifies the Cooking and Hunger mechanics. In the tradition of rougelikes, fundamental survival mechanics are used to propel the player onward, and presented as a means for necessary exploration. This update includes an added Cooking and Gathering skill, innovations to Harvestry and Butchery, and an abundance of ovens for easier access to cooking.

The new Hunger mechanic makes eating imperative, and an unavoidable cause for concern if nothing is consumed during a whole day. After another day without eating, the character becomes famished, and their Quickness begins to deplete. Players are urged to cook food at nearby bonfires, or ovens, when inside of a town to minimize starvation. This new emphasis ties into the added Cooking and Gathering skill, which allows players to perform more sophisticated cooking. The skills are learned directly from the Kyakukyans, who provide options of cooking with ingredients, from a recipe, or through preserving fresh foods. Each town has a signature dish which is available for free, so long as players share in their water ritual.

Harvestry and Butchery has been simplified through becoming a newly toggleable passive power, similar to Butcher Corpse, and allows for gathered food to become preservable at campfires. This makes it easy for gathered food to be turned into cooking ingredients, while urging the further scavenging of plants, meats, and organs. New food items are waiting to be discovered coming as a result from this mechanic, and previously indistinguishably ripe foods will appear physically different from their non-ripe counterparts.

This update ensures that players are less likely to die from neglecting to eat on the world map screen, allows for less strenuous travel, and rewards taking the time to cook. Players are more likely to interact with NPCs given their unique array of dishes, and furthers the incentive to explore an already massive, boisterous world.

This new update is currently live.