Caves of Qud is an Early Access traditional Roguelike RPG-esque game. It is an open-world game, more akin to a RPG than a roguelike, wherein the world is partially pre-made and partially randomly generated. The game features a mix between a post-apocalyptic and a fantasy setting, and is heavily inspired by the pen-and-paper role-playing game Gamma World and Dungeons & Dragons.

While some rate the game as being more accessible compared to other roguelikes, other reviews find the game's interface confusing and are deterred by the lack of an in-depth tutorial.