Caves of Qud is a science-fantasy roguelike set in a far-future Earth where jungles have overtaken the ruins of advanced civilizations, and mutations grant extraordinary powers. The game's depth is staggering — a procedurally generated world with persistent factions, thousands of items, and a mutation system that creates wildly different playthroughs. You can play as a True Kin (pure human with cybernetic augments) or a Mutant (random mutations ranging from multiple arms to teleportation). The faction reputation system means your choices have consequences — befriending the ape cult means the robot faction might hunt you. Caves of Qud 1.0 released in 2025 after over a decade of development, adding a complete main story while preserving the open-ended sandbox that made it legendary.
Resource management and crafting determine how quickly your power scales. This guide covers what to prioritize, where to farm, and how to avoid wasting resources on the wrong upgrades.
Crafting Priority List
The order you should invest resources:
| Priority | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Primary equipment | Biggest damage increase per resource spent |
| 2 | Core build gear | Enables your build's key synergies |
| 3 | Defensive upgrades | Survivability for boss fights |
| 4 | Secondary equipment | Situational options for specific content |
| 5 | Consumables | Temporary boosts for hard content |
Resource Farming by Area
Joppa
Key resources: Starting quests, faction tutorial, basic supplies, Argyve's quest line Farming efficiency: Low value per run, but safe and consistent
Focus on gathering materials for Laser Rifle upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Red Rock
Key resources: First dungeon experience, Warden's loot, basic exploration challenge Farming efficiency: Good early-game farming spot
Focus on gathering materials for Laser Rifle upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Bethesda Susa
Key resources: High-tier equipment, major story progression, challenging combat Farming efficiency: Best mid-game farming, worth revisiting
Focus on gathering materials for Laser Rifle upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Grit Gate
Key resources: Best merchants, recoiler, Barathrumite faction, tinkering access Farming efficiency: High-value materials for late-game upgrades
This is where you farm materials for Vibro Blade max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Golgotha
Key resources: Story quest item, extreme challenge, acid-themed loot Farming efficiency: Best resources in the game, requires strong build
This is where you farm materials for Vibro Blade max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Upgrade Path
Early Game (Joppa — Red Rock)
- Upgrade your starting equipment to functional level
- Craft basic defensive gear
- Save specialty materials — you'll need them later
- Focus on Laser Rifle once accessible
Mid Game (Bethesda Susa)
- Push Laser Rifle to mid-level upgrades
- Start collecting materials for Vibro Blade
- Craft situational consumables for boss fights
- Upgrade build-specific gear pieces
Late Game (Grit Gate — Golgotha)
- Max out Vibro Blade — this is your top priority
- Complete your build's core gear set
- Craft endgame consumables
- Optional: upgrade secondary equipment for variety
Crafting Mistakes to Avoid
- Spreading upgrades across multiple equipment — Focus one weapon to max before diversifying.
- Hoarding materials — Use them. The game provides enough if you farm efficiently.
- Upgrading the wrong gear — Check our builds guide before investing.
- Ignoring Bethesda Susa farming — This area has the best resource-to-time ratio in mid-game.
- Crafting consumables too early — Save specialty materials for late-game recipes.
Resource Efficiency Tips
- Water is everything. Carry at least 16 drams at all times. Water is currency, hydration, cooking ingredient, and trading commodity. Never waste water.
- Farm Bethesda Susa during mid-game for the best return on time
- Check the walkthrough to know when each resource becomes available
- Match your farming route to your build — some classes farm faster in certain areas
More Caves of Qud Guides
- Caves of Qud Caves of Qud Overview
- Caves of Qud Best Builds
- Caves of Qud Tier List
- Caves of Qud Walkthrough
- Caves of Qud Beginner's Guide
- Caves of Qud Tips & Tricks
- Caves of Qud Weapons Guide
- Caves of Qud Combat Guide
- Caves of Qud Boss Guide
- Caves of Qud Maps & Locations
- Caves of Qud Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Caves of Qud, check out these related guides:
- Risk of Rain 2 Crafting Guide — roguelike game with similar mechanics
- Hades Crafting Guide — roguelike game with similar mechanics
- Darkest Dungeon Crafting Guide — roguelike game with similar mechanics
