Prerequisites

Let's set up your game properly before starting your journey in Qud:

1. Follow Options guide to optimize your settings.
2. Review the Control Mapping guide, focusing on movement and basic interactions.
3. Check Mods guide for small UX and exploration improvements.

Choose between two beginner-friendly builds:

• ‣Affine for Mutated Human
• ‣Gorg for True Kin

Early Game Priorities

Your immediate goal is survival, which means focusing on:

• Reach 6 ‣AV (Armor Value) Equip armor in every available slot to reach 6 ‣AV - this critical threshold prevents most early-game threats from overwhelming you. Early on, one point of ‣AV equals roughly three points of ‣dodge value (DV), so don't worry about minor dodge penalties from armor.
• Weapon Strategy Equip both ranged and melee weapons. Since both recommended builds have night vision, you can use ‣Two-handed weapons without needing a free hand for light sources. These provide excellent early-game damage output. Keep ranged weapons to soften tough enemies before they reach you.
• Resource Management Maintain at least 30-50 drams of water for survival. Never drop water to carry more loot - instead, trade efficiently using lightweight valuables and drop some items you want to sell near merchants for later use when merchants restock with the items you need.

Your First Steps in Joppa

The in-game tutorial has taught you the basics of movement, combat, and survival. Now that you are in Joppa let's focus on transforming those basics into long-term survival skills. Take some time to explore Joppa and get oriented. Talk to the villagers, especially:

Mehmet

Found near the watervine fields in central Joppa. He gives you the first quest, What's Eating the Watervine? His quest sets you on your initial adventure and introduces you to ‣Red Rock.

Argyve

A tinker in the bottom-left corner trades ‣artifacts and ‣data disks. He offers several important quests that advance the main storyline. He'll attack the village's Mechanimist convert on sight, so handle related business with them first.

Nima Ruda

The village apothecary sells essential healing items. Look for her and stock up on ‣witchwood bark. Be aware that it may confuse you, so find a safe spot before healing.

Mechanimist convert

A farmer and mechanimist convert who provides information about the ‣Six Day Stilt. Speak with them early, before they encounter Argyve. They'll give you a quest, O Glorious Shekhinah! and ‣a small trinket.

Tam

The dromad merchant in the southeast corner. Your primary source for essential equipment like ammunition, weapons, and armor. His stock refreshes regularly, making him valuable for early game supplies. Keep an eye out for his ‣musket and ‣lead slugs.