iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
No permanent unlock is described. In the announced Caves of Qud: Diaspora expansion, the sapient tree is presented as a selectable Mutated Plant starting stock during character creation. You should be able to begin a run as a tree once you own the Caves of Qud base game and the paid Diaspora expansion, provided your game build includes the announced option. The announcement does not identify an achievement, quest, level, or other in-run requirement that unlocks the tree permanently.
What the announcement actually says
Diaspora is announced as downloadable content for Caves of Qud that adds selectable Mutated Animal and Mutated Plant starting genotypes. The official Steam description reproduced in coverage lists examples including “a dog, cat, frog, chameleon, vine, tree, etc.” That wording places the tree alongside the other identities available when a character is made, rather than describing it as a form discovered later in a campaign.
An iTechGuides report answers the practical question directly: “Yes—you can start a run as a tree in Caves of Qud.” GeekChamp similarly describes the tree as “a genuine starting identity rather than a transformation you must discover after character creation.” Taken together, the available announcement evidence supports a character-creation option, not a progression reward.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Permanent unlock versus purchase access
Players often use “unlock” for two different gates. The first is an ownership gate: you must have the products that contain the content. The second is a progression gate: you must complete a quest, earn an achievement, reach a level, or satisfy another condition inside the game. Diaspora is associated with the first kind of gate, not the second.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
- 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
- 【Widely Used】Our non-slip silicone phone sticky grip mount attaches to almost any flat phone case and make it compatible with common mobile phones such as iPhone and Android.You can shoot, watch videos or video calls in the kitchen, gym, dance studio, bathroom and other places.
- 【Capture the Wonderful Picture】Whether you are a TikTok creator or just like to share videos and photos, this phone suction cup can help you hands-free capture wonderful videos and photos for sharing with friends.
- 【Note】You can fix the phone suction cup on a smooth surface such as a mirror or glass. If necessary, wipe the suction cup with a damp cloth to obtain stronger suction. Before releasing your hand, make sure the phone is firmly fixed. (Not applicable to rough walls, wooden surfaces, and other uneven surfaces)
| Question | What the available announcement establishes |
|---|---|
| Is the tree listed as a starting identity? | Yes. It is described among the Mutated Plant options selected during character creation. |
| Is a quest or achievement required? | No such requirement is reported. |
| Is a level or campaign milestone required? | No such requirement is reported. |
| Is the base game required? | Yes. Diaspora is paid downloadable content that requires the Caves of Qud base game. |
| Is Diaspora required for the announced tree option? | Yes, based on the announcement that places the Mutated Plant starts in Diaspora. |
| Is the rule guaranteed for every future build? | No. Diaspora is announced for Early Access, so mechanics and availability can change. |
Owning the expansion is therefore not the same as earning a permanent account unlock. The published material describes access through DLC ownership and the character-creation screen; it does not describe a one-time unlock that must be carried from one save or account to another.
What you need before you can choose the tree
The practical prerequisites described for this feature are product and version requirements:
- The Caves of Qud base game. The expansion is not presented as a standalone game.
- The paid Diaspora expansion. The Mutated Plant starting identities, including the tree example, are part of the announced expansion content.
- A build that exposes the announced character-creation option. Early Access releases can alter menus, names, availability, or rules.
Nothing in the available announcement adds an account-wide achievement, a hidden collectible, a minimum character level, a completed run, or a campaign checkpoint to that list. If a store client shows the DLC as owned but the option is absent, the most defensible first assumption is a product, installation, or version problem—not that you failed to complete an unlock challenge.
Rank #2
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
How the tree is chosen at character creation
The announcement does not publish a definitive screenshot or a final, step-by-step menu map, so exact labels may change. The announced flow can nevertheless be understood in the following order:
- Install and launch Caves of Qud with Diaspora available. Confirm that the expansion is attached to the same game installation and account as the base game.
- Start a new character or run. The tree is described as a starting identity, so an existing character is not expected to be converted through an unlock screen.
- Open the genotype or stock selection. Look for the Mutated Animal and Mutated Plant categories mentioned in the announcement.
- Select the Mutated Plant choices. The tree is one of the examples named in the official description, alongside plant identities such as a vine.
- Review the character and begin the run. If the current build exposes the option, the tree should be selected before the run starts rather than discovered as a later reward.
Those steps describe when the decision is made, not a promise about the final interface text. An Early Access build may rename a category, reorganize the creation screen, or temporarily disable a content group while it is being revised.
Tree starting identity versus a later mutation
The distinction matters because a character can be plant-like in two very different ways. A starting stock is chosen while making a new character and defines the identity with which the run begins. A later mutation or transformation would be acquired after play begins through an in-game event, ability, item, quest, or other progression system.
Rank #3
- Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
- Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere, perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
- Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style.
- Black PopSockets: Simple, refined, and endlessly versatile. A timeless essential for any phone.
- Travel Must-Have for People On the Go: A must-have travel accessory for flights, flying, airports, air travel, airplanes, planes, international trips, cruises, and long travel days. Key gadget for your airport haul, travel accessories and must-haves.
| Comparison point | Sapient tree in the Diaspora announcement | A later mutation or transformation |
|---|---|---|
| When selected | At character creation, as a Mutated Plant stock. | After the run has started, if a particular mechanic provides it. |
| What opens access | Base game ownership, Diaspora ownership, and a compatible build. | An in-game condition would be needed, but none is documented for this tree option. |
| Persistence between runs | Not described as an account-wide unlock; it is selected anew for each character. | Could depend on the relevant game system, but the announcement does not establish such a system for the tree. |
| Evidence in the announcement | Explicitly included among selectable animal and plant identities. | No evidence that the announced tree start must first be discovered during play. |
Thus, “sapient tree” should not be read as a locked mutation simply because it is an unusual playable form. The evidence identifies it as a starting option. It does not establish whether a separate tree-related mutation, ability, or transformation exists later in the game; that would be a different question.
Recommended Free Tools
Does the tree carry over as a permanent account unlock?
No published statement supplied for Diaspora says that choosing the tree once permanently unlocks it for every future character. That kind of system normally has an explicit achievement, account flag, quest completion, or similar progression marker. None is reported here.
The safer interpretation is that the tree is available whenever the required DLC and compatible build are present, and that you select it again when creating another character. This is an inference from its classification as a starting stock, not a guarantee about every future save-management or account feature. If the developers later add an unlock layer, they could change that behavior during Early Access.
Rank #4
- [360 ° Flexible Rotation Design] Comes with a rotatable lanyard ring that supports 360 ° free rotation, effectively solving the problem of twisted and tangled lanyards
- [Wide compatibility] The ultra-thin 0.02-inch design does not block the charging port at all, and both wired and wireless charging can be used directly without removing the pad. Compatible with most smartphones such as iPhone, compatible with various wristbands, lanyards, crossbody straps, and keychains
- [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
- [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
- [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly
Release timing and Early Access uncertainty
Diaspora is announced for Steam Early Access on December 9, 2026, with development expected to continue through 2027. Those dates matter because the feature is being described before the expansion has completed development. Early Access content can be added, renamed, rebalanced, disabled, or moved between releases.
- The announcement supports the tree as an available starting option in the announced Diaspora design.
- It does not freeze the final menu layout or guarantee that every interim build exposes the option in the same place.
- It does not document a later, one-time achievement that would unlock the tree for an entire account.
- It does not establish final balance, statistics, abilities, or restrictions for the tree stock.
Accordingly, a player checking before the Early Access launch should treat the requirement as announced availability, not as a finalized specification. After launch, the in-game character-creation screen and the current expansion notes will be the practical authority for that build.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →If the tree option is missing
Use a product-and-version checklist before looking for a progression solution:
Best Value
- 【PKYAA Double Sided Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount】PKYAA With Double Sided 40 Strong and Reliable individual suction cups, PKYAA provides a thicken and upgraded universal silicon suction mount for your phone.
- 【Friendly to Content Creators】If you are a content creator or an online influencer, you can create videos anywhere with this suction mount completely hands free with this silicone cell phone mount for cases.
- 【HANDS-FREE & Adhere to Mirrors】This Double Sided silicone suction phone case mount allows you to stick your phone to the mirror easily. No longer holding your phone in one hand to watch video tutorials while making up.
- 【Strong Grip on the Smooth Surface】You can easily hang your phone anywhere with a smooth surface. All you do is you clean off your phone and smooth surface. It is STURDY and it not only sticks to mirrors, it also sticks to windows, it sticks to refrigerators, tiles and other clean, flat surfaces.
- 【Press Down Firmly Every 30 Minutes】Use your palm or fingers to press the phone down firmly and check it's secure before letting go. Apply even pressure for a few seconds to allow the suction cup to adhere properly. To maintain the grip and prevent accidental falls, it's a good practice to periodically reapply pressure to the suction cup.
- Verify both products. Confirm that the base game is installed and that Diaspora is purchased or otherwise marked as owned on the same platform account.
- Check the installation state. A store entitlement may exist while the downloadable content is not installed or enabled in the client.
- Update the game. An older build may predate the Mutated Plant starting options or use an earlier content configuration.
- Begin a new character. The option is associated with creation of a new run, not with editing an already-created character.
- Look in the plant category. Search the genotype or stock-selection area for Mutated Plant entries rather than expecting a separate “unlock” menu.
- Check the build’s release status. If you are playing before the announced December 9, 2026 Early Access date, the expansion and its tree option may simply not be available yet.
- Recheck current developer information. Because development is expected to continue through 2027, a later build may have changed eligibility or temporarily withdrawn a starting stock.
If all product and version checks pass but the option still does not appear, the available evidence cannot identify a hidden requirement. It would be inappropriate to assume that an undisclosed achievement exists when the announcement presents the tree as a starting choice.
What is not established about the sapient tree
The announcement answers the access question but not every gameplay question a prospective player might have. It does not provide a published statistic, ability list, balance comparison, starting equipment list, or detailed explanation of how a tree interacts with the rest of the rules. It also does not state whether the tree has restrictions that differ from other Mutated Plant starts.
Those omissions do not create an implied unlock requirement. They simply mean that the available material supports a narrow conclusion: the tree is announced as a selectable starting plant stock in Diaspora, with access tied to owning the base game and expansion. Questions about performance, build choices, or late-game transformations require separate, version-specific information.
Bottom line for players deciding whether to buy or wait
If your only concern is whether you must complete content before trying a sapient tree, the answer is no according to the announcement. You should be able to choose it while creating a new character once Diaspora is available and owned alongside Caves of Qud. There is no reported permanent unlock, achievement, quest, level, or campaign milestone.
The qualification is timing: Diaspora is an Early Access expansion announced for December 9, 2026, and development is expected to continue through 2027. Treat the tree’s starting availability as the announced design for a compatible build, while recognizing that future releases may revise the rules.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
