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Yes—you can start a run as a tree in Caves of Qud. The game’s first expansion, Caves of Qud: Diaspora, launches in Steam Early Access on December 9, 2026, adding selectable Mutated Animal and Mutated Plant starting genotypes. That means a new character can begin as a tree, vine, dog, cat, frog, chameleon, or another listed animal stock instead of starting humanoid and gaining plant or animal traits later.
What Diaspora changes
Before this expansion, Caves of Qud could let a human character acquire plant-themed or beast-like mutations during a run. Diaspora moves that choice to character creation. Its official Steam description says, “Play as a dog, cat, frog, chameleon, vine, tree, etc…” The result is a different starting identity and progression path, not merely a cosmetic transformation.
PC Gamer’s Lincoln Carpenter summarized the change as a symmetry in which a character could previously begin human and mutate into a beast or plant form, while the expansion lets the player “begin as a tree and mutate into a man.” The exact abilities and progression of each stock remain defined by the game’s implementation, so the tree premise should not be read as a promise that every plant plays identically.
Release date, price and requirements
| Detail | What is confirmed |
|---|---|
| Release | Steam Early Access, December 9, 2026 |
| Launch price | $14.99, according to the official announcement |
| Requirement | The downloadable content requires the base game Caves of Qud |
| Development status | Early Access; the developers expect to continue evolving the expansion through 2027 |
Because this is paid downloadable content rather than a standalone game, purchasing Diaspora alone will not provide the base game. Early Access also means the launch feature set and later roadmap are subject to change.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Which animals and plants can you play?
The current Steam product description lists nine animal stocks and three plant stocks. It specifically illustrates the range with dogs, cats, frogs, chameleons, vines and trees. The listing establishes the number of stocks available in the current description, but it does not provide a complete ability breakdown for every stock in the announcement.
- Animal starts: nine selectable animal stocks are listed.
- Plant starts: three selectable plant stocks are listed.
- Examples named by the developer: dog, cat, frog, chameleon, vine and tree.
- Progression: the expansion adds new animal and plant mutations and progression systems for those identities.
Launch content beyond playable species
Diaspora is broader than its headline character-creation feature. The announced launch package includes:
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- A new True Kin arcology and new castes.
- Two new humanoid callings.
- Spear weapons.
- Additional creatures and items.
- Dromad caravans.
- Mountable saltbacks.
- Improved road and river networks.
These systems matter because Caves of Qud is built around interactions among mutations, species traits, equipment, cybernetics and a simulated world. A new genotype changes the starting assumptions for those interactions; caravans, mounts, transportation routes and new settlements expand the situations in which they can emerge.
What is planned during Early Access?
The developers have announced a roadmap extending through the Early Access period. Roadmap items are plans, not guarantees of a particular delivery date or final feature set.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- A multi-step questline focused on migrant influxes.
- Additional animal and plant stocks.
- Foxen and Snailfolk factions.
- Roaming mega-caravans.
- Underground villages.
- Large multi-zone dungeons and arcological spaces.
- Dynamic quests.
- New creatures, items, item modifications and biomes.
- New ingredients, diseases and fungal infections.
- Additional music.
The stated expectation is that development will continue through 2027, so the launch build should be treated as the first phase of the expansion rather than its final form.
How Diaspora differs from the base game
| Comparison point | Base game experience | Diaspora expansion |
|---|---|---|
| Character identity | Humanoid starts with mutations and other systems shaping the run | Selectable animal and plant genotypes, including tree and vine examples |
| Systemic depth | Mutation, equipment, cybernetics and emergent interactions | New animal and plant mutations and progression layered onto those systems |
| World scope | Existing creatures, settlements, routes and quests | New arcology content, factions, caravans, mounts, routes and announced future regions |
| Purchase model | Base game | Paid Steam DLC requiring the base game; $14.99 at Early Access launch |
| Maturity | Existing game content | Early Access launch content with additions planned through 2027 |
What to know before buying
- Own or buy the base game first. The expansion is downloadable content and requires Caves of Qud.
- Expect an evolving product. The December 9 build is an Early Access release, and the announced roadmap may change.
- Choose it for systemic experimentation. The main appeal is starting from a radically different genotype and seeing how mutations, gear and world systems interact.
- Do not assume every promised feature is present at launch. Migrant quests, Foxen and Snailfolk, mega-caravans, underground villages, diseases, fungal infections and other roadmap elements are planned additions.
Bottom line for roguelike players
Caves of Qud: Diaspora answers the long-standing “can I play as a tree?” fantasy at the character-creation screen. It launches on Steam Early Access on December 9, 2026 for $14.99, adds 12 currently listed animal and plant stocks, and requires the base game. Its broader package includes new mutations, True Kin content, weapons, creatures, caravans, mounts and transportation improvements, with a larger roadmap planned through 2027.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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.
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