Taming the Jungle: The Best Pet Codes in Caves of Qud (2024 Guide)
If you’ve just booted up Caves of Qd, you’ve probably realized two things very quickly: the world is incredibly deep, and you are incredibly squishy.
One of the best ways to survive the early-game chaos of Joppa and the salt dunes is to recruit a companion. While you can find pets through gameplay (like taming a lonely tortoise with a desalination pellet), the developers at Freehold Games have included a system that lets you "adopt" special pets using real-world knowledge.
These are Pet Codes. By typing in the right name during character creation, you can start the game with a loyal (and often powerful) ally by your side.
Here are the best pet codes currently available, ranked by how much they will save your life.
The Secret Code: What the Devs Don't Tell You
There is a legendary "debug" code that unlocks all pets at once. Use with caution.
Code: ALLTHEPETS
This is not recommended for serious play. Summoning a Goatmon, a Disco Crab, a Glowmoth, and a Phase Spiderling at level 1 will crash your FPS and trivialize the entire Rust Wells. Use this only for sandbox testing.
How to Use Pet Codes
Before you roll your stats, here is how to input the codes:
- Start a New Game.
- Select your calling (e.g., True Kin, Arcanist, etc.).
- Look for the "Pet" option in the character creation menu.
- Select "Call a Companion."
- Type the name of the pet exactly as listed below (case-sensitive).
2. Bear Factions (Code: Bear)
Bears are the classic Qud companion. Whether it’s a standard Bear, a Ferocious Bear, or the dreaded Slumberling (technically a different sprite but often found in similar biomes), bears possess massive HP pools and terrifying claws.
- Why they are great: They act as a wall between you and the enemies. A bear can solo several snapjaws or goatmen while you pick off stragglers.
- Best for: Bodyguard duty.
The Best Pet Codes (And What They Do)
Here are the most useful and fun codes currently active:
| Code | Pet |
|------|-----|
| baboon | A grumpy but loyal baboon |
| bear | Bear companion — tough in early caves |
| glow-wight | Glowing mushroom-person that lights dark areas |
| snapjaw | A lowly snapjaw who thinks you’re their chief |
| goat | Ordinary goat. Surprisingly fast. |
| robobuddy | A tiny robot that hums 8-bit tunes |
| wurm | Baby cave wurm (grows visually, not in stats) |
| tortoise | Slow, high-HP shell friend |
| slime | Friendly green slime. Leaves a trail. |
| eyeball | Floating eye. Great scout. |
| fungus | Static puffball that just… sits there (lovingly) |
Some codes are case-sensitive. Use lowercase exactly as shown.
3. The Organic Tank: Baboon
If you prefer organic companionship (and don't want to worry about repairing metal parts), Baboon is a fantastic choice.
- Why it’s top tier: Baboons are strong, have a decent amount of health, and hit hard in melee. Unlike robotic pets, they can heal naturally over time and don't suffer from voltage vulnerabilities. They are aggressive and will ferociously defend you against the fauna of Qud.
- Best For: Tinkerers (who can heal them with bandaids) and melee brawlers.
Code: Baboon
2. The Chrome Idol (Code: KINDLE)
Best for: Ranged support & psychic damage.
This floating chrome skull is more than a conversation piece. The Chrome Idol fires a low-damage but high-frequency laser. More importantly, it emits a weak confusion aura.
- Why she’s the best: Confusion is a run-saver. Early enemies have poor willpower; a confused snapjaw often attacks its allies. The Idol also provides a light source, saving you a floating slot.
- Synergy: Pair with a high-Ego Esper to stack mental mutations. The Idol’s psychic flavor doesn’t interfere with your own.
Caves of Qud Pet Codes: The Best Companions and How to Unlock Them
Survival Guide for the Salt Dunes and Beyond
In the brutal, procedurally generated wasteland of Caves of Qud, death is a constant companion. But what if you could have a literal companion instead? One that shoots lasers, carries your loot, or simply provides emotional support as you mutate into a gelatinous puddle of limbs?
Enter Pet Codes.
For the uninitiated, Caves of Qud (developed by Freehold Games) features a robust—and delightfully obscure—system for unlocking special pets. These aren’t just cosmetic fluff. The best pets offer tactical advantages, early-game power spikes, and lore-friendly nods to the game’s rich history.
This article is your definitive guide to the best Caves of Qud pet codes, how to redeem them, and which furry (or squamous) friend deserves a spot in your build.