Caves of Qud (2024)

I value a world where mutations, social relationships and strange objects can change the solution to a problem. Qud makes character-building feel like imagining a different kind of life. Its vocabulary, interface and interacting systems still ask for considerable study, and Classic mode can erase a character on death. The finished game also offers Roleplay checkpoints and a less hostile Wander mode, so punishment is not the admission price. I would start with one of those if the setting interests you more than repeated survival tests.