Cruel World is a role-playing game that combines elements of classic RPGs, roguelikes and survival. The universe is ruled by gods. Among them there are elders, endowed with full power, and younger ones, who fight among themselves for the right to join the pantheon of elder gods. Younger gods can rise one step higher in the divine hierarchy only if they carry out special orders from the older gods. This they can achieve only with the help of mortal heroes.