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Core Keeper

A sprawling survival game in a beautiful subterranean world.
Core Keeper Game Cover
93%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
grinding, optimization
95% User Score Based on 31,361 reviews
Critic Score 86%Based on 1 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchEpic GamesPlaystation 5Playstation 4Xbox Cloud GamingSteam DeckWindowsPlayStationLinuxXbox Series X|SPCXbox Game PassCloudXbox One
Core Keeper Game Cover

About

Core Keeper is a single player and multiplayer survival role playing game with mystery and kids themes. It was developed by Pugstorm and was released on August 27, 2024. It received positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

"Core Keeper" is a mining sandbox adventure game where players delve into the heart of a mysterious ancient machine, the "Core." You'll mine resources, craft tools, build bases, fight monsters, and discover secrets in a procedurally generated underground world. The game offers multiplayer for up to 8 players, promoting collaboration and shared experiences in this captivating subterranean journey.

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95%
Audience ScoreBased on 31,361 reviews
gameplay1.1k positive mentions
grinding2.3k negative mentions

  • gameplay
    2,851 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Core Keeper" has been widely praised for its engaging mechanics, combining elements from popular titles like Terraria and Stardew Valley. Players appreciate the intuitive crafting, base-building, and exploration systems, which create a satisfying gameplay loop of gathering resources, upgrading gear, and battling bosses. However, some reviews note that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, with a desire for more variety in mechanics and challenges, particularly in the mid to late game. Overall, the game is seen as a solid early access title with potential for growth and improvement.

    • “With over 100 hours of addictive gameplay later, I can say this game is unique in every aspect from combat to building your base, and exploring, it has it all.”
    • “Gameplay features are intuitive and easily learned without much need for looking up the wiki, at least in the early game where everything feels new and mysterious.”
    • “Great little survival/crafting/exploration game with fun progression and gameplay loop.”
    • “Poorly implemented mesh of mechanics, bosses are useless for progression, item balancing is non-existent, magic and summoning are an afterthought.”
    • “The gameplay loop doesn't change or evolve, what I experienced in the first 3 hours was what I was doing for the rest of the game.”
    • “The repetitive nature of digging through dirt and rocks leaves players feeling fatigued, making it difficult to maintain enthusiasm for the gameplay.”
  • grinding
    2,325 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of "Core Keeper" has received mixed feedback from players. Many appreciate the game's blend of farming, crafting, and exploration, noting that while the early game is engaging, it can become excessively grindy in the mid to late stages, particularly when farming for resources and boss summoning items. Automation features help alleviate some of the tedium, but players often express frustration with the slow progression of skill leveling and the repetitive nature of resource gathering, especially in solo play. Overall, while the game offers enjoyable mechanics, the grind can detract from the experience for some players.

    • “It's charming, it's cute, it's well-packed full of stuff, but not at all overbearing, and not too grindy whatsoever!”
    • “The progression is fun and not too grindy, the soundtrack is beautiful, and the bosses are unique.”
    • “Very simple (not tedious) but feels well balanced and provides the main source of progression through the game.”
    • “You will immediately find anything better cause this game has to copy Terraria and keep half of the game hidden behind a mind-numbing farming grind.”
    • “Towards the end game, things start to become a little grindy such as having to mine multiple hundreds of ore, potentially thousands, and finding boss locator and summoner crafting items.”
    • “Very repetitive and grindy for no reason.”
  • graphics
    1,555 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Core Keeper" have received widespread praise for their charming pixel art style, vibrant colors, and impressive lighting effects, which create an immersive atmosphere. Many players appreciate the nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic RPGs, while others note that the visuals are well-crafted and enhance the overall gameplay experience. However, some users have reported performance issues and a desire for higher resolution options, particularly on modern displays. Overall, the game's graphics are considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to its appeal.

    • “I'm not a person who cares too much about how realistic/good a game looks, but this game has by far the best pixel graphics I've ever seen with stunning water and lighting visuals and amazing looking sprites and monsters.”
    • “The pixel graphics are beautifully crafted, evoking a sense of nostalgia while still feeling fresh and modern.”
    • “Core Keeper is a visual masterpiece, showcasing stunning graphics that bring its enchanting world to life.”
    • “The graphics are causing me headaches/nausea.”
    • “I feel bad not recommending this game, because I can tell some genuine effort went into it; however, the graphics are really, really rough.”
    • “I am by no means a graphics snob, having spent years on PS1, N64, and Gameboy games; yet even the worst looking games of that generation are executed better than Core Keeper.”
  • music
    1,418 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Core Keeper" has received widespread acclaim for its beautiful and immersive soundtrack, which enhances the game's atmosphere and complements its pixel art style. Players appreciate the variety of tracks that change with different biomes, creating a relaxing and engaging experience that encourages exploration and gameplay. While some users noted that the music can become repetitive over time, the overall consensus is that the soundtrack is a standout feature, making the game enjoyable and memorable.

    • “The music is brilliant, the combat is very well-tuned and gives a lot of options for play.”
    • “Music is fantastic and very immersive as you progress through different zones.”
    • “The music beautifully sets the mood for the biomes you'll find yourself in, sometimes keeping you on edge for the entire time you're looking for more ore.”
    • “Music is mediocre and forgettable; audio in this game is bland thus far and needs work.”
    • “The soundtracks of Terraria, Stardew, and Minecraft immediately hook you; their aesthetics are wholly unique and have personality, but Core Keeper feels bland.”
    • “The music feels out of place after a while or too repetitive.”
  • story
    657 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in "Core Keeper" is generally described as minimal and somewhat lackluster, primarily serving as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a central focus. Players often find the narrative to be straightforward, revolving around exploration and boss battles, with little environmental storytelling or character interaction. While some appreciate the potential for deeper lore and enjoy the journey of discovery, many feel that the game lacks a compelling narrative structure, leaving them wanting more in terms of story development and quests.

    • “The game has fantastic music and a great storyline.”
    • “The story pulls you in, the blindness the environment creates motivates you to push and discover.”
    • “The story isn't the main focus; instead, it's about your journey and the exploration of the beautiful little underground world.”
    • “The story is brief, and you're pretty much on your own, independent and free from most consequences.”
    • “There is no story, there is no in-game guide, and game progression is slow and full of ridiculous grinding.”
    • “The story for me is the weakest part here, serving solely as the glue to introduce the player to new bosses and areas, which might very well be the design intent here.”
  • optimization
    256 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players reporting significant performance issues such as low frame rates, stuttering, and lag, particularly in multiplayer and during intensive gameplay scenarios. While some users have noted improvements following updates, the consensus is that the game still requires further optimization, especially for lower-end systems and the Steam Deck. Overall, while the game shows promise and is enjoyable, its current state is hampered by optimization challenges that need to be addressed.

    • “The developers fixed the crashing issue I had early on a while back, and by now, it's smooth sailing in terms of performance.”
    • “The developer listened and improved their optimization for their game.”
    • “Update: the game has gotten significant performance updates and is now running much better.”
    • “Game optimization is awful.”
    • “Low fps and stuttering is very present when you're around lots of structures like a base.”
    • “Unfortunately, I experience stuttering and low fps despite having a decent PC and running similar games without problems.”
  • atmosphere
    176 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and beautiful design, combining charming pixel art with a captivating soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the rich, varied environments and the sense of exploration they evoke, often describing the atmosphere as cozy, relaxing, and engaging. Many reviews highlight the meticulous attention to detail in both visuals and sound, creating a nostalgic yet fresh ambiance that draws players into the game world.

    • “The atmosphere is immersive, pulling you into its underground environments with a great mix of visuals and sound.”
    • “The music and graphics created a great atmosphere.”
    • “This game has blown my mind with its atmosphere and new gimmicks that really set this game apart from other exploration and survival games.”
    • “❎ fair: basic sound/music, doesn't enhance the atmosphere.”
    • “It put me on edge which is a notable contrast to how the atmosphere of the rest of the game is relaxing and atmospheric.”
    • “They do well with the style and atmosphere and while I do have jitteriness and the odd crash that is to be expected while this is still in development.”
  • stability
    126 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's stability has received mixed feedback, with many players acknowledging occasional bugs and glitches typical of early access titles. While some report significant issues like freezing and crashes, others highlight a generally smooth experience with minimal disruptions. The developers are praised for their responsiveness in addressing bugs through regular updates, contributing to a mostly enjoyable gameplay experience despite the early access status.

    • “The positives are that the game isn't buggy, especially considering its early access state.”
    • “Amazingly full-featured and bug free for an early release game.”
    • “Considering we're only a few weeks into release at the time of this review, the game has been mostly bug free and has lots to explore.”
    • “My entire PC freezes for a few seconds, then comes to with the game frozen for a few more seconds before closing or not responding infinitely.”
    • “Good game, it just needs more content and new mechanics on how to fight enemies; also, it's still buggy and crashes a lot during boss fights.”
    • “All that said, this early access is not yet perfected - the game frequently freezes for a second and my FPS doesn't go above 60 even when uncapped on low settings on an RTX 2060 at low usage. Today I've experienced my first crash, mobs sometimes spawn inside walls or flying above an abyss, players sometimes do funky movement glitching through roots or twitching on specific walls.”
  • humor
    125 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting its ability to generate laughter through quirky character designs, funny item descriptions, and amusing multiplayer interactions. Many reviews emphasize that the game is particularly enjoyable when played with friends, leading to hilarious moments and unexpected situations. Overall, the game's lighthearted tone and comedic elements contribute significantly to its appeal, making it a fun experience whether played solo or in a group.

    • “This game can be as demanding or relaxing as you like it to be, fun and with co-op features things get hilarious quickly and or serious in a heartbeat but it is always fun.”
    • “Every time I died it made me laugh and just want to keep going.”
    • “After playing this game for 7 hours I can say this game was very funny to play solo or with your friends; also, this game is definitely worth your money.”
    • “Bombs - hilariously bad, would be nice if I could throw them with a strength gauge instead of them just dropping where I'm at.”
  • replayability
    116 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players praising its depth, variety, and potential for endless enjoyment, especially in multiplayer settings. However, some reviewers express concerns about a lack of content and repetitive gameplay, leading to diminished replay value over time. Overall, while there are strong elements that encourage replaying, the game's longevity may depend on future updates and content expansions.

    • “It's a game that's easy to pick up and play, but offers endless replayability thanks to its depth and variety.”
    • “The game has great replay value and as long as the devs keep working on it, this game has huge potential.”
    • “Whether you're a solo adventurer or collaborating with friends in multiplayer mode, the possibilities for customization and strategic planning are vast, enhancing the overall replay value.”
    • “Making the replay value nearly non-existent as the game ages.”
    • “A pretty solid and overall enjoyable game; however, the lack of content sadly makes it very unreplayable.”
    • “Otherwise, the game just has too little content to provide, and unlike other games I recommended, this game feels like it has no replay value because you would literally just be doing the same exact things you did in previous worlds.”
  • emotional
    47 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, often comparing it to beloved titles like Terraria and Stardew Valley, highlighting its heartwarming and nostalgic qualities. The blend of gameplay mechanics fosters a sense of adventure and community, while moments of triumph and loss evoke strong feelings, making the experience both charming and impactful. Overall, the game is praised for its ability to create an emotional journey that resonates with players on multiple levels.

    • “It emotionally touched my soul and I will never return to my old self again.”
    • “It effortlessly weaves into the fabric of the game, creating an emotional connection that elevates every moment.”
    • “For more than a year now, I have been searching for something that made me feel the same way Terraria and Stardew did, and here it is.”
  • monetization
    21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players criticizing it as a "cash grab" due to poor gameplay mechanics and misleading advertisements. However, others appreciate the absence of microtransactions, highlighting that the game is a complete product at launch and allows players to earn rewards through gameplay rather than purchases. Overall, opinions vary significantly, with some feeling exploited and others finding value in the straightforward pricing model.

    • “Very cheap price, no microtransactions, and only more content will get added from here on out.”
    • “It's a refreshing moment to have a brand new game be a finished product on release without any microtransactions or similar things getting in the way.”
    • “No microtransactions means you earn the best things in the game by playing.”
    • “Regardless if this is listed as an 'indie game'; it's plain and clear the game is designed to be a quick 'cash grab'.”
    • “Only played 4 hours but I already knew what time this game is on from the jump, the advertisements are misleading in my opinion.”
    • “Severely restricted crafting, pitiful bosses, an 'end game' that doesn't work due to poor control measures implemented to automated mining to reduce the massive performance lag of poor coding and a poor Minecraft rip-off of electricity that has no point and graphics from 1987 all lead to a second-rate rush job cash grab.”
  • character development
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is praised for its depth, featuring intricate talent trees that enhance gameplay as players level up. The attention to detail in character and boss designs, along with the diverse world and engaging merchant interactions, contributes to a rich and immersive experience. Overall, players appreciate the combination of challenging gameplay and well-crafted character elements.

    • “I love all the detail put into the world, not just the biomes but the mobs as well; even the merchants have great character designs.”
    • “The graphics, sprites, and a lot of the gameplay are reminiscent of Stardew Valley but with a lot more depth in character development, including talent trees while you level up.”
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26h Median play time
60h Average play time
8-79h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 318 analyzed playthroughs
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Core Keeper is a survival role playing game with mystery and kids themes.

Core Keeper is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Steam Deck and others.

On average players spend around 60 hours playing Core Keeper.

Core Keeper was released on August 27, 2024.

Core Keeper was developed by Pugstorm.

Core Keeper has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its grinding.

Core Keeper is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Keplerth, Len's Island, Enshrouded, Tinkerlands, V Rising and others.