Core Keeper

About

"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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

95%

Audience ScoreBased on 47,948 reviews

gameplay1.5k positive mentions

grinding3.3k negative mentions

The music and atmosphere are widely praised for their relaxing and immersive qualities, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
The gameplay loop is engaging and addictive, featuring a satisfying blend of mining, crafting, and combat, especially enjoyable in multiplayer settings.
The graphics are charming and beautifully designed, creating a nostalgic and cozy atmosphere that complements the game's mechanics.

The gameplay can become repetitive and grindy over time, particularly after defeating initial bosses, leading to a sense of aimlessness.
The game's story is minimal and lacks depth, often feeling secondary to the mechanics and exploration.
There are significant performance issues, especially on lower-end systems and during multiplayer sessions, which detract from the overall experience.

gameplay
4,102 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
57%
5%
The gameplay of "Core Keeper" has been described as a blend of familiar mechanics from popular titles like Terraria and Stardew Valley, featuring a satisfying loop of mining, crafting, and combat. Players appreciate the engaging exploration and base-building elements, though some find the gameplay can become repetitive and grindy over time, particularly after defeating initial bosses. Overall, the game is praised for its charming visuals, intuitive mechanics, and cooperative multiplayer experience, making it a fun choice for fans of the genre, especially when played with friends.
- “I absolutely love this game, such great mechanics and mobs and characters, the decorating and building is super fun and my favorite part is the exploring and finding cool structures and ruins etc. also the music puzzles are awesome, I genuinely have no bad things to say about this game!!”
- “The gameplay loop is addictive, with just the right balance of challenge and reward.”
- “Core keeper is a fun little survival builder with decent progression and crafting mechanics - without all the overbearing intricate fluff.”
- “Another problem is each area seems very similar, making the gameplay loop get stale at times.”
- “However, those stupid game mechanics really prevent the game from blossoming, by slowing it down significantly.”
- “The gameplay loop is simply a fight boss > explore new zone > get new material > get new crafting stations > repeat, there are some minor things to do and find here and there, but a lot of them seem quite rare relative to world size, and considering that things can get obsolete fast, if you're not lucky enough to find them you will not even know they exist.”
grinding
3,390 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
97%
The grinding aspect of "Core Keeper" has received mixed feedback from players. Many enjoy the grind as a therapeutic and rewarding experience, particularly in the context of farming, crafting, and leveling skills, which can feel satisfying despite being time-consuming. However, others find the grind tedious and excessive, especially in the late game where resource gathering and skill leveling can become monotonous and frustrating, leading to a sense of aimlessness. Overall, while the game offers a blend of enjoyable mechanics reminiscent of titles like "Terraria" and "Stardew Valley," the grind can be a significant factor in the overall experience, with opinions varying widely based on individual preferences for gameplay pacing.
- “One of the best aspects of the game is that it's not grindy at all - very uncommon for these kinds of games.”
- “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.”
- “Game got a little grindy for the 100% a solid amount of afk needed just to let automated things run in your base.”
- “The maxing of skills can be tedious as all hell, but it's optional anyways since you can clear the game without needing to grind all that much.”
- “The progression of the game is quite decent, although a bit too grindy, especially the loot drop chances as well as skill leveling.”
graphics
2,387 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
47%
1%
The graphics of "Core Keeper" have received widespread praise for their charming pixel art style, vibrant colors, and impressive lighting effects, creating an immersive and cozy atmosphere. Many players appreciate the nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic games like "Stardew Valley" and "Terraria," while also noting the game's unique aesthetic and attention to detail in its environments. However, some critiques mention that the graphics can be simplistic or lack clarity, particularly for those who prefer more modern visuals. Overall, the visuals are considered a strong point of the game, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
- “The graphics, the lighting, the music and atmosphere are top-tier, and it's really immersive.”
- “The pixel art style is delightful and pairs perfectly with the game's atmospheric soundtrack, creating an immersive experience.”
- “The graphics are beautiful, the enemies lively, the NPCs fun, and the bosses interesting.”
- “The graphics are charmingly retro, which is a fancy way of saying they look like they were made on a toaster.”
- “For such pretty graphics, there really isn't much to build with nor even much of a reason to.”
- “The graphics are too polluted for my taste.”
music
2,171 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
62%
36%
1%
The music in "Core Keeper" has received widespread acclaim for its relaxing and atmospheric qualities, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Players appreciate the diverse soundtracks that change with each biome, creating a captivating ambiance that complements the game's visuals and mechanics. While some note that the music can become repetitive over time, many find it soothing and immersive, making it a highlight of the game.
- “The soundtrack of Core Keeper is a standout feature, reminiscent of the calm moments in Terraria or the serene exploration of Valheim.”
- “The music is incredible, the art style is so beautiful, the fighting mechanics are fun and engaging, and it's such a good game to play with friends.”
- “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.”
- “The music is honestly very mediocre and this is one of the very rare instances where not a single song from the game has been stuck in my head; it feels like just some generic AI music slop was pasted on top to fill the void.”
- “The soundtrack is somewhat limited and repetitive but manages to give the game some ambiance and mood.”
- “The soundtracks of Terraria, Stardew, and Minecraft immediately hook you; their aesthetics are wholly unique and have personality, but Core Keeper feels bland.”
story
1,020 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
73%
6%
The story in "Core Keeper" is generally described as minimal and somewhat vague, with many players noting that it serves primarily as a backdrop to the gameplay rather than a central focus. While some appreciate the environmental storytelling and the intrigue of uncovering the game's mysteries, others find the narrative lacking depth and direction, often feeling that it could benefit from more quests and character interactions. Overall, the game is seen as more of a sandbox experience where exploration and crafting take precedence over a robust storyline.
- “The world feels so alive, the controls and goals are intuitive, and it has both a direct and solid story and a ton of environmental storytelling.”
- “The story is intriguing, the art style and graphics are gorgeous, and it's easy to grasp the game's mechanics.”
- “The subtle storyline, the little easter eggs, the adventure of exploring - it's all so good!”
- “The story is almost non-existent.”
- “There is zero plot and zero NPC interaction which is probably why they strapped on a worthless nonfunctional multiplayer.”
- “The plot is clearly secondary to mechanics here.”
optimization
386 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
65%
20%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, particularly on lower-end systems and during multiplayer sessions. While some users have noted improvements and a generally enjoyable experience, stuttering, low frame rates, and lag remain common complaints, especially in areas with high entity counts or complex lighting. Overall, the game is seen as needing further optimization to enhance performance across various platforms, including the Steam Deck.
- “I can't believe how optimized this game is.”
- “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 balance between all the things you can do is very well optimized.”
- “The game has lots of issues in terms of performance (random stutters, fps drops and so on) and gameplay.”
- “For one is the performance, the longer you play, the worse the fps and time to save get, ending in a 5 minute wait to save the game when you're getting towards the endgame simply because of how many dropped items will be sitting around.”
- “Unfortunately the performance is the only thing making me hesitant to recommend this game.”
atmosphere
290 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
68%
31%
1%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and relaxing qualities, enhanced by beautiful pixel art and a captivating soundtrack. Players appreciate the cozy ambiance created by the game's visuals and sound design, which complement the exploration and base-building elements. The diverse biomes and dynamic music contribute to a rich, engaging environment that encourages players to soak in the experience, making it a standout feature of the game.
- “The graphics, the lighting, the music, and atmosphere are top-tier, and it's really immersive.”
- “The pixel art style is delightful and pairs perfectly with the game's atmospheric soundtrack, creating an immersive experience.”
- “The atmosphere pulls you into a richly detailed world full of secrets.”
- “The game's aesthetic is simple yet surprisingly detailed, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that feels both comforting and exciting.”
- “It is very sad, because the pixel graphic sprite work, animations and music is masterclass in atmosphere and artistry.”
- “The games mechanics, intricate art style and non-repetitive atmosphere can appeal to many players such as myself.”
stability
194 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
16%
2%
81%
The game's stability has received mixed feedback, with many players reporting significant bugs, particularly in multiplayer modes, including issues like instant deaths from boss mechanics and frequent crashes. While some users have experienced minimal glitches and praised the game's performance, especially on platforms like Steam Deck, others express frustration over the developers' handling of patches that disrupt modding and gameplay stability. Overall, the game is still considered fun, but its early access status means players should expect ongoing bugs and instability.
- “Amazingly full-featured and bug free for an early release game.”
- “Has been very stable and bug free for me so far.”
- “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.”
- “Multiplayer was very buggy and the final boss would just spawn projectiles on top of you and just instantly kill you.”
- “The multiplayer is awful and buggy, and you need to be fully online for it to work. I don't understand why the devs insisted on doing it through Steam; the game would have been fine with some LAN play.”
- “Game freezes and crashes at the 'join game' screen.”
humor
172 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
1%
1%
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting its quirky charm and the hilarious moments that arise during gameplay, especially in multiplayer settings. Many reviews mention funny character interactions, amusing item descriptions, and unexpected glitches that contribute to a lighthearted experience. Overall, the game is described as both entertaining and capable of generating laughter, making it enjoyable to play solo or with friends.
- “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.”
- “Also, it's very funny to warn your friend about the boss just ahead and watch them face check it and scream as they get splatted by big slime.”
- “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
164 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
26%
61%
13%
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players praising its high potential due to features like procedural generation and multiplayer options, while others criticize it for lacking depth and variety, leading to a repetitive experience. Many reviews highlight that while the game can be enjoyable for multiple playthroughs, especially with friends, it suffers from a lack of content and progression that may deter long-term engagement. Overall, the consensus suggests that the game has both strong replayability elements and significant limitations that could affect its longevity.
- “Its fresh gameplay mechanics and near-limitless replayability make it a standout indie title that will keep you coming back for more.”
- “The game's vibrant colors and smooth animations make for a truly immersive experience, and the game's addictive gameplay, challenging levels, and endless replayability make it a must-have for any gaming collection.”
- “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.”
- “Since its release, the game has only received minor updates and bug fixes, and unfortunately, its low replayability remains unchanged.”
- “Mine one ore, use it to make bars, make a new pickaxe, then rinse and repeat about 10 times and that's the game's progression. It's not a huge issue, but it makes the progression boring and not very replayable in the long run.”
- “A pretty solid and overall enjoyable game; however, the lack of content sadly makes it very unreplayable.”
emotional
76 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
97%
4%
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, often comparing it to beloved titles like Terraria and Stardew Valley. The experience is described as heartwarming and nostalgic, evoking a range of feelings from joy and excitement to heartbreak and despair, particularly during challenging moments like boss fights. Overall, the game is praised for its wholesome mechanics and the ability to provide a relaxing yet engaging journey, making it a memorable and emotionally rewarding experience.
- “I personally felt heartbroken when throwing away those seeds to make space for new items.”
- “It emotionally touched my soul and I will never return to my old self again.”
- “This game has made me feel awe, passion, hate, love, fear, excitement, sadness, joy, pride, guilt, disdain, and amazement.”
- “I cried.”
- “I cried.”
- “I cried.”
monetization
36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
28%
61%
The game is praised for its lack of microtransactions, allowing players to earn rewards through gameplay, which many reviewers found refreshing. However, there are mixed feelings about the game's content and quality, with some labeling it a "cash grab" due to misleading advertisements and perceived shortcomings in gameplay and design. Overall, while the absence of microtransactions is a positive aspect, concerns about the game's depth and execution persist.
- “No microtransactions means you earn the best things in the game by playing.”
- “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.”
- “A heartfelt thanks to pugstorm for a game with no microtransactions, just pure fun.”
- “Regardless if this is listed as an 'indie game'; it's plain and clear the game is designed to be a quick 'cash grab'.”
- “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 crappy 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.”
- “Only played 4 hours but I already knew what time this game is on from the jump, the advertisements are misleading in my opinion.”
character development
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
20%
20%
Character development in the game is praised for its depth, featuring intricate talent trees that enhance gameplay as players level up. The impressive character designs, with unique aesthetics and detailed costumes, contribute to the overall personality of the characters, including bosses and merchants. Players appreciate the attention to detail in both character and world design, which adds richness to the gaming experience.
- “The character designs are equally impressive, with intricate costumes and unique aesthetics that add personality to each individual you encounter.”
- “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.”
- “(Playing on hard mode is my cup of tea; nothing like everything nearly killing you in a single hit! 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, character development (skills), crafting, and farming are brought down by the inventory system, boss fighting, and accessories, which feel like pieces of Terraria.”
- “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.”