Core Keeper

95%
Game Brain Score Based on 23,972 reviews
  • gameplay
  • grinding
  • graphics
Core Keeper Game Cover
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"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.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Epic Games
  • Linux
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

95%
Audience ScoreBased on 23,972 reviews
gameplay774 positive mentions
grinding1,649 negative mentions
  • gameplay2,051 mentions

    The gameplay of "Core Keeper" is characterized by a blend of familiar mechanics from popular sandbox games like Terraria and Stardew Valley, featuring mining, crafting, and exploration in a top-down perspective. Players appreciate the engaging gameplay loop that involves gathering resources, building bases, and battling unique bosses, although some find the mechanics repetitive and the progression grindy. Overall, the game offers a cozy and enjoyable experience, especially in multiplayer, but it could benefit from more variety and depth in its gameplay elements.

    • “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 very satisfying.”
    • “The gameplay is engaging and addictive, with a wide variety of monsters, weapons, and other elements to customize your dungeon and create unique challenges.”
    • “Another problem is each area seems very similar, making the gameplay loop get stale at times.”
    • “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.”
    • “The gameplay is repetitive, and the extreme grind are just disrespectful of your time.”
  • grinding1,695 mentions

    The grinding aspect of "Core Keeper" has received mixed feedback from players. While many appreciate the game's blend of farming, crafting, and exploration reminiscent of titles like "Terraria" and "Stardew Valley," they note that the grind can become tedious, especially in the late game where resource gathering and skill leveling require significant time investment. Some players find the grind therapeutic and enjoyable, particularly when playing with friends, while others feel it detracts from the overall experience, making certain tasks feel repetitive and unfulfilling. Overall, the game offers a satisfying mix of activities, but the grindiness can vary in enjoyment depending on individual preferences.

    • “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.”
    • “The game got a little grindy for the 100% completion; a solid amount of AFK needed just to let automated things run in your base.”
    • “Completion note: most achievements are fun to get as you progress, but getting all the leveling skills ones might be a bit grindy, and some ask you to find particular places in a procedurally generated world, which can be frustrating if you get unlucky.”
    • “The progression feels rewarding, but solo players might find it a bit grindy at times.”
  • graphics1,193 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim 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*, highlighting the detailed environments and smooth animations. While some critiques mention a need for optimization and clarity, the overall consensus is that the visuals significantly enhance the gameplay experience, making it visually appealing and enjoyable to explore.

    • “The graphics, the lighting, the music and atmosphere are top-tier, and it's really immersive.”
    • “The pixel art style is beautiful, with great details from the dark, creepy caverns to the brighter forest biomes.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, the music is beautiful and the gameplay is so fun.”
    • “The graphics are charmingly retro, which is a fancy way of saying they look like they were made on a toaster.”
    • “The graphics are too polluted for my taste.”
    • “The graphics could use some touchups but having real shadows and reflections is nice.”
  • music1,085 mentions

    The music in the game 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 charming pixel art. Many reviewers highlight the nostalgic references to other games, such as Terraria and Stardew Valley, and express a desire for the soundtrack to be available for purchase, indicating its standout quality.

    • “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 music is also so packed with whimsy that it becomes grating in no time, and what makes matters worse, it never forms up cathartically into a cohesive and recognizable theme.”
  • story510 mentions

    The story in "Core Keeper" is generally described as minimal and somewhat vague, serving primarily as a backdrop to the gameplay rather than a central focus. While some players appreciate the environmental storytelling and the intrigue of uncovering the game's mysteries, many feel that the narrative lacks depth and complexity, with progression often tied to defeating bosses rather than a rich storyline. Overall, the game is seen as more about exploration and crafting, with potential for future updates to expand its narrative elements.

    • “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.”
    • “The plot is clearly secondary to mechanics here.”
    • “There is little to no story currently, and the idea of 'unraveling the mystery of the core' is perhaps an end goal, but something the dev should really focus on finishing before moving on to adding more and more items.”
  • optimization193 mentions

    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 in performance over time, stuttering, low frame rates, and lag remain common complaints, especially in areas with high entity counts or complex lighting. Overall, while the game shows potential and has been fun to play, it still requires further optimization to enhance the experience across various platforms.

    • “The developers fixed the crashing issue I had early on a while back, and by now, it's smooth sailing in terms of performance.”
    • “I absolutely love the optimization as well as the connectivity when you play in multiplayer.”
    • “Most performance issues I commented about in my original review have been completely fixed and the game runs silky smooth now.”
    • “The game has lots of issues in terms of performance (random stutters, fps drops, and so on) and gameplay.”
    • “We started 9 people, fun was had exploring and basebuilding alongside each other and in smaller groups that ventured out into the world, but the farther we got from the starting zone, the more the server performance plummeted, until the game was nigh-on unplayable because of extreme rubberbanding, resulting in players taking a step forward and then bouncing back and forth for a couple of seconds while the server tried to catch up.”
    • “The only point of criticism is that the game needs to be optimized better.”
  • atmosphere145 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and relaxing qualities, enhanced by beautiful pixel art, atmospheric music, and detailed sound design. Players appreciate the cozy ambiance that invites exploration and creativity, particularly in base-building, while the diverse biomes and engaging soundtrack contribute to a captivating experience. Overall, the game's aesthetic and soundscapes create a rich, inviting environment that resonates with players, making it a standout feature.

    • “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 mechanics, intricate art style, and non-repetitive atmosphere can appeal to many players such as myself.”
    • “The atmosphere is very stardew valley-like, while you can experience the fun of mining like in Terraria or Minecraft.”
    • “While the pixel art itself looks really nice, it's the lighting and shadows and water reflections that really add so much atmosphere to the world.”
  • stability97 mentions

    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, while the game shows promise and regular updates, it remains plagued by bugs, especially in its online features.

    • “Very well made, solid, and bug-free (in my playtime). Well-paced, with good progression and discovery.”
    • “Amazingly full-featured and bug-free for an early release game.”
    • “Has been very stable and bug-free for me so far.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • humor86 mentions

    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 interactions, amusing character designs, and entertaining glitches that contribute to a lighthearted experience. Overall, the game is described as both funny and enjoyable, making it a great choice for playing with friends or solo.

    • “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.”
    • “The animals are adorable and the descriptions of items are funny, quirky, and to the point.”
    • “Every time I died it made me laugh and just want to keep going.”
    • “Bombs - hilariously bad, would be nice if I could throw them with a strength gauge instead of them just dropping where I'm at.”
  • replayability82 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players praising its high potential due to features like multiplayer, procedural generation, and diverse gameplay mechanics, while others criticize it for lacking depth and content, leading to a repetitive experience after the initial playthrough. Many reviews highlight that while it can be enjoyable with friends and offers some variety, the overall longevity is hampered by linear progression and limited post-game content. Overall, the game shows promise for replayability, but significant improvements are needed to maintain player interest over time.

    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • emotional38 mentions

    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 sadness and despair, particularly during challenging moments like boss fights. Overall, the game is praised for its wholesome mechanics and the ability to provide comfort and joy during difficult times, making it a memorable and emotionally rewarding journey.

    • “I personally felt heartbroken when throwing away those seeds to make space for new items.”
    • “This game has made me feel awe, passion, hate, love, fear, excitement, sadness, joy, pride, guilt, disdain, and amazement.”
    • “Over the last week or so since it was gifted to me, I was going through a lot, a rough breakup, and a lot of stress on me emotionally, but getting to play this with someone I love...kind of made it all better.”
    • “I cried.”
    • “The emotional moments felt forced and unconvincing.”
    • “I didn't connect with the characters at all; their struggles felt superficial.”
  • monetization18 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the absence of microtransactions, allowing them to earn rewards through gameplay. However, some critics argue that the game feels like a cash grab, with misleading advertisements and a lack of substantial content, leading to disappointment despite the initial promise of a finished product. Overall, while the lack of microtransactions is praised, concerns about the game's depth and quality 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 BS 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.”
    • “An obvious copycat to do a cash grab on the popularity of this style of game.”
    • “Severely restricted crafting, pitiful bosses, an 'end game' that doesn't work due to poor control measures implemented to automate mining, and a poor Minecraft rip-off of electricity that has no point, all lead to a second-rate rush job cash grab.”
  • character development5 mentions

    Character development in the game is highlighted by impressive character designs and intricate costumes that enhance individuality, alongside a robust skill system featuring talent trees that add depth to gameplay. Players appreciate the detailed world-building, which extends to both characters and mobs, contributing to a rich and immersive experience. Overall, the combination of unique aesthetics and meaningful progression systems elevates the character development aspect significantly.

    • “The character designs are equally impressive, with intricate costumes and unique aesthetics that add personality to each individual you encounter.”
    • “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.”
    • “The character development feels shallow and lacks meaningful progression, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
    • “I was disappointed with the character development; it seems rushed and doesn't allow for any real growth or change.”
    • “The character development system is overly simplistic, leaving little room for customization or personal investment.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

85% average critic score

Buy Core Keeper

Play time

23hMedian play time
70hAverage play time
8-80hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 210 analyzed playthroughs

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