Core Keeper makes the sandbox survival sim formula feel new

The Core KeeperThe players will be dropped into a large, procedurally-generated cavern. You can mine for food and other resources, as well as armor, tools, and ore. Your underground adventures will lead you to uncover hidden secrets and defeat enemies.

It’s a classic formula that will appeal to fans of base-builder survival sims, and the game sold more than 500,000 units in the first two weeks of Steam early access. I’ve been describing the game to friends as a top-down TerrariaIt is similar to other stalwart entries, however. Valheim, Don’t StarvePlease see the following: ForagerWith just a touch of Stardew ValleyYou can also find them here. The Core Keeper’s multiplayer (up to eight people), similarly facilitates a lot of collaboration and strategizing. The game’s design is not a copy of any other. The game weaves in survival sim elements and a tight play loop. It is the grind, but it feels relaxed without feeling repetitive.

The Core Keeper feels like a dungeon crawler that you’re creating. You gather materials by mining square tiles, and for most of the game, you’re surrounded by walls that conceal explorable areas. In the beginning, you’ll be merely punching through walls and filling your pockets. By digging, you can explore different areas and expand the map. The simplicity of the opening hides the complexity that lies behind the walls. You can see in Valheim, regions have big bosses, though it’s possible to play significant parts of the game while avoiding them. These creatures can be quite terrifying. The Core Keeper’s pixel art style makes the game feel homegrown.

Image: Pugstorm/Fireshine Games

It’s a familiar cadence: use resources to beef up your base, craft items that help you explore further, gear up for the boss fight, make secondary bases, and improve the return routes to key areas. As the paths you’ve created grow more convoluted, you can rely on your map, which you’re able to pull out as an overlay. While bosses can make the game more difficult, crafting is a good option for those who prefer to build bases and aren’t interested in hardcore combat. I’m only ten or so hours in, but I’ve watched Twitch streams where players have built extensive bases and crafted advanced items I have yet to even see in my playthrough.

These are just a few of the many benefits. The Core Keeper’s simple skill system. You can earn points for each activity you complete. You choose a starting class, which offers bonuses — I decided to be a cook, which automatically gave me a cooking pot and some mushrooms. This role was appealing to me because of its cuteness, however the stat bonuses related to food are wonderful. One type of spicy flower, which grants quicker running and looks somewhat like a burrito, when cooked, is one example. Eating food is also key for filling up your “hunger” bar and staying alive.

For a game which seems simple, this is a great amount of depth. The Core KeeperThe crafting system is slowly revealed and there are many ways to build up your base. You largely learn by doing — unlocking additional perks or finding new materials and wondering “What can I do with this?” — which is a rare quality in a genre that can be encumbered by many archaic rules and difficult-to-navigate screens. While I enjoy those games, I prefer the sleek simplicity of simplifying them. The Core KeeperIt was this that allowed me to get on the ground.

All of this makes for a highly inviting and engaging experience, with many design elements to come. They feel like the foundations of a survival multiplayer sim, even in early access. This will be a popular game that has a long-lasting audience. I can’t wait to see how it keeps growing.