Games / Action

Core Keeper

Switch 2 Enhanced

Jun 5, 2025Action · AdventureE

3.9

User rating

85 ratings

$19.99eShop

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Prices checked 15 Oct 2026

Trailers

Screenshots

Our take

Core Keeper is an engaging mix of exploration and crafting, but it may not justify the $19.99 price tag for everyone. While the game works well in multiplayer mode, solo play can feel repetitive after a while. It's a solid choice for fans of the genre, especially with its co-op focus, but some might want to wait for additional content or sales before diving in.

Exploring the world of Core Keeper feels a lot like a blend of Stardew Valley and Terraria, but with a more focused survival twist. The crafting mechanics allow players to build everything from basic shelters to complex machinery, keeping you engaged while you gather resources. The aesthetics are charming, with pixel art that adds a nostalgic touch, though the framerate does stumble occasionally during chaotic moments on the Switch 2. The multiplayer aspect offers a fun cooperative experience, but solo players may find it drags as the core tasks repeat. Overall, it’s a compelling venture for fans of sandbox adventures but lacks the depth to keep solo players hooked long-term.

Pros

Multiplayer mode supports up to 8 players, which makes gathering and resource management much more enjoyable.
Procedurally generated environments keep the exploration fresh, with new layouts and resources each time.
Crafting system is intricate, allowing for a wide variety of tools and buildings to enhance gameplay.

Cons

Solo play can feel tedious, with less excitement compared to multiplayer sessions.
Some performance hitches on the Switch 2 during intense action scenes, leading to frame drops.
The initial learning curve may be steep for players unfamiliar with mining and crafting mechanics.

Gameplay revolves around mining resources, crafting gear, and expanding your underground base. Players can farm crops, cook food, and battle giant monsters in a sandbox world filled with secrets. The procedurally generated caves mean every session can be different, providing new challenges and discoveries. The Core powers up as players progress, adding a sense of accomplishment to the grind.

On Switch 2

On the Switch 2, Core Keeper performs decently but suffers from frame rate drops during peak multiplayer moments. Controls are responsive, allowing for easy mining and crafting, whether in handheld mode or docked. The enhanced hardware does add smoother graphics, but don't expect a flawless experience during intense gameplay sessions.

Who it's for

This game is perfect for players who love cooperative crafting and exploration, especially in a casual setting. However, if you prefer a more structured single-player experience, you might want to consider other options.

About

Drawn towards a mysterious relic, you are an explorer who awakens in an ancient cavern of creatures, resources and trinkets. Trapped deep underground will your survival skills be up to the task? Mine relics and resources to build your base, craft new equipment, survive, and power up the Core. Defeat giant monsters, discover hidden secrets, farm crops, cook new recipes and explore a procedurally generated underground world in a mining sandbox adventure for 1-8 players. Explore a vast underground cave of endless resources. Mine resources, discover hidden crystals, fossils & trinkets and survive a procedurally generated underground world. Expand your base from humble beginnings to a vast homestead. Build workbenches and generators to craft new equipment and technology, create your base, and power up your Core. Customise your explorer and craft new items, armour and equipment to venture further into the cave. Craft a pickaxe to mine walls and resources, build bridges to cross underground lakes, and place torches and bonfires to light up the darkness. Plant seeds and nurture crops to grow food, or combine ingredients in the cooking pot to discover tasty new recipes with unexpected buffs. Explore living biomes and fight cavernous creatures in a simulated underground ecosystem. Defeat giant beasts to claim their crystals and continue the adventure. Survive alone or play online with up to 7 other players. Visit their caverns or invite them into yours, working together to mine resources, fight, farm, craft and survive. Find massive bosses in an infinite, procedurally generated world with endless gameplay and resources.