Slipping through the cracks in the darkness, you find yourself down in the depths of a strange underground world without any clues as to what lies ahead. Such is the starting scenario in Core Keeper, an immersive mining and crafting adventure that casts players as daring spelunkers delving deep below the surface.

Developed by Pugstorm and now fully released on Steam after years in early access, Core Keeper excels at drawing players into its detailed procedurally generated world through compelling gameplay systems and a rich pixel art aesthetic.

While sharing DNA with beloved titles like Terraria and Stardew Valley, Core Keeper carves out its own subterranean niche. Players shape their destiny through choices large and small, from character creation to the direction they hack through rocky walls. The story emerges through environmental storytelling and mysterious hints rather than dialogue, keeping an intimate focus on the player’s personal experience.

With mysterious bosses to best,...