Core Keeper is an excellent new indie title that mixes together the best qualities of survival games, farming sims, and RPGs – it's basically Minecraft, Stardew Valley, and Terraria all rolled into one. Spelunk into the caverns, as you dig ever closer to the mysterious Core, alone or with up to seven other players. As you go, you'll mine for ore, craft tools, cook meals, build settlements, and survive attacks from subterranean beasts.
The game has been an instant hit since its early access launch, attracting over one million players and winning awards from the TIGA Games Industry Awards and the Swedish Games Awards. If you haven't checked out this game yet, then there's never been a better time than now.
Biome, sweet home
But that's not all though – there's also a brand new update coming to Core Keeper – one that adds a beautiful new biome for players to explore. The Shimmering Frontier adds a glistening new environment – the Crystal Biome. In this gorgeous new location, you can mine for a valuable new ore named Solarite and craft new equipment to assist you on your adventures.
Try out the new Roofing Gadget, a tool that can be used to crack through the ceiling above you to create beams of sunlight. Alternatively, you can wield the Obliteration Ray, a dangerously destructive laser drill that can mine through walls faster than any other piece of equipment in the game.
Although its gorgeous world is perfect for chilling out in, there are some fearsome dangers to be found within the caverns as well. The Shimmering Frontier adds a number of creepy crawlies that want nothing more than to chow down on some well-fed miners. Watch out for the crystal-mimicking Mimite, who disguise themselves among the sparkling walls. If the Nilipede scuttles into your path, you better be prepared for a fight. Likewise, Crystal Snails will slime you if you let them.
Danger zone
Get ready to face the monsters lurking underground by getting some practice in the all-new battle events. These arena-based combat scenarios pit you against a variety of tough enemies, but beat them and you earn some fabulous rewards. There are over 50 new pieces of armor and equipment to collect, including the Larva Fang necklace, capable of leeching HP from your enemies, and a Trench Coat that increases your inventory space.
A brand-new upgrade station will allow you to fix up your favorite weapons and tools, giving them enhanced power and durability. You can also take on the Atlantean Worm, a colossal new optional boss who can be found lurking beneath the waves in the Sunken Sea biome. Fight the monster and get outfitted with some aquatic weapons including the new Razor Flake, Shard Club, and the gooey Slime Staff.
Mining for more
Core Keeper isn't all about fighting though, and there are plenty of cozy activities to lose yourself in as well. Breed cattle to farm your own livestock, like the true farmer you are. As well as providing you with some sustenance, the produce of your farming will provide you with another source of income with which to buy Solarite-enhanced tools from the Crystal Merchant. Grab an improved mining pick, fishing rod, sword, and crossbow with your hard-earned funds.
In addition to all these new features, players can enjoy a suite of quality-of-life improvements, including performance optimizations, improved water physics, new player customization options, and six additional Steam achievements to earn.
As is proper for a game with creating at its core, it's fitting that it should have mod , and with the latest update, a dedicated mod SDK. The tool is fully integrated with modding platform Mod.io, and will allow players to browse and install a number of player-created mods directly from an in-game menu or create their own. This allows for almost endless replayability as players browse and create new and original experiences.
You won't have to wait long to explore all these fantastic new features, as The Shimmering Frontier update lands on October 8. Head over to Steam now to get Core Keeper and begin a spectacular sandbox adventure.