Core Keeper has captivated players with its engaging mix of survival, crafting, and exploration elements in a procedurally generated underground world. Released in 2021, its seamless blend of sandbox gameply and atmospheric setting has led to comparisons with older, popular games like Minecraft and Terraria.
If you’re craving more games that share Core Keeper’s essence, we’ve got you covered. And the best part is, the majority of our candidates have tremendous replay value.
So here are 18 games like Core Keeper that will offer you hours of immersive gameplay.
1 – Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a farming simulation game with a charming pixel art aesthetic and catchy background score.
In it, the player inherits a run-down farm from their grandfather and must work to restore it by planting crops, raising animals, and improving the infrastructure.
The game also features mining, foraging, crafting, combat, and exploration elements, alongside a cast of memorable NPCs and engaging storylines. It has a multiplayer element which lets up to four people play together.
As with your typical sandbox title, there’s no fixed path to follow or time-sensitive goals you must hit in order to progress.
It’s very a relaxing game and leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling no matter how many times you play it.
Available on: Mac, PC, Linux, PlayStation, PS Vita, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS
2 – Terraria
Terraria, often dubbed “2D Minecraft”, is an action-adventure sandbox game that combines elements from Minecraft and classic platformers.
While it deals in a similar sense of exploration and resource gathering as Core Keeper, it places a greater emphasis on combat and boss battles.
That much is clear from the sheer variety of weapons you can craft and the four main play styles you could adopt—Melee, Ranged, Magic or Summoning.
But do note that it’s not for you if you really dislike the movement restrictions of 2D side-scrollers. It can also be a bit overwhelming to figure out at the start.
Once you understand the basic mechanics of this procedurally generated world teeming with unique biomes, enemies, and treasures, it’s great fun to play.
The multiplayer mode lets you join forces with friends to collect resources, build, craft and fight bosses together.
Available on: Mac, PC, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS
3 – Minecraft
Minecraft’s simplistic (but iconic) art style fools you into thinking that its exactly like one of those games similar to Core Keeper.
But believe us when we say that Minecraft is the game you play when you want to feel the effects of caffeine without actually drinking a cup of coffee.
It’s described as the quintessential sandbox game, offering limitless possibilities for exploration, building, and crafting in an expansive, blocky universe.
But what they don’t tell you is that no matter how long you play it, you never quite get used to the creepy zombie groans and spine-chilling horror of hearing the scream of an Enderman gone hostile because you stared at it by accident.
Players face many challenges in Minecraft like mining for resources, creating tools and armor, and raising animals, while fighting to survive hostile mobs and environmental hazards.
There’s a lot of focus on building in Minecraft. In fact, it’s one of the main elements that draws fans to it.
Available on: PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android
4 – Dinkum
If you thought Core Keeper was fairly recent to the scene, then Dinkum is brand spanking new. Launched only in 2022, this game is set in an Australian-inspired landscape, complete with eucalyptus forests and vast deserts.
The ambitious offering by James Bendon invites players to try their hand at homesteading in an Australian-inspired landscape.
Build a settlement from the ground up by gathering resources, growing crops, raising animals, and constructing buildings.
Everything from mining to farming to fishing to raising animals requires licenses that can be won by earning permit points.
Among the important tasks in this game is one requires you to attract villagers to your settlement by earning heart points with them.
Dinkum has a multiplayer mode too, if you’d like to play with friends. There’s no big boss fight to look forward to apart from some “alpha” animal bosses. But it’s meant to be a relaxing game, after all.
Available on: PC and Steam Deck
5 – Noita
This magical action rogue-lite takes players on a journey through a mysterious world brimming with danger and opportunity.
Wielding powerful magical wands, players can manipulate the elements and interact with the game’s fully destructible environment in myriad ways.
Every pixel is physically simulated, leading to dynamic and unpredictable gameplay. Noita’s procedurally generated levels and permadeath mechanics make each playthrough a unique and challenging experience.
But be warned that you might have to sink hours into this game to make sense of its cryptic mechanics.
And when you finally do gain a basic understanding of how to play it, you’ll feel deeply rewarded. Take our word for it.
Available on: Windows PC (single player only)
6 – Graveyard Keeper
This darkly comedic graveyard management sim blends mining, crafting, and exploration elements with a unique setting and twisted sense of humor.
Players must maintain and expand their graveyard, navigating ethical dilemmas and supernatural events along the way.
As they progress, players can delve into the game’s rich lore, uncover hidden secrets, and engage with a colorful cast of characters.
Graveyard Keeper’s quirky charm and engaging gameplay make it an interesting option for anyone looking out for Core Keeper alternatives.
There’s no multiplayer mode. It kinda makes sense considering that it’s a slow-paced sort of game which is ideal for picking up and playing on a lazy weekend.
Available on: PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android
7 – Animal Crossing: New Horizons
This wholesome, open-ended life simulation game invites players to build and customize their island paradise.
By gathering resources, crafting items, and developing infrastructure, you can transform your deserted island into a vibrant and bustling community.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a plethora of activities, including fishing, gardening, and fossil hunting, ensuring that you never run out of things to do.
The game’s charming visuals, engaging gameplay, and diverse cast of animal residents make it an enduring favorite among many gamers.
Maybe it’s a bit twee for this list. But it’s worth giving this Animal Crossing game a shot if all you want is a simple offering you can play when you want a break from real life. Multiplayer is available for up to 8 people.
Available on: Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite
8 – Forager
A 2D open-world game combines exploration, farming, and resource gathering elements, Forager will have you starting off on a small island.
You must gather resources, craft items, and expand you territory by unlocking new areas.
As you progress, you can trade with NPCs, complete quests, and uncover the many secrets its hides. The game can only be played in single player mode.
Also, most folks will probably find it worth their money providing they bought it on sale considering that no updates are forthcoming.
Available on: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android
9 – Starbound
Starbound is a 2D sandbox adventure game set in an infinite procedurally generated universe. In this offering, players can explore countless planets with unique environments, creatures, and resources.
Apart from the (admittedly) rigid main story line, you can look forward to base building, fun side quests, upgrading your tech, archaeology, bounty hunting and unique weapons crafting.
The multiplayer mode does not let you play through the main story with friends. But as mentioned above, there are plenty of other activities to indulge in.
Available on: PC, Mac and Linux
10 – Don’t Starve
Don’t Starve is a survival game boasting of a hand-drawn art style and a dark, whimsical atmosphere.
You’re thrown into a parallel world called “Constant” where you must gather resources, craft items, and build structures to survive it.
The setting is a hostile, procedurally generated world filled with strange creatures and deadly hazards.
The game’s permadeath mechanic and emphasis on exploration and discovery are its key features.
The multiplayer sequel to this single player game is “Don’t Starve Together”. And it’s infinitely more thrilling to play it with friends than by yourself.
Available on: PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, PS Vita, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Wii U, iOS and Android
11 – Oxygen Not Included
Oxygen Not Included is a single player, space-colony simulation game where you must manage resources and develop infrastructure to ensure the survival of your colonists in a subterranean asteroid environment.
The game features complex systems for managing power, oxygen, water, and temperature, while also offering crafting, farming, and research mechanics.
Its delightful art style and emphasis on problem-solving make it an appealing option for strategy and sandbox enthusiasts.
Available on: PC, Mac and Linux
12 – Deep Rock Galactic
Deep Rock Galactic is a cooperative first-person shooter and mining game set in a procedurally generated cave system on the planet Hoxxes IV.
Ok, so this may not be the perfect addition to our Core Keeper alternatives roster, but hear us out.
In this game, players assume the role of dwarven space miners, working together to gather resources, fight alien creatures, and complete objectives.
The class-based system and emphasis on teamwork make it a really engaging choice, especially in multiplayer mode. Mind you, it’s also playable solo.
Available on: PC, PlayStation and Xbox
13 – Slime Rancher
If you thought we went way off the path with the preceding pick, Slime Rancher is our next candidate for games similar to Core Keeper.
It is a charming farming and exploration game in which players can catch and raise slimes on an alien planet.
Explore a vibrant world filled with unique biomes, uncover hidden secrets, and craft gadgets to optimize your ranching operation.
With its colorful art style and relaxing gameplay, Slime Rancher is a delightful experience suitable for all ages.
Available on: PC, Mac, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and Xbox
14 – Astroneer
Astroneer is a sandbox adventure game set in a colorful, procedurally generated universe.
In it, players can explore and reshape planets, gather resources, and build custom vehicles and modules to advance their space-faring journey.
With its stunning visuals and creative building mechanics, Astroneer offers a captivating ride through outer space for fans of exploration and crafting. You can enjoy it in multiplayer or single player mode.
Available on: PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and Xbox
15 – Factorio
Factorio is a resource management and factory building simulation game that challenges players to construct and maintain complex production chains.
The end goal is to build a rocket since you’ve crash-landed on an alien planet. But you can continue playing even after you’ve achieved this target.
You must gather resources, research new technologies, and defend their factories from hostile alien creatures.
With its deep strategy elements and addictive gameplay, it is a must-play it you’re a fan of simulation and management games. Go at it solo or with friends, thanks to its single and multiplayer modes.
Available on: PC, Mac, Linux and Nintendo Switch
16 – Raft
Raft is a survival game where players find themselves stranded on a small raft in the middle of the ocean.
Assuming you can guess what resources will be available to gather from this tiny floating haven (or hell?), you must somehow expand your raft and craft tools to survive against the elements and dangerous marine life.
You will come upon islands in this game. But that does not mean you can abandon your raft.
You have to keep it anchored and get back to it after collecting special items and resources from these islands. The game is playable solo or with friends.
Available on: PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation and Xbox
17 – RimWorld
RimWorld is a single player, sci-fi, colony simulation game that tasks players with managing a group of colonists on a distant planet.
Players must build a sustainable colony, manage their colonists’ needs, and deal with various threats such as hostile wildlife, sickness, pirates, and environmental disasters.
With its complex simulation mechanics and engaging narrative, RimWorld is a must-try for anyone who claims to be a fan of management and strategy games.
The game serves up some kooky and sometimes unethical choices that are yours to make and then mull over later. You’ll get the picture when you try it out for yourself.
Available on: PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation and Xbox
18 – The Forest
The Forest is a first-person survival horror game set in a vast, open-world environment.
The player must gather resources, build shelters, and craft weapons to survive against dangerous creatures and uncover the dark secrets of the island while searching for their son, Timmy.
The game presents a harrowing experience, with its mostly immersive graphics, slightly creepy settings and tribe of cannibalistic mutants that the player must always watch out for.
Although The Forest crossplay support is not a thing, up to 8 players on the same platform can dip into this offering, thanks to its optional multiplayer mode.
Available on: PC and PlayStation
FAQs
Q: Are all these games multiplayer like Core Keeper?
A: While many of the Core Keeper alternatives on our list offer multiplayer options, not all of them do.
Some of the games are single-player experiences, while others allow for cooperative or competitive multiplayer gameplay. Core Keeper multiplayer is a co-op experience.
Q: Are these games available on multiple platforms?
A: Most of the games on our roster are available on multiple platforms, such as PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
However, the availability varies for each game, so it’s best to check the details mentioned above for platform compatibility.
Q: Do these games have mod support?
A: Some of the games we’ve listed such as Terraria and Minecraft offer mod support, allowing players to customize their experience with user-created content.
Mod support varies for each game, so it’s best to check the specific game’s community or store page for information on available mods and how to install them.
Q: Are there any free-to-play games on this list?
A: Most of the games on this list are paid titles, but some may occasionally offer free trials or limited-time promotions.
Keep an eye on their respective store pages for potential discounts or free-to-play opportunities (especially on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and similarly popular sale days).
Q: Why is Core Keeper so popular?
A: Core Keeper’s popularity can be attributed to its engaging gameplay, charming pixel art graphics, multiplayer mode, procedurally generated world, continuous updates and influence from popular games, which together create a captivating gaming experience for a wide range of players.
In Parting:
The 18 games like Core Keeper that we’ve listed above offer a wide array of engaging and immersive experiences for fans of exploration, crafting, and survival.
Whether you’re searching for a relaxing farming simulation or a heart-pounding survival adventure, there’s something for everyone in this diverse collection of games.
So grab your pickaxe, gather your friends, and dive into these incredible worlds full of wonder and excitement.
