Screenshots & trailers
What players say
Why the number is what it is: aspect mentions counted across 299 sampled Steam reviews (273 positive / 26 negative), recent and most-helpful. Plain keyword counting, fully reproducible; nothing here is written by a machine.
What positive reviews talk about
- Grind & repetition11% mention it
- Progression & loot10% mention it
- World & exploration8% mention it
- Multiplayer & servers7% mention it
- Music & audio7% mention it
What negative reviews complain about
- Grind & repetition38% mention it
- Difficulty & balance23% mention it
- Progression & loot19% mention it
- Combat19% mention it
- Bugs & crashes19% mention it
Satisfaction by hours played
Same score, different games: see how sentiment holds up the longer people play.
Under 5h
71%
14 reviews
5-15h
97%
33 reviews
15-40h
87%
92 reviews
40-100h
93%
96 reviews
100h+
97%
64 reviews
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 86 | 33 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 93% | 87 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 78 | 53 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 92% | 86 | 381 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Aug 13, 2026) · 300 reviews sampled · 381 total reviews in window · weighted 236.1 up / 21.7 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (25)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 100
“With the arrival of update 1.0, the Pugstorm team proves that the wait was worth it, expanding the Core Keeper experience with tons of content. A title that stands out for its combat system, boss fights, and everything we can build. It is a constant invitation to advance and discover what else is ahead. All accompanied by a very striking art style and a soundtrack that accompanies every moment.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Core Keeper is a wonderfully engaging and mysterious survival sandbox that is tough to put down once it gets its hooks in you. An expertly judged progression curve, tons of secrets and unlockables, and excellent presentation all come together to make this one an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a great new survival game. If you've had your fill of stalwarts like Minecraft or Terraria and are looking for the next great game to scratch that itch, look no further.”
read full review ↗ - 88
“Whether solo or with others online, this mix of elements similar to Stardew Valley, Minecraft, and others has an addictive appeal”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Core Keeper is an excellent blend of survival, exploration, and crafting with a rich, inviting experience. The simplistic mechanics, engaging, charming visuals and cooperative gameplay truly make the title shine. Even in its early access state, it has a bright future ahead of itself, engulfing players in a cozy yet dangerous underground world.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Core Keeper is an interesting and fun game that fulfills what you want. It has a lot to offer to play with friends and best of all, it has a lot to discover.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Core Keeper is definitely a game those who loved Terraria and Minecraft should investigate.”
read full review ↗ - 98
“Core Keeper is the perfect introduction to crafting games, setting a new standard in approachability for the genre through clever game design.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Grab your mining tools! It's time to go on an unforgettable underground adventure. And it's surprisingly catchy. You will have a great time.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Core Keeper is a labour of love that continues to improve with each update, with Void & Voltage adding more for new and old players alike.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“I can easily see why Core Keeper is so very loved. The gameplay loop gets super addictive and the sheer amount of things to craft makes this game infinitely playable and infinitely customizable. It’s definitely a game that you can play for hours on end.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Core Keeper is a clever, challenging, and immensely enjoyable sandbox mining game that's a blast to play. You can completely change how you play for a new experience, there are a lot of bosses and areas to explore, and the joy of finding a new item or new area is never lost. If you like games in this genre, then you'll love it, and even if you don't like games in this genre, this could be the one that converts you.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Core Keeper may not reinvent the survival genre, but it certainly adds its own charm and sense of wonder to it. The game succeeds in creating an atmosphere of exploration and discovery, allowing players to choose their path and take on the challenges of the caves at their own pace. It’s a title that respects your time, offering as much depth as you’re willing to invest, whether you’re a casual player looking for a relaxing escape or a survival enthusiast seeking a challenge. If crafting games isn’t your cup of tea, Core Keeper likely won’t change your mind. However, for those who enjoy gathering resources, building bases, and venturing into the unknown, this game is well worth a spot in your Switch library. Whether you tackle the game solo or team up with friends, Core Keeper offers enough content to keep you occupied for many weekends. It’s a game that encourages you to dig deeper, explore farther, and build smarter, turning every session into a unique journey. For fans of the genre, this is one game you’ll want to dig into on the Nintendo eShop.”
read full review ↗
La Orden del Pixel
Nintendo Life
Nindie Spotlight
A Gaming Network
Andrenoob
Siliconera
Forever Classic Games
SECTOR.sk
GameGrin
Gamer Social Club
TheSixthAxis
LadiesGamers.com…and 13 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Community Update - August 2026Aug 31, 2026
- Core Keeper 2026 Roadmap: Road to the Maw!Aug 13, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Community Update - July 2026Jul 31, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Community Update - June 2026Jun 30, 2026
- 1.2.1.5 - HotfixJun 8, 2026
- 1.2.1.4 - Stability PatchMay 27, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- 1.2.1.3 - Stability PatchMay 20, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- 1.2.1.2 - Stability PatchMay 7, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- 1.2.1.0 - Minor UpdateMay 6, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Core Keeper’s 1.2.1 Update Drops Tomorrow!May 5, 2026
- Community Update - April 2026!Apr 30, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Community Update - March 2026!Apr 1, 2026
- 1.2.0.7 - Stability PatchApr 1, 2026
- 1.2.0.6 - Stability PatchMar 16, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- 1.2.0.5 - Stability PatchMar 6, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- 1.2.0.4 - HotfixFeb 25, 2026
- Core Keeper’s Void & Voltage Update Is LIVE!Feb 25, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- 1.2.0.3 Major Update - Void & VoltageFeb 25, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Merry Christmas from Pugstorm & Fireshine GamesDec 25, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- CK 1.1.2.10 — HotfixDec 5, 2025
- Core Keeper's “Void & Voltage” is Launching January 28th 2026!Nov 29, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- CK 1.1.2.9 — Stability PatchNov 27, 2025
- CK 1.1.2.8 — HotfixNov 6, 2025
- CK 1.1.2.7 - HotfixNov 4, 2025
- CK 1.1.2.6 - Engine Update PatchOct 29, 2025
- CK 1.1.2.5 - Engine Update PatchOct 2, 2025
- Community Update - September 2025Sep 26, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- 1.1.2.4 Post-Update Stability PatchSep 9, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- 1.1.2.3 Patch NotesAug 14, 2025
- Community Update - July 2025Jul 31, 2025
- 1.1.2.2 Post-Update Stability PatchJun 17, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- 1.1.2.1 Post-Update Stability PatchMay 22, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- 1.1.2 Minor UpdateMay 14, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- 1.1.1.3 Stability PatchApr 29, 2025
- 1.1.1.2 Post-Update Stability PatchApr 24, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- 1.1.1.1 Post-Update Stability PatchApr 7, 2025
- 1.1.1 Minor update - Abiotic FactorApr 2, 2025
- 1.1.0.2 Post-Update Stability PatchMar 18, 2025significant · resets scoring window
…and 26 earlier patch announcements.