Core Keeperis astunning pixel-art sandbox adventure gamewith in-depth mechanics and an addictive gameplay loop. The title has come leaps and bounds since its time in Early Access, but what can you play if you’re hungry for more?
Here are our picks for the top 10 games, likeCore Keeper.
I’ve tried to keep my suggestions relevant, but the truth is,Core Keeper is pretty unique. With this in mind, I’ve focused on games with similar mechanics, even if the aesthetics differ. As Core Keeper is a solid multiplayer title,every game here can also be enjoyed with friends.
10Terraria
A Survival Crafting Juggernaut
Ok, let’s get the low-hanging fruit out of the way first.Core Keepershares a ton of features and ideas with Re-Logic’sTerraria. Both titles collaborated for acrossover event, and bosses from one feature in the other.
There’s anemphasis on combat inTerraria, and you can use the elaborate boss battles to track your progress.
Terrariais along-standing player in the survival sandbox genre. What started as “2DMinecraft” has evolved into a wonderfully complex masterpiece. Whether you enjoy base building, combat, or exploring, this title offers something for everyone.
9Starbound
Terraria In Space
Starboundis similar toTerrariain gameplay style and perspective. We’re sticking to the 2D realm for this one but with aunique sci-fi twist.
Everything you expect in the genre is here, from challenging battles to an intricate crafting system. The title clearly takes a lot ofinspiration from other genre hard-hitters, but the aesthetics make the ideas feel fresh and new.
All the base building systems and combat you enjoy inCore Keeperare here, just without the third dimension.
The only downside withStarboundis that the project is finished, and there have not been updates since 2019. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of fantastic content to sift through, but what you see is what you get.
8Don’t Starve
Hunger Isn’t The Only Thing That Will Kill You
Don’t Starve
Many titles on this list boast familiar crafting or base-building mechanics. If you crave the mystery and fight for survival, you might enjoyDon’t Starve.
Don’t Starveis achallenging sandbox gamewhere every night survived should be celebrated. Combat is important, as it is inCore Keeper, and what you put in your belly can be the difference between life and death.
Don’t Starveis arguably the least forgiving of every title on this list. Still, it’s a rewarding game, with plenty of familiar mechanics.
If you want to put your survival skills to the test as a group,make sure you getDon’t Starve Togetherinstead of the original.
7Stardew Valley
Farming And So Much More
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valleymay seem a little out of place on this list, but it shares many features withCore Keeper.
Instead of a village, you construct a farm with nearly limitless customization options, and there’s aconstant grind for better tools and gear.
Stardew Valleyissurprisingly combat-centric if you go to the right places. While there isn’t an emphasis on smacking down bosses, you’re always rewarded for diving deep into monster-infested mines and dungeons.
If you come toStardewfor the combat and art style, you may just stay for everything else.
According to Concerned Ape, the developer, he would love tocollaborate withFortnitedown the line.
Stardew Valley: 10 Best Enchantments Ranked
Forging power Tools and Weapons can be a game-changer in this agricultural epic.
6Minecraft
Only Limited By Your Imagination
If you’re drawn toCore Keeperby the base building and creative options, you cannot beatMinecraft.
Thebuilding mechanics are second to noneand are as simple or complex as you want them to be.
You can create anything from a tidy shack to a magnificent castle, and the game offers so much more.
Exploration is a massive part ofMinecraft, and there’s even an end-game encounter to work towards if you need a long-term goal.
Weapons aren’t quite as intricate as they are inCore Keeper, but there’s plenty of overlap between the titles.Minecraftis so massive it’s become a cultural phenomenon. you’re able to evendecorate your real housewith items from the game.
5LEGO Fortnite
A Stunning, High-Budget Sandbox
LEGO Fortnite Odyssey
LEGO Fortnitewas pretty barebones at launch, but it’s become a force to be reckoned with in the genre thanks to constant updates.
LikeCore Keeper, LEGO Fortniteoffers a procedurally generated world, combat, and even bosses to battle.
As a LEGO title, there’s amuch greater emphasis on building and construction, but there are more survival sandbox elements than expected.
The game also boastsgorgeous visuals and worlds you can share with your friends.
LEGO Fortniteis one of the most accessible games on this list and can be enjoyed for free.
Exploring With Friends
Many writePalworldoff as a “Pokémon” clone, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Sure, you can catch Pals, but we’re more interested in everything else.
There’s arobust combat system inPalworld, and challenging opponents to defeat around the world.Base building is a massive part of the game, and the map is split into gorgeous biomes just waiting to be explored. The title is alsofrequently updated, with no signs of slowing down.
Palworld is rough around the edges but fun, creative, and deliciously addictive.
Survival Crafting Meets Colony Simulator
Necesseshares many similarities withCore Keeper, even down to the camera perspective.
The world is procedurally generated, and there is arewarding gameplay loopof exploring new frontiers for better loot.
LikeCore Keeper, there’s a generous serving of formidable bosses. There’s alsoa busy crafting systemwhere you can build and equip magical weapons.
The most significant difference between the titles isNecesse’sfocus on base-building. Many mechanics wouldn’t feel out of place in a Colony Sim likeRimworld.
It’s a combination that works far better than it should, and Necesse is acozy gamethat often flies under the radar.
A Brutal Viking Adventure
Valheimis easilythe most combat-centric game on this list, but there’s a reason it’s maintained a considerable following since day one.
The title is easily recognizable thanks to itsViking themeand offers unforgiving exploration and survival mechanics.
There are plenty of nasties to conquer and asurprisingly in-depth crafting systemto crack open.
Valheimcouldn’t be further fromCore Keeperin aesthetics, but many mechanics will feel comfortably familiar.
If you don’t mind having the wiki open,Valheimis an unmissable survival crafting title.
Trade Your Pickaxe For An Oar
Raftis pretty heavy on survival mechanics, like managing hunger and thirst. If you don’t mind that, there’s plenty to enjoy.
This titlefocuses on exploring, as you’re always on the move. That said, you’re able to make some phenomenal rafts that start to resemble floating villages. Instead of biomes and new materials,you’re always scanning the horizonfor the next island.
Bosses aren’t really a thing inRaft, but there’s an overarching story that always offers well-disguised gear and knowledge checks.
Raftoffers an unforgettable survival crafting adventure if you don’t mindswapping the subterranean for the submerged.
