Welcome to Core Keeper, a vast sandbox adventure where you explore, mine, build, and battle to progress through the game’s many challenges. Whether you’re new to the game or just looking for some early-game guidance, this guide will cover everything you need to know, from character creation to boss battles. Let’s dive in!

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Character Creation

While cosmetic choices are purely personal, your background selection plays a vital role in shaping your early experience. Here are the best options:

• Explorer – Starts with a light source, extremely useful in dark caves.
• Miner – Begins with a copper pickaxe, making early mining significantly easier.
• Combat Backgrounds (Fighter, Ranger, Mage, Warlock) – Speedrunners often choose Fighter or Ranger for early boss fights, while Mage and Warlock are better for those wanting rare gear from the start.

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Getting Started

Once you spawn near the Dormant Core, take a moment to familiarize yourself with controls:

• Access settings via the escape menu to modify key bindings.
• Craft basic tools: Start with torches, a wooden pickaxe, and a workbench.
• Place light sources: Darkness is dangerous, so always carry torches.
• Start mining: Pick a direction and start exploring!

Setting Up Your Base

Your base serves as your primary safe zone and crafting hub. Essential components include:

• Workbenches & Storage – Keep crafting stations and chests in a dedicated workroom.
• Farming & Food Sources – Establish a food supply with crop farming and cattle.
• NPC Housing – Certain vendors require rooms (2×2 to 8×8) with a bed and an idol.
• Waypoints & Travel Methods – Set up rail networks or use natural waypoints to speed up exploration.

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Combat Basics

Melee Fighters

• Use a hit-and-run strategy to avoid counterattacks.
• Knockback weapons help with crowd control.

Ranged & Magic Users

• Maintain distance and fire quickly.
• Mages should use mana-efficient attacks.
• Warlocks rely on minions to deal damage while supporting them.

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Gathering Resources

Mining & Ore Boulders

• Ore Boulders (Copper, Tin, Iron, Gold) provide a steady supply of minerals.
• Drills & Automation – Set up crude drills and power sources to extract resources efficiently.
• Prioritize Tin Boulders for essential upgrades early on.

Farming & Wood Gathering

• Crop farming provides a stable food source.
• Cattle ranching (Meadows biome) gives milk and meat.
• Automated Wood Farms – Use drills and conveyor belts to create a renewable wood source.

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Fast Travel & Exploration

• Waypoints – Found at major locations; activate them for instant travel.
• Rail Carts – Create a rail system using wood and copper.
• Go-Karts – Occasionally found in race track biomes.

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Boss Battles: The First Three Titans

Glurch (The Slime Boss)

• Strategy: Clear space around his arena and use a bow or spells while dodging his charges.

Gorm (The Devourer Worm)

• Strategy: Lay down spike traps (wood or tin) along its path to force a fight.
• Beware: Gorm enrages at 75% HP, changing movement patterns.

Malugaz (The Fire Boss)

• Strategy: Use a large watering can to clear fire from the arena.
• Preparation: Clear obstacles before summoning, bring healing potions, and cook buff food.

Once all three bosses are defeated, place their stones into the Core, unlocking new features and progression.

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Final Tips

• Always carry torches and food. Starvation reduces your damage and HP.
• Automate early. Set up drill operations for ores and farms for wood.
• Use NPC vendors. Summon them using idols and set up dedicated rooms.
• Explore at your own pace. There’s no rush—build, mine, and fight at a comfortable speed.

With these tips in mind, you’re now ready to survive and thrive in Core Keeper! Good luck, and happy exploring!