Fishing in Core Keeper is more than just a simple survival mechanic—it’s a game-changer that can provide you with powerful buffs, valuable loot, and a consistent food source. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started or an experienced player seeking the best fishing gear and strategies, this guide will take you through everything you need to know about fishing in Core Keeper 1.0.

Why Fishing Matters in Core Keeper

Fishing isn’t just about catching food—it’s an integral part of progressing through the game. With the right approach, you can acquire some of the strongest buffs in Core Keeper, including increased dodge chances and extra damage against bosses. Leveling up your fishing skill quickly means catching fish and rare loot with greater efficiency, making it a vital tool in your journey.

Fishing Rods and Mechanics

There are seven different fishing rods in Core Keeper, each crafted at a corresponding workbench tier. The higher the fishing bonus on your rod, the easier it will be to catch fish in high-level areas, and the faster you will reel in catches in lower-level zones. The fishing system is straightforward:

1. Equip a fishing rod.
2. Use the secondary button to cast your line.
3. Once the indicator appears, press the button again to catch fish or loot.

Fishing is possible in any water body in Core Keeper, but bubbling water spots will significantly increase your chances of getting a bite quickly. This mechanic ensures that players who pay attention to their surroundings can optimize their fishing success.

Fishing Mods and Automation

For PC players, there is an auto-fishing mod available, making it even easier to farm loot while doing other tasks. However, console players do not currently have access to such mods, though there is hope that similar features might be added in future updates.

Fastest Way to Level Up Fishing and Get Rare Loot

To maximize your fishing efficiency, you’ll want to assemble a complete fishing gear set. At level 19, a full set will grant significant bonuses, including a 30% chance to catch non-fish loot when using specific rings and glowing bait. Here’s the optimal setup:

• Two Lucky Rings – Purchased from vending machines in the Forlorn Metropolis using ancient coins.
• Glowing Bait – Increases your chances of catching non-fish loot.
• Fishing in the right biome – Certain fish and items can only be found in specific water types.

Creating a Home Fishing Setup

Rather than traveling long distances, consider bringing different types of water back to your base. This can be done using a bucket crafted at the Iron Workbench, allowing you to create a centralized fishing hub for all water types.

Water Types and Their Best Loot

Different water biomes in Core Keeper yield unique rewards. Below are the best items you can fish from each water type:

• Normal Water (Underground Starting Area) – Scuba Fins (part of full fishing gear set).
• Acid Water (Larva Hive) – Neptune Necklace (essential for fishing setup) and Wild Warden Necklace.
• Mold Water (Mold Dungeon & Asos Wilderness) – CP Mantle and Plague Mask.
• Sea Water (Sunken Sea Biome) – Diving Helm, Octarine Sledgehammer, Crescent Necklace.
• Lava (Molten Quarry & Desert of Beginnings) – Miner Protective Helm, Fusion Chunk Necklace (for lifesteal builds), and Starlight Nautilus (grants +100 max health permanently).
• Shimmering Water (Shimmering Frontier) – Full Ninja Gear, Sunrise Seed, Luna Corn Seed.
• Grimy Water (The Passage) – No notable items, just fish.

Other Notable Fishing Spots:

• Forgotten Ruins (Normal Water) – Goldfish Ring (need two for full fishing gear), Bubble Pearl Necklace (for mage/summoner builds).
• Asos Wilderness (Normal Water) – Seafoam Ring (adds +fishing), Full Mercenary Set, Scarlet Hand Drill.
• Desert of Beginnings (Normal Water) – Double Ring, Oracle Card Temperance (needed for crafting Oracle Deck).

Fishing Skill Tree and Upgrades

Upgrading your fishing skill tree allows for faster catches and higher rarity fish. The final skill, Power of Omega-3,grants a 15% damage boost against bosses after consuming fish-based food. For optimal efficiency, take advantage of:

• Kelp Dumpling – Eating this food increases your chance of catching double fish for 10 minutes.
• Kelpo Farming – Capture a Kelpo from the Sunken Biome using a lure or Cattle Transport Box and feed it kelp for consistent dumpling production.

Unlocking the Fishing Merchant

To gain access to better lures and rare fishing gear, summon the Fishing Merchant NPC by placing a pile of chum in a room. You can obtain chum by defeating Asos in the Asos Wilderness biome. The merchant sells:

• Better fishing lures
• Seafoam Ring
• Neptune Necklace

Catching the Rarest Fish in Core Keeper

Once you’ve acquired full fishing gear, optimize your catch rate for rare fish by swapping out the Neptune Necklace for a Polished Coral Amulet. This epic-tier necklace provides a +16% increased chance of catching high-rarity fish. Combine it with Purple Bait (purchased from the Fishing Merchant) for an additional +21% rare fish chance.

Final Thoughts: Become a Master Fisher in Core Keeper

Fishing in Core Keeper 1.0 is an invaluable skill that enhances your gameplay experience, offering a steady supply of food, buffs, and rare loot. By focusing on the best fishing gear, utilizing the right baits, and setting up a personalized fishing hub, you’ll quickly become a master angler. Keep an eye out for new updates, experiment with different strategies, and don’t forget to level up your fishing skill tree for maximum rewards.

Want to learn more about Core Keeper? Check out our other guides to elevate your gameplay, and be sure to like, subscribe, and stay updated for future Core Keeper content!

Happy fishing, and keep on mining!