Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality

24 games like Core Keeper (2026)

Recomputed 19 October 2026 · Ordered by overlap, not by score · Free to read, nothing here is paid for

Every game below overlaps with Core Keeper on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.

The games like Core Keeper on a map

Compare the whole catalogue

The same 24 games, plotted rather than listed. The two axes below are the ones the ranking is built from, so a game sitting high and right is a game the formula placed near the top. Change either axis to see the field a different way. Where we hold a publisher wordmark, the game is drawn as its mark rather than a dot.

Horizontal

Vertical

Platform

24 games have both

Axes are fitted to these 24 games rather than the full 0 to 100 scale, because a filtered list shares a narrow band and would otherwise sit in one corner. End values are marked. A point on the left edge is the lowest of thesegames, not a low score.

Players. The share of Steam reviews marked positive, pulled toward the catalogue average in proportion to how few reviews stand behind it. A game with 200 reviews moves a long way toward the average; one with 200,000 barely moves at all. Without this a title sitting at 100 percent on nine reviews outranks Half-Life 2 at 98 percent on 278,000.

Popularity. A blend of two things that are not the same. Audience is how many people wrote a Steam review, which is a floor on how many played it. Reach is how many language editions of Wikipedia document the game, which is cultural footprint rather than sales. A game can score high on one and low on the other: a huge free-to-play title has audience without reach, and a landmark console exclusive has reach without a Steam audience at all. Where both exist they are averaged; where only one does, that one carries it.

Mobile
Multi-platform
Nintendo
PC
PlayStation
Xbox

Every point links to that game's entry. The value map and the reception map are fixed views of the same data.

How positions are decided

No paid placement, no favouritism, live third-party data

Placed by the published method, not by us. Every coordinate is computed from the axis definitions and weights printed on this site. Nobody moves a point. See the axes.
Nothing here is paid for. No sponsored placements, no promoted slots, no arrangement of any kind affects a position. If that ever changes it will be labelled and sit outside the ranking.
No favouritism, including our own. The 16 games we have written full reviews of are scored by exactly the same formula as the other 1,510, from the same third-party inputs, and they land where it puts them. Our own opinion of a game does not enter its coordinates.
A position is not an endorsement. It says how a game was received and what it costs, not that we recommend it. Where we do recommend something, it carries a written review with a name on it.
Fetched from live third-party data. Player sentiment from Steam, critic aggregates as published on store pages, prices checked hourly, attention from Wikipedia. Each figure carries its source and the date it was read, and we do not adjust any of them.

The short version

Closest match: Starbound, which both open world, survival, atmospheric and relaxing.
Core Keeper is tagged Pixel Graphics, Open World Survival Craft, Online Co-Op, Sandbox, Survival, Adventure, Crafting, Exploration by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
2 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.

Why players value Core Keeper

The five things Steam players tag Core Keeper with most. This is the yardstick every game below is measured against: the closer a game matches these, the more it is likely to scratch the same itch.

Pixel Graphics
Open World Survival Craft
Online Co-Op
Sandbox
Survival

Core Keeper at a glance
Reception	Very Positive on Steam (93% of 66,196)
Watch-outs	no widespread problems reported by players
Price	$19.99

Tags, sentiment and reported problems come from Steam players; the story line is from Wikipedia. We do not add a written opinion of our own.

How these were matched

Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.

Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.

All 24, closest first

1
Starbound
Why it matched: both open world, survival, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 10 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox and Survival.
You’ve fled your home, only to find yourself lost in space with a damaged ship. Your only option is to beam down to the planet below, repair your ship and set off to explore the universe...
Starbound at a glance
Released 2016 Studio Chucklefish
Player sentiment 90% positive of 123,280 Price $14.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: Very Positive (90% of 123,280)
Matches Core Keeper on: 5 of 5 — Pixel Graphics, Open World Survival Craft, Online Co-Op, Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Space, Adventure — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $14.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Core Keeper:Open World Survival CraftSandboxSurvivalCraftingPixel GraphicsOnline Co-OpExplorationRelaxing
Full entry Games like this one Store page
2
Forager
Why it matched: both open world, survival and relaxing; shares 11 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Pixel Graphics.
The highly popular and quirky "idle game that you want to actively keep playing". Explore, craft, gather & manage resources, find secrets and build your base out of nothing! Buy land to explore and expand!
Forager at a glance
Released 2019 Studio HopFrog
Player sentiment 89% positive of 43,976 Price $19.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: Very Positive (89% of 43,976)
Matches Core Keeper on: 4 of 5 — Pixel Graphics, Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Survival, Pixel Graphics, Crafting, Indie — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $19.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:Open World Survival CraftSurvivalPixel GraphicsCraftingFarming SimSandbox2DBuilding
Full entry Games like this one Store page
3
My Time at Portia
Why it matched: both open world, survival and relaxing; shares 10 player tags including Farming Sim, Crafting and Simulation.
Start a new life in the enchanting town of Portia! Restore your Pa's neglected workshop to its former glory by fulfilling commissions, growing crops, raising animals, and befriending the quirky inhabitants of this charming post-apocalyptic land!
My Time at Portia at a glance
Released 2019 Studio Pathea Games
Player sentiment 91% positive of 44,284 Price $29.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: Very Positive (91% of 44,284)
Matches Core Keeper on: 2 of 5 — Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: Life Sim, RPG, Open World, Farming Sim, Crafting — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $29.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:Farming SimCraftingSimulationCasualBuildingSandboxRelaxingMining
Full entry Games like this one Store page
4
Necesse
Why it matched: both open world, survival and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (2025).
Build, quest, and conquer across an infinite procedurally generated world. Play alone or with friends as you establish a settlement and explore deep dungeons, fight monsters and bosses, mine rare ores, craft magical equipment, recruit specialists for your colony, and more!
Necesse at a glance
Released 2025 Studio Fair Games ApS
Player sentiment 93% positive of 28,893 Price $14.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: Very Positive (93% of 28,893)
Matches Core Keeper on: 5 of 5 — Pixel Graphics, Open World Survival Craft, Online Co-Op, Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Multiplayer, Open World, Sandbox, Pixel Graphics — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $14.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:Open World Survival CraftSandboxPixel GraphicsSurvivalCraftingBuildingExplorationOnline Co-Op
Full entry Games like this one Store page
5
A Game About Digging A Hole
Why it matched: both open world, psychological, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Exploration, Sandbox and Mining; released around the same time (2025).
A minimalist game about digging a hole in the garden of a newly purchased house. Collect resources, sell them, upgrade your equipment and discover a mysterious secret. Costs you only one coffee!
A Game About Digging A Hole at a glance
Released 2025 Studio DoubleBee
Player sentiment 89% positive of 20,050 Price $4.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: Very Positive (89% of 20,050)
Matches Core Keeper on: 1 of 5 — Sandbox
Why players like it: Exploration, Voxel, Sandbox, Mining, Horror — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $4.99 — $15.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:ExplorationSandboxMiningSimulationCraftingProcedural GenerationMysteryCasual
Full entry Games like this one Store page
6
Fields of Mistria
Why it matched: both open world and relaxing; shares 10 player tags including Farming Sim, Simulation and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (2026).
Start your new life! Build the farm of your dreams as you discover a world brimming with possibilities. Magic, romance, and adventure all await you in this nostalgic farming / life sim RPG!
Fields of Mistria at a glance
Released 2026 Studio NPC Studio
Player sentiment 97% positive of 33,759 Price $13.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.3/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (97% of 33,759)
Matches Core Keeper on: 2 of 5 — Pixel Graphics, Sandbox
Why players like it: Early Access, Farming Sim, Dating Sim, RPG, Life Sim — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $13.99 — $6.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:Farming SimSimulationPixel GraphicsRelaxingSandbox2DCraftingBuilding
Full entry Games like this one Store page
7
Dinkum
Why it matched: both open world and relaxing; shares 10 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Farming Sim and Relaxing; released around the same time (2025).
Dinkum is a survival life simulation game set on an island inspired by the rugged Australian outback. Farm, hunt, mine, fish, and forage to gather resources, expand your town, and discover what makes Dinkum so special—either solo or with friends.
Dinkum at a glance
Released 2025 Studio James Bendon
Player sentiment 92% positive of 29,091 Price $15.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: Very Positive (92% of 29,091)
Matches Core Keeper on: 3 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Online Co-Op, Sandbox
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Agriculture, Farming Sim, Life Sim, Relaxing — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $15.99 — $4.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:Open World Survival CraftFarming SimRelaxingCraftingSimulationSandboxCasualBuilding
Full entry Games like this one Store page
8
Terraria
Why it matched: both open world, survival and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox and Survival.
Dig, fight, explore, build! Nothing is impossible in this action-packed adventure game. Four Pack also available!
Terraria at a glance
Released 2011 Studio 505 Games
Player sentiment 97% positive of 1,550,032 Price $9.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.7/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (97% of 1,550,032)
Matches Core Keeper on: 5 of 5 — Pixel Graphics, Open World Survival Craft, Online Co-Op, Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, 2D, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $9.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:Open World Survival CraftSandboxSurvival2DPixel GraphicsCraftingBuildingExploration
Full entry Games like this one Store page
9
Fallout Shelter
Why it matched: both open world, survival, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Survival, Simulation and 2D.
Fallout Shelter puts you in control of a state-of-the-art underground Vault from Vault-Tec. Build the perfect Vault, keep your Dwellers happy, and protect them from the dangers of the Wasteland.
Fallout Shelter at a glance
Released 2015 Studio Bethesda Game Studios
Player sentiment 88% positive of 82,585 Price Free
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.2/10 · Steam: Very Positive (88% of 82,585)
Matches Core Keeper on: 2 of 5 — Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: Free to Play, Base-Building, Survival, Post-apocalyptic, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: Free — free
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, monetisation inside the game, lost progress or broken saves (details)
Shared with Core Keeper:SurvivalSimulation2DBuildingCasualCraftingSandbox
Full entry Games like this one Store page
10
Green Hell
Why it matched: both open world, survival and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Online Co-Op.
Plunge into the open-world survival simulation set in the extreme conditions of the uncharted Amazon jungle. Use real-life survival techniques to craft, hunt, fight, and gather resources, set a makeshift shelter, or raise a fortress. Survive alone or team up with your friends and challenge the jungle together.
Green Hell at a glance
Released 2019 Studio Creepy Jar
Player sentiment 85% positive of 101,599 Price $2.79
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: Very Positive (85% of 101,599)
Matches Core Keeper on: 4 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Online Co-Op, Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Survival, Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Open World — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $2.79 — $17.20 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:Open World Survival CraftSurvivalOnline Co-OpCraftingExplorationSandboxSimulationBuilding
Full entry Games like this one Store page
11
Abiotic Factor
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 8 player tags including Survival, Online Co-Op and Open World Survival Craft; released around the same time (2025).
Abiotic Factor is a survival crafting experience for 1-6 players set in the depths of an underground research facility. Caught between paranormal containment failure, a military crusade, and chaos from a dozen realms, the world’s greatest minds must survive against the universe’s biggest threats.
Abiotic Factor at a glance
Released 2025 Studio Deep Field Games
Player sentiment 96% positive of 58,569 Price $34.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.3/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% of 58,569)
Matches Core Keeper on: 4 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Online Co-Op, Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: Survival, Online Co-Op, Open World Survival Craft, Crafting, Base-Building — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $34.99 — $15.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:SurvivalOnline Co-OpOpen World Survival CraftCraftingExplorationSandboxBuildingSimulation
Full entry Games like this one Store page
12
Stardew Valley
Why it matched: both open world and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Farming Sim, Pixel Graphics and Relaxing.
You've inherited your grandfather's old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home?
Stardew Valley at a glance
Released 2016 Studio ConcernedApe LLC
Player sentiment 98% positive of 1,035,189 Price $14.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.8/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (98% of 1,035,189)
Matches Core Keeper on: 2 of 5 — Pixel Graphics, Sandbox
Why players like it: Farming Sim, Pixel Graphics, Multiplayer, Life Sim, RPG — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $14.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:Farming SimPixel GraphicsRelaxingSimulationCraftingSandboxBuildingCasual
Full entry Games like this one Store page
13
Stranded Deep
Why it matched: both open world, survival and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Crafting; released around the same time (2022).
Take the role of a plane crash survivor stranded somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. Come face to face with some of the most life threatening scenarios that will result in a different experience each time you play. Scavenge. Discover. Survive.
Stranded Deep at a glance
Released 2022 Studio Beam Team Games
Player sentiment 74% positive of 47,793 Price $19.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.8/10 · Steam: Mostly Positive (74% of 47,793)
Matches Core Keeper on: 3 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Survival, Multiplayer, Open World, Crafting — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $19.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:Open World Survival CraftSurvivalCraftingExplorationBuildingSandboxSimulation
Full entry Games like this one Store page
14
The Riftbreaker
Why it matched: both open world, survival and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Survival, Crafting and Building; released around the same time (2021).
The Riftbreaker is a solo or Co-op base-building, survival game with Action-RPG elements for up to 4 players. Hack & slash countless hordes of enemies. Build up your base, craft powerful weapons and research new inventions to survive.
The Riftbreaker at a glance
Released 2021 Studio EXOR Studios
Player sentiment 90% positive of 24,729 Price $8.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: Very Positive (90% of 24,729)
Matches Core Keeper on: 2 of 5 — Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: Base-Building, Tower Defense, Survival, Strategy, Hack and Slash — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $8.99 — $11.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:SurvivalCraftingBuildingExplorationSandboxSimulation
Full entry Games like this one Store page
15
Jurassic World Evolution 2
Why it matched: both open world, survival, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Building, Simulation and Sandbox; released around the same time (2021).
Jurassic World Evolution 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to Frontier’s highly successful Jurassic World Evolution. This bold new era in the Jurassic World Evolution game franchise builds upon the ground-breaking and immersive 2018 management simulation.
Jurassic World Evolution 2 at a glance
Released 2021 Studio Frontier Developments
Player sentiment 90% positive of 47,023 Price $59.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: Very Positive (90% of 47,023)
Matches Core Keeper on: 2 of 5 — Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: Dinosaurs, Building, Simulation, Management, Sandbox — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $59.99 — $40.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:BuildingSimulationSandboxSurvivalCasual
Full entry Games like this one Store page
16
Coral Island
Why it matched: both open world and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Farming Sim, Relaxing and Simulation; released around the same time (2023).
Coral Island is a vibrant, laid-back farm sim reimagined with multiplayer! Experience enchanting island life at your own pace: farm with friends, nurture animals, build relationships, hang out with a diverse cast of characters, and dive into the magical Merfolk Kingdom.
Coral Island at a glance
Released 2023 Studio Stairway Games
Player sentiment 89% positive of 27,542 Price $29.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: Very Positive (89% of 27,542)
Matches Core Keeper on: 1 of 5 — Sandbox
Why players like it: Farming Sim, Life Sim, Relaxing, Dating Sim, Simulation — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $29.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:Farming SimRelaxingSimulationCraftingSandboxBuildingCasualMining
Full entry Games like this one Store page
17
Foundation
Why it matched: both open world, survival, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Relaxing; released around the same time (2025).
Foundation is a grid-less, laidback medieval city-building game with a focus on organic development, monument construction and resource management.
Foundation at a glance
Released 2025 Studio Polymorph Games
Player sentiment 87% positive of 24,163 Price $23.44
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: Very Positive (87% of 24,163)
Matches Core Keeper on: 2 of 5 — Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: City Builder, Simulation, Medieval, Strategy, Sandbox — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $23.44 — $3.45 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:SimulationSandboxRelaxingBuildingSurvival
Full entry Games like this one Store page
18
The Forest
Why it matched: both open world, survival and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Crafting.
As the lone survivor of a passenger jet crash, you find yourself in a mysterious forest battling to stay alive against a society of cannibalistic mutants. Build, explore, survive in this terrifying first person survival horror simulator.
The Forest at a glance
Released 2018 Studio Endnight Games
Player sentiment 96% positive of 680,814 Price $19.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.3/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% of 680,814)
Matches Core Keeper on: 3 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Survival, Open World, Horror, Crafting — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $19.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Core Keeper:Open World Survival CraftSurvivalCraftingBuildingExplorationSandboxSimulation
Full entry Games like this one Store page
19
Astroneer
Why it matched: both open world, survival and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Exploration.
Interact with strange new worlds in a unique and tactile way, molding the environment itself as if it were clay in your hands. Build your base, master resource management, automate your production lines, and more as you unravel the mysteries of the universe, alone or with friends.
Astroneer at a glance
Released 2016 Studio System Era Softworks
Player sentiment 92% positive of 139,052 Price $29.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: Very Positive (92% of 139,052)
Matches Core Keeper on: 3 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: Multiplayer, Open World, Open World Survival Craft, Survival, Space — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $29.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report performance and stutter, crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Core Keeper:Open World Survival CraftSurvivalExplorationSandboxBuildingCraftingSimulation
Full entry Games like this one Store page
20
ASKA
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 8 player tags including Online Co-Op, Crafting and Simulation; released around the same time (2024).
A new Viking age dawns with you at its helm. Forge a thriving colony from nothing in this mythic open-world survival sim. Earn the gods' favor and survive in a land ruled by ancient terrors and unforgiving seasons. Rally unique villagers, expand your settlement and defend your tribe - solo or co-op!
ASKA at a glance
Released 2024 Studio Sand Sailor Studio
Player sentiment 80% positive of 12,111 Price $24.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.9/10 · Steam: Very Positive (80% of 12,111)
Matches Core Keeper on: 4 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Online Co-Op, Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: Early Access, Online Co-Op, Multiplayer, Crafting, Co-op — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $24.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:Online Co-OpCraftingSimulationOpen World Survival CraftBuildingSurvivalSandboxExploration
Full entry Games like this one Store page
21
No Man's Sky
Why it matched: both open world, survival and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Exploration and Survival.
No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe.
No Man's Sky at a glance
Released 2016 Studio Hello Games
Player sentiment 85% positive of 414,641 Price $59.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.3/10 · Steam: Very Positive (85% of 414,641)
Matches Core Keeper on: 3 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: Open World, Open World Survival Craft, Space, Exploration, Sci-fi — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $59.99 — $40.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, performance and stutter (details)
Shared with Core Keeper:Open World Survival CraftExplorationSurvivalProcedural GenerationSandboxCraftingSimulation
Full entry Games like this one Store page
22
ICARUS
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 8 player tags including Survival, Open World Survival Craft and Online Co-Op; released around the same time (2021).
ICARUS is a solo or multiplayer PvE survival game. Explore a savage wilderness in the aftermath of terraforming gone wrong. Complete narrative quests as either Open World operations or Individual Missions. Explore, build, craft and hunt while seeking your fortune and prospecting for exotic matter.
ICARUS at a glance
Released 2021 Studio RocketWerkz
Player sentiment 75% positive of 67,694 Price $8.74
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.9/10 · Steam: Mostly Positive (75% of 67,694)
Matches Core Keeper on: 4 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Online Co-Op, Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: Survival, Open World Survival Craft, Multiplayer, Base-Building, Online Co-Op — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $8.74 — $11.25 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:SurvivalOpen World Survival CraftOnline Co-OpCraftingExplorationBuildingMiningSandbox
Full entry Games like this one Store page
23
Portal Knights
Why it matched: both open world, survival and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Sandbox, Building and Crafting.
The world of Elysia needs YOU! Join this cooperative, 3D sandbox action RPG to level up your character, craft epic weapons, conquer enemies in real-time, and build almost anything! Craft your adventure. Forge your hero. Become the ultimate Portal Knight!
Portal Knights at a glance
Released 2017 Studio Keen Games GmbH
Player sentiment 83% positive of 22,351 Price $19.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.2/10 · Steam: Very Positive (83% of 22,351)
Matches Core Keeper on: 2 of 5 — Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: Adventure, Multiplayer, Sandbox, RPG, Building — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: $19.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:SandboxBuildingCraftingSurvivalExplorationCasualDungeon Crawler
Full entry Games like this one Store page
24
Cubic Castles
Why it matched: both open world, survival and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Building and Sandbox.
Your blocks, your castle, your world! Build anything you can dream up and explore with other players! Cubic Castles is a mini-MMO that combines the best of block-building and 3D platform action! Create fantastic parkour challenges, explore worlds made by other players, or even make friend!
Cubic Castles at a glance
Released 2014 Studio Raptisoft
Player sentiment 74% positive of 4,276 Price Free
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.3/10 · Steam: Mostly Positive (74% of 4,276)
Matches Core Keeper on: 3 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival
Why players like it: Free to Play, Open World Survival Craft, Building, Multiplayer, Sandbox — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Core Keeper: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Core Keeper:Open World Survival CraftBuildingSandboxCraftingSurvivalCasual2D
Full entry Games like this one Store page

Starbound at a glance
Released	2016	Studio	Chucklefish
Player sentiment	90% positive of 123,280	Price	$14.99

Forager at a glance
Released	2019	Studio	HopFrog
Player sentiment	89% positive of 43,976	Price	$19.99

My Time at Portia at a glance
Released	2019	Studio	Pathea Games
Player sentiment	91% positive of 44,284	Price	$29.99

Necesse at a glance
Released	2025	Studio	Fair Games ApS
Player sentiment	93% positive of 28,893	Price	$14.99

A Game About Digging A Hole at a glance
Released	2025	Studio	DoubleBee
Player sentiment	89% positive of 20,050	Price	$4.99

Fields of Mistria at a glance
Released	2026	Studio	NPC Studio
Player sentiment	97% positive of 33,759	Price	$13.99

Dinkum at a glance
Released	2025	Studio	James Bendon
Player sentiment	92% positive of 29,091	Price	$15.99

Terraria at a glance
Released	2011	Studio	505 Games
Player sentiment	97% positive of 1,550,032	Price	$9.99

Fallout Shelter at a glance
Released	2015	Studio	Bethesda Game Studios
Player sentiment	88% positive of 82,585	Price	Free

Green Hell at a glance
Released	2019	Studio	Creepy Jar
Player sentiment	85% positive of 101,599	Price	$2.79

Abiotic Factor at a glance
Released	2025	Studio	Deep Field Games
Player sentiment	96% positive of 58,569	Price	$34.99

Stardew Valley at a glance
Released	2016	Studio	ConcernedApe LLC
Player sentiment	98% positive of 1,035,189	Price	$14.99

Stranded Deep at a glance
Released	2022	Studio	Beam Team Games
Player sentiment	74% positive of 47,793	Price	$19.99

The Riftbreaker at a glance
Released	2021	Studio	EXOR Studios
Player sentiment	90% positive of 24,729	Price	$8.99

Jurassic World Evolution 2 at a glance
Released	2021	Studio	Frontier Developments
Player sentiment	90% positive of 47,023	Price	$59.99

Coral Island at a glance
Released	2023	Studio	Stairway Games
Player sentiment	89% positive of 27,542	Price	$29.99

Foundation at a glance
Released	2025	Studio	Polymorph Games
Player sentiment	87% positive of 24,163	Price	$23.44

The Forest at a glance
Released	2018	Studio	Endnight Games
Player sentiment	96% positive of 680,814	Price	$19.99

Astroneer at a glance
Released	2016	Studio	System Era Softworks
Player sentiment	92% positive of 139,052	Price	$29.99

ASKA at a glance
Released	2024	Studio	Sand Sailor Studio
Player sentiment	80% positive of 12,111	Price	$24.99

No Man's Sky at a glance
Released	2016	Studio	Hello Games
Player sentiment	85% positive of 414,641	Price	$59.99

ICARUS at a glance
Released	2021	Studio	RocketWerkz
Player sentiment	75% positive of 67,694	Price	$8.74

Portal Knights at a glance
Released	2017	Studio	Keen Games GmbH
Player sentiment	83% positive of 22,351	Price	$19.99

Cubic Castles at a glance
Released	2014	Studio	Raptisoft
Player sentiment	74% positive of 4,276	Price	Free

Common questions

What game is most like Core Keeper?

Starbound, on the evidence we have. It both open world, survival, atmospheric and relaxing. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.

How is "similar to Core Keeper" decided?

By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.

Are these ranked by quality?

No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Core Keeper. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.

Do you get paid for these recommendations?

No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.

More on Core Keeper

Core Keeper: the full recordPrice, platforms, accessibility and what players report going wrong Best PC gamesRanked by the GamingPickz Score