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The highly anticipated strategic roguelike, Drill Core, is set to exit Early Access and officially launch on PC via Steam on July 17, 2025. Developed by Hungry Couch and published by tinyBuild, Drill Core offers players a unique blend of resource management, tactical combat, and exploration in a procedurally generated underground world.

                       Drill Core: A Strategic Planet-Mining Rogue-like

Image of Drill Core, courtesy of Hungry Couch Games.

Gameplay Overview

In Drill Core, players assume the role of a platform manager overseeing a team of miners, carriers, and guards as they embark on perilous missions to extract valuable resources from the depths of alien planets. The game combines elements of base-building, tower defense, and roguelike mechanics, requiring players to balance efficiency, safety, and profitability.

Key Features

  • Procedural Generation: Each mission presents a unique underground environment, ensuring no two playthroughs are alike.

  • Dynamic Biomes: The game currently features two distinct biomes, with plans to introduce more in future updates.

  • Day-Night Cycle: During the day, players focus on mining and resource management, while at night, they must defend their platform from hostile alien creatures.

  • Turret and Base Defense: Strategic placement of turrets and other defensive structures is crucial to surviving the nightly onslaughts.

  • Roguelike Progression: Each mission offers opportunities for upgrades and new abilities, allowing players to tailor their strategies to different challenges.

Early Access and Community Involvement

Drill Core entered Early Access on September 12, 2024, allowing players to experience the game’s core mechanics and provide valuable feedback. The development team has been actively engaging with the community through forums, Discord, and surveys to refine gameplay elements and balance. The full release is planned for the second half of 2025, with ongoing updates and content additions throughout the Early Access period.

System Requirements

To run Drill Core, players will need:

  • Minimum:

    • OS: Windows 10 or newer

    • Processor: Intel Core i5-2400 or AMD FX-8350

    • Memory: 6 GB RAM

    • Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GT 710, 1 GB or AMD Radeon R7 240, 1 GB

    • Storage: 1 GB available space

  • Recommended:

    • Memory: 8 GB RAM

Pricing and Availability

Drill Core is currently available on Steam for $19.99 USD. A 20% launch week discount is offered, reducing the price to $15.99 USD.

Hardcore Drilling

With its innovative blend of strategic mining, base defense, and rogue-like elements, Drill Core offers a fresh and engaging experience for fans of the genre. The upcoming full release promises to expand upon the game’s foundation, introducing new content and refinements based on community feedback. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a newcomer to the genre, Drill Core provides a challenging and rewarding adventure beneath the surface.

For more information and to purchase the game, visit the official Steam page.

Be sure to visit Total Apex Gaming for more game-related news and content. Be sure to keep those fingers moving.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

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