Does my background lock me into a class?

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No. Core Keeper has no classes (Developer update, 1 September 2021). A background comes with starting perks and equipment (Official Core Keeper Bluesky post, 16 July 2025). The developers describe each background as an edge in one area of the game and add that a character still has plenty of opportunities to build expertise in other areas (Backgrounds announcement, 29 January 2022). Tips for Beginners covers the first camp and early crafting.

Are the character and the world the same save?

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No. Characters and worlds have their own save slots (0.6.0 patch notes, 10 May 2023). One character can be used in multiple worlds (1.2.1 announcement, 5 May 2026) and can also connect to a server (1.0.0.6 patch notes, 7 September 2024). Creative Mode is the exception: it needs dedicated Creative Mode characters, which can only play in Creative Mode worlds (Paws & Claws announcement, 26 April 2023).

Keep this in mind when bringing an existing character into a new world, especially if the group wants everyone to start with comparable equipment. For a PvP arena challenge, the developers suggest that everyone use fresh characters with the same backgrounds so that nobody starts with an advantage (PvP challenges post, 18 September 2024).

Can I play without running a dedicated server?

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Yes. Dedicated servers keep a world available without a host in the game, and in-game player-hosted multiplayer is still available (Dedicated servers announcement, 11 May 2022). On PC, players on Steam, GOG, the Epic Games Store and the Microsoft Store join a hosted session by choosing Join Game and entering the host's game ID (Publisher support FAQ). Steam players can also join through the Steam friends list (0.3.3 patch notes, 30 March 2022), and the GOG overlay has a join button (Publisher patch notes, 1.0.0.6 section).

Up to 8 players can play together on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series, and up to 4 on Nintendo Switch (Publisher support FAQ). The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition supports online co-op for up to 8 players (Official Core Keeper Bluesky post, 28 January 2026).

PC and console players cannot play together (1.1.2.4 patch notes, 9 September 2025). Players on different PC storefronts can play together once cross-play is enabled in the gameplay settings, and cross-play also works within console families: PlayStation 4 with PlayStation 5, and Xbox One with Xbox Series (Publisher support FAQ).

The game checks versions when connecting to other players and servers (0.6.0 patch notes, 10 May 2023), so confirm each player's platform and game version before organizing a session. For platform compatibility, the exact joining steps and a checklist for failed connections, use Multiplayer Connection Checklist.

Can I change a character's type later?

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No. Character type and world type are separate choices, and neither can be changed after it has been created (1.2.1 announcement, 5 May 2026), so check both when starting a game. A Casual character keeps its inventory after death (1.2.1.0 patch notes, 6 May 2026). Casual is also the name of a world mode in which monsters have less health and deal less damage (0.6.0 patch notes, 10 May 2023).

Where should I begin with food or pets?

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Cooking covers the Cooking Pot, its recipe book and what makes a dish rare. Your Very First covers the steps from a Pet Egg to a hatched pet.