# Common Questions > Source: https://indiegameswiki.com/wiki/core-keeper/common-questions > Part of the Core Keeper wiki on Indie Games Wiki. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. > Last updated: 2026-10-18T23:18:08.949Z This FAQ covers characters, worlds and basic multiplayer setup in Core Keeper, a mining sandbox adventure for 1 to 8 players ([Steam store page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1621690/Core_Keeper/)). ## Does my background lock me into a class? No. Core Keeper has no classes ([Developer update, 1 September 2021](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/2951535087499859552)). A background comes with starting perks and equipment ([Official Core Keeper Bluesky post, 16 July 2025](https://bsky.app/profile/corekeepergame.com/post/3lu3sdep65g23)). 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](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/4978168332492930464)). [[Tips for Beginners]] covers the first camp and early crafting. ## Are the character and the world the same save? No. Characters and worlds have their own save slots ([0.6.0 patch notes, 10 May 2023](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/3703691393800612788)). One character can be used in multiple worlds ([1.2.1 announcement, 5 May 2026](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/637963704478990626)) and can also connect to a server ([1.0.0.6 patch notes, 7 September 2024](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/4580811814109976003)). 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](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/3702564318206557613)). 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](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/4581937079708100822)). ## Can I play without running a dedicated server? 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](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/3185744478433987795)). 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](https://fireshinegames.co.uk/customer_support/core-keeper/)). Steam players can also join through the Steam friends list ([0.3.3 patch notes, 30 March 2022](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/3095668665765935568)), and the GOG overlay has a join button ([Publisher patch notes, 1.0.0.6 section](https://fireshinegames.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Core-Keeper-Patch-notes-Post-1.0-1.0.0.16.pdf)). 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](https://fireshinegames.co.uk/customer_support/core-keeper/)). The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition supports online co-op for up to 8 players ([Official Core Keeper Bluesky post, 28 January 2026](https://bsky.app/profile/corekeepergame.com/post/3mdigtpaoli22)). PC and console players cannot play together ([1.1.2.4 patch notes, 9 September 2025](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/536612324936517619)). 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](https://fireshinegames.co.uk/customer_support/core-keeper/)). The game checks versions when connecting to other players and servers ([0.6.0 patch notes, 10 May 2023](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/3703691393800612788)), 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? 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](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/637963704478990626)), so check both when starting a game. A Casual character keeps its inventory after death ([1.2.1.0 patch notes, 6 May 2026](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/681874975890606138)). 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](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/3703691393800612788)). ## Where should I begin with food or pets? [[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.