# Tips for Beginners > Source: https://indiegameswiki.com/wiki/core-keeper/tips-for-beginners > Part of the Core Keeper wiki on Indie Games Wiki. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. > Last updated: 2026-10-18T23:18:08.854Z This beginner guide covers setting up a first camp and learning the early crafting loop in Core Keeper, a mining sandbox adventure ([Steam store page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1621690/Core_Keeper/)). Every player starts out in the Dirt Biome, where the Core is located along with key resources needed to get started, such as wood and copper ore ([Developer biome guide, 26 January 2022](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/3104670157405724788)). ## Start with light and storage Break the roots around the Core to collect wood ([1.0.1 patch notes, 31 October 2024](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/4446834797838336042); [0.4.0 patch notes, 15 June 2022](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/3351254920156300089)). Some items can be crafted straight from the inventory menu without a workbench ([Official Core Keeper Bluesky post, 3 January 2025](https://bsky.app/profile/corekeepergame.com/post/3letqdzg64s27)). The developers recommend carrying a torch rather than mining in the dark ([Developer update, 1 September 2021](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/2951535087499859552)). New characters get in-game hints if they have not done basic tasks, such as crafting a torch, within a few minutes of starting the game; the hints can be turned off in the Gameplay settings ([1.1.0 patch notes, 10 March 2025](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/536595207289833896)). Put supplies somewhere easy to find before digging a long tunnel. A workbench can use materials from a chest that touches it ([5 Little Things You Might Not Know, 10 January 2024](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/3875975012164753130)). Enemies can use the trail your character leaves to track you down, and the developers suggest traps or a dug-out moat to protect your base ([5 Little Things You Might Not Know, 10 January 2024](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/3875975012164753130)). Choosing a background gives starting items and skill bonuses ([Backgrounds announcement, 29 January 2022](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/4978168332492930464)). A background does not lock the character into a class, because Core Keeper has no classes ([Developer update, 1 September 2021](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/2951535087499859552)). ## Follow the resource loop Mine copper ore in the Dirt Biome ([Developer biome guide, 26 January 2022](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/3104670157405724788)). Furnaces smelt ore into bars ([0.5.0 patch notes, 10 November 2022](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/3436836644429160590)). A wall takes no damage at all if your mining damage is too low. Workbenches come in tiers, with the Copper Workbench between the Basic Workbench and the Tin Workbench ([0.6.0 patch notes, 10 May 2023](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/3703691393800612788)). When progress slows, check both the materials and the station the next recipe needs. Crafting tooltips show how many of each material you have across nearby chests and your inventory ([1.2.1.0 patch notes, 6 May 2026](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/681874975890606138)). Build a Salvage and Repair Station early so you are not crafting new tools all the time ([Official Core Keeper Bluesky post, 3 January 2025](https://bsky.app/profile/corekeepergame.com/post/3letqdzg64s27)). Carry food as well as tools. The developers recommend starting a farm as soon as possible, because your own crops are a more reliable source of food than foraging ([Top Tips for New Explorers, 1 June 2022](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/3190245530488280075)). [[Cooking]] covers combining ingredients into dishes that keep hunger at bay and give buffs. ## Keep the next trip short enough to recover Bring supplies for the task at hand and leave spare materials at camp. Before creating a character, check what death means for its type, because character and world types cannot be changed after they are created ([1.2.1 announcement, 5 May 2026](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/637963704478990626)). The Casual character type keeps its inventory after death and has a reduced hunger drain, larger parry windows and shorter healing and mana potion cooldowns ([1.2.1.0 patch notes, 6 May 2026](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/681874975890606138)). The developers describe it as suited to new players and to a more relaxed game ([1.2.1 announcement, 5 May 2026](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/637963704478990626)). These steps cover basic setup, not a complete boss order. The 1.0 update changed the story boss order ([1.0.0 patch notes, 27 August 2024](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1621690/view/4247544173389770568)), so check the game version when following an older boss route. [[Common Questions]] covers characters, worlds and multiplayer. [[Your Very First]] covers hatching a first pet.