Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core

Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core is a 1–4 player co-op FPS action roguelite from Ghost Ship Games, published by Ghost Ship Publishing and Coffee Stain Publishing.



It launched in Steam Early Access on May 20, 2026, and is designed as a standalone spin-off of Deep Rock Galactic, not a DLC expansion.

Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core keeps the familiar dwarven sci-fi mining identity but shifts the focus toward faster combat, roguelite runs, random upgrades, and dangerous procedurally generated cave facilities.

Instead of entering missions fully equipped, players start with basic gear and build their arsenal during each run by collecting weapons, upgrades, abilities, and resources.

You play as elite Reclaimers, sent into abandoned mining operations after a mysterious event called The Grayout cuts off Deep Rock Galactic facilities from the outside world.



The new enemy threat, the Corespawn, is more aggressive and horror-themed than the classic Glyphids.

Main Features

Co-op FPS Action: Play solo or online with up to four players.

Roguelite Runs: Start with basic equipment and build your loadout during the mission.

Procedural Caves: Each run takes place in changing underground environments.

Five Reclaimers: Guardian, Falconer, Retcon, Spotter, and Slicer offer different combat styles.



Random Upgrades: Collect weapons, gear, and enhancements as you progress.

Permanent Progression: Improve characters and unlock stronger options between missions.

New Enemy Faction: Fight the Corespawn, a deadlier and more horror-focused threat.

Mission Timer: Time pressure increases intensity and forces faster decisions.

Other Features: Includes single-player, online co-op, Steam Achievements, Steam Cloud, and Family Sharing.

User Interface

The interface feels familiar to Deep Rock Galactic fans but is more focused on quick combat decisions.

Menus are clean, class selection is straightforward, and upgrade choices appear during runs.



However, some players criticize the shared upgrade selection because it can interrupt the flow and create tension when teammates want the same upgrade.

Early feedback also suggests the UI may still need balancing and refinement as the game develops through Early Access.

Installation and Setup

• Install Steam on your Windows PC.
• Search for Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core.
• Buy the base game or one of the available bundles.
• Download and install the game.
• Launch it from your Steam Library.
• Adjust graphics, audio, controls, and matchmaking settings.
• Start solo or invite friends for online co-op.

The Steam page lists the storage requirement as 6 GB, so the download is relatively small compared with many modern co-op shooters.

How to Play

1. Choose your Reclaimer class.
2. Enter a mission solo or with up to three teammates.
3. Start with basic gear.
4. Explore the facility and fight Corespawn enemies.
5. Collect weapons, upgrades, and Expenite.
6. Choose upgrades carefully to create stronger builds.
7. Manage the mission timer and rising threat level.
8. Reach deeper sections of the facility.
9. Defeat bosses and complete the run.
10. Use permanent progression to improve future attempts.

The FileHorse review team recommends Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core for players who enjoy co-op shooters, roguelite progression, and challenging team-based missions, especially if they already like the Deep Rock universe.

FAQs

Is Rogue Core a sequel to Deep Rock Galactic?
No. It is a standalone roguelite spin-off set in the same universe.

Can I play solo?
Yes, but the game is strongly built around co-op teamwork.

Is it harder than Deep Rock Galactic?
Yes. The developers describe the baseline challenge as closer to a Hazard 3-style experience, with more pressure and combat focus.

How long is an average mission?
A run usually takes around 45–50 minutes, though failed runs can be shorter.

Will it stay in Early Access for long?
The developers expect Early Access to last around 18 to 24 months.

Alternatives

• Deep Rock Galactic – Original co-op mining FPS with more exploration and class synergy.
• Risk of Rain 2 – Fast roguelite shooter with random builds and high replay value.
• Gunfire Reborn – Co-op roguelite FPS with character builds and loot progression.
• Roboquest – Stylish fast-paced roguelite FPS with solo and co-op action.
• Helldivers 2 – Team-based sci-fi co-op shooter with large-scale missions.

Pricing

Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core – $29.99 on Steam.

Deep Rock Galactic x Rogue Core Bundle – Includes Deep Rock Galactic and Rogue Core, with a 10% bundle discount. Price may vary depending on whether the user already owns one of the games.

Ultimate Reclaimer Bundle – Includes Rogue Core, Supporter Upgrade, and Original Soundtrack, listed at approximately $63.90, with a 15% bundle discount.

Supporter Upgrade DLC – approximately $20.60.

Original Soundtrack – approximately $13.48.

Steam prices vary by country and account region, so the final checkout price may be different.

System Requirements

Minimum:

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11
• Processor: Intel Core i5 7th Gen or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon 290
• DirectX: Version 11
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
• Storage: 6 GB available space

Recommended:

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11
• Processor: Intel Core i5-7400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600 or higher
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 560
• DirectX: Version 12

PROS

• Strong Deep Rock atmosphere.
• Fun 1–4 player co-op action.
• Good roguelite foundation.
• Five distinct playable classes.
• Fast and intense combat.
• Small storage requirement.
• High potential during Early Access.

CONS

• Still unfinished Early Access content.
• Shared upgrade system can feel frustrating.
• Mission timer divides player opinion.
• Less exploration than original Deep Rock Galactic.
• Runs can feel repetitive for some players.
• Difficulty may be harsh for newcomers.

Conclusion

Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core is a promising co-op roguelite FPS with strong combat, familiar dwarven humor, and excellent long-term potential.

It is not yet as polished or content-rich as the original Deep Rock Galactic, but fans of challenging co-op shooters should find a lot to enjoy during Early Access.