Minecraft Meets Dark Souls In PlayStation Plus Freebie You've Last Chance To Claim

1 week ago 9

Published Jan 27, 2026, 6:35 AM EST

Paul Farrelly is a Contributing Writer for Screen Rant’s Gaming section and the founder of GeekGasm.org, a site dedicated to celebrating all things gaming, from triple A blockbusters to weird and wonderful indie hits. Based in Louth, Ireland, Paul has spent years writing about games, pop culture, and tech, turning his lifelong love of gaming into a career that lets him talk (probably too much) about what makes this industry so endlessly fascinating.
He’s previously written and collaborated with several entertainment outlets, including LADbible, gaining a wide perspective on how gaming fits into today’s pop culture conversation. His work blends genuine enthusiasm with thoughtful analysis, exploring how design, storytelling, and community have made gaming one of the most creative mediums around.
When he’s not glued to a controller or keyboard, Paul’s usually spinning vinyl, plotting his next horror marathon, or debating which Resident Evil entry really reigns supreme.

Ever wanted to explore mysterious caverns in the hope of finding treasures beyond your wildest dreams? Perhaps you've even dreamed of building a base and exploring an ever-evolving world with your friends. Well, if that sounds like something you're after, then Core Keeper might just be up your alley...or down your mineshaft!

But you'd better act quickly. Core Keeper is available for all PlayStation Plus subscribers as it was one of three free games offered for subscribers in the month of January. If you're not a PlayStation Plus subscriber, you only have a few more days to sign up and grab the free games for January before they're gone.

PlayStation Plus Is Losing Core Keeper Soon

Grab Before February 2nd

Players fighting a giant boss that's screaming in a grassy field in Core Keeper.

Core Keeper is only available for the next few days through PlayStation Plus. The offer will officially end on February 2nd, so this is your last chance to grab the game and add it to your library. Once you've added it to your library, and as long as you remain a PlayStation Plus subscriber, it's yours to keep forever. And if deep exploration, base building, difficult combat and resource mining float your boat, then you need to grab Core Keeper before it's gone.

The core gameplay loop (pun intended) will see you starting in the dark, mining resources and crafting tools as you slowly push light into deeper unexplored areas. There are several biomes to stumble upon and upgrading your gear as you go is essential to survival as there are plenty of things underground that want to turn you into their next meal. With few major free games available today, Core Keeper sticks out as something special.

It's Like Minecraft Meets Zelda And Dark Souls

A Perfect Genre Cocktail

Core Keeper blends visuals, gameplay loops and deep mechanics from some of the very best games out there. The visual top-down style reminds me instantly of old Zelda retro style games on the Snes, whereas the mining resources, crafting and exploration feel lifted straight out of Minecraft. But the cherry on the cake, is the tough-as-nails boss battles in each biome. Some of these bosses wouldn't feel out of place in a Dark Souls game as they'll rinse your health without a second thought if you're not ready.

Getting to play Core Keeper with your online friends, though, is where the game really shines. The gameplay loop is enjoyable, especially with friends, and the sense of progression you get from each play session will have you coming back for more well into the early hours of the morning. Core Keeper currently sits with an average score of 87% on OpenCritic and continues to receive updates and added content.

If you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber, you really shouldn't sleep on this one. Core Keeper is well worth your time and is a joy to play online with friends.