Ghost Ship Games is diving deeper into the mysterious depths of Hoxxes IV with Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core, a standalone spinoff of the beloved Deep Rock Galactic. This new game puts a roguelite twist on the core gameplay while retaining the charm and destructible environments that fans have adored since the inception of Deep Rock Galactic seven years ago.
Set for an Early Access release towards the end of 2024, Rogue Core is shaping up to be a hit for fans of roguelike adventures. The open development approach to Rogue Core ensures the community will play an integral role in shaping the game. Ghost Ship Games, or GSG, has committed to adding new features to the game based on player feedback and observations of how our community interacts with the game.
Expect an announcement of Rogue Core’s closed alpha tests in early 2024, giving eager Deep Rock Galactic owners the chance to experience this action-packed 1-4 player co-op roguelite before it hits Early Access.
In Rogue Core, every rogue core mission begins with selecting your loadout. Players can equip a Phase Suit, an active ability, and one of the many Reclaimer Weapons. Unlike the original Deep Rock Galactic, this game embraces a roguelite structure. You’ll start with the basics and grow more powerful by scavenging caches of DRG equipment and weapons.
Your Processor Drone will play a key role in harvesting Expenite, a highly valuable resource. Depositing Expenite generates a wide range of powerful temporary upgrades, allowing you to adapt to the escalating challenges in each procedurally-generated stage.
Each mission involves navigating multiple procedurally-generated stages deep within Hoxxes IV. The Greyout Barrier surrounding lost dig sites adds tension—once you cross it, the only way out is success or failure. The mystery of the Greyout serves as the game’s central narrative, adding layers of intrigue to its relentless challenges.
Fans of co-op gameplay mechanics will be thrilled to hear Ghost Ship Games is taking on the “co-op first” approach, encouraging teamwork and strategic builds to overcome the toughest obstacles.
While each mission is a high-stakes run, Rogue Core introduces permanent progression through its orbital hub, the RV-09 "Ramrod." Between missions, players can research and permanently unlock new weapons, suits, and mods, offering endless opportunities for customisation. This mix of temporary power-ups and permanent upgrades strikes a balance between roguelike intensity and long-term investment.
Many fans might wonder why making it as a standalone spin-off would be the right choice rather than integrating these mechanics into DRG. Ghost Ship Games has explained that Rogue Core began as a prototype built on the core of Deep Rock Galactic. However, the team quickly realised the concept had much more potential, leading to the decision to develop it as a standalone title.
This decision doesn’t mean the original DRG is being left behind. In fact, Season 5 for Deep Rock Galactic will happen, with content acting as a prelude to Rogue Core. This commitment reassures fans that 5 for Deep Rock Galactic is only the beginning of what’s to come.
The plot revolves around covert mining operations initiated by the space mining company Deep Rock Galactic to harvest Expenite, a mineral of extraordinary value. However, all contact with these operations was lost when the dig sites went dark, creating the enigmatic Greyout Zone.
Players take on the role of elite dwarven reclaimers tasked with venturing deep into the heart of Hoxxes IV to unravel the mystery behind these events and bring the dig sites back online. What secrets lie at the deepest and most dangerous dig sites? Only time—and courageous reclaimers—will tell.
One of the most exciting aspects of Rogue Core is its open development journey on Deep Rock Galactic. Much like its predecessor, the game will undergo rigorous community testing through closed alpha tests, with Ghost Ship Games actively encouraging fans to join their Discord for updates and feedback.
From early sketches to early mockups and early implementations, the developers are inviting players to help them make Rogue Core the best game it can be. This collaborative process builds on the success of the open development approach to Rogue Core used in the original DRG, ensuring a polished final product.
Co-op remains at the heart of Rogue Core. Whether you’re shouting “Rock and Stone” with friends or strategising over builds, the dwarven reclaimers will have to work together to overcome Hoxxes IV’s toughest challenges. Ghost Ship’s focus on team builds rather than individual strategies ensures a fresh take on co-op gameplay mechanics.
Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core is not just a new game; it’s a bold step forward for Ghost Ship Games. By combining DRG’s destructible environments with roguelite mechanics, they’ve created a unique experience that feels both familiar and revolutionary.
Set to release into Early Access in 2024, Rogue Core promises thrills for both new players and veteran Deep Rock Galactic miners. With its development approach to Rogue Core, fans can trust GSG to deliver another standout title.
So, what are you waiting for? Join the closed alpha, grab your gear, and reach the core. The Greyout Zone isn’t going to reclaim itself.
Rock and Stone!
