Cobalt Core

Cobalt Core

Released Nov 2023

A sci-fi roguelike deckbuilder with a deep new single-axis spin on tactics games! Dodge missiles, line up your cannons, and blast 'em out of the sky... Then get to the bottom of these time loops, before it's too late!

96% positive · 4,402 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
Medium confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
Medium confidence

Where to buy

Steam $19.99
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Evaluation

Cobalt Core launched on November 8, 2023 and received two major free content updates post-launch: version 1.1 on June 17, 2024 added six new enemies including alternate zone bosses, and version 1.2.0 on August 28, 2024 introduced a full daily challenge mode with Steam leaderboard integration. These two updates are spaced roughly 2 months apart, establishing a short but concentrated burst of major content additions in mid-2024. Since the release of version 1.2.0 on August 28, 2024, the developer has shipped only feature patches and bug fixes — platform support work (Mac version added July 2025, Linux experimentation in August 2025) and bug fix patches through February 10, 2026. No further major content has arrived in the roughly 25 months since version 1.2.0. The gap since the last major update (August 28, 2024) now far exceeds the 2-month interval between the two major content releases, and well exceeds the 6-month silence ceiling. The developer has made no announcement of upcoming content, no roadmap, no season pass, and no unreleased DLC exists on the store. The ongoing maintenance patches indicate the developer is still attending to the game, but maintenance patches alone do not constitute a sustained major content cadence. There is no developer statement declaring the game complete, but the evidence points to the content cycle having concluded with version 1.2.0. The game shipped as a complete experience at launch and received two meaningful post-launch additions that are now fully delivered. The completion date is set to August 28, 2024, the date of the last major content update.
Evidence
Version 1.2.0 shipped as a major free update adding a full daily challenge mode with Steam leaderboard integration.
news post · Aug 28, 2024 source content shipped
high
Version 1.1 shipped as a major free update adding six new enemies, alternate zone bosses, a new artifact, and splash art.
news post · Jun 17, 2024 source content shipped
high

Content

1 of 1 released · no outstanding content

Media

Details

Publisher
Brace Yourself Games
Achievements
15
Platform
Windows, macOS
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player

About this game



Cobalt Core is a sci-fi roguelike deckbuilder with a unique single-axis combat system that will throw you for a loop. Many loops!



Give orders to your crew by playing cards: Will you raise shields to protect your ship, dodge incoming missiles and cannon fire to avoid damage outright, or strike preemptively to disable your enemy’s weapons? Outmaneuver your foes to stay just ahead of impending calamity, and reach the Cobalt Core!



  • Fresh new spin on tactics – dodge attacks and target weak points in this unique single-axis take on tactics combat. Outwit the enemy in a high stakes game of cat and mouse!
  • Customize your deck – hundreds of cards and split upgrade paths means no two runs will be the same. Find that perfect combo that brings your deck from powerful to overpowered.
  • Get to know your crew – each character comes with a completely unique playstyle and their own personal story. Bring 3 along, mix and match their decks, and see how these little goobers get along with each other.
  • Tons of replayability – hundreds of different character+ship combinations before you even hit “start run”. Crank up the difficulty and really test your skills!
  • Daily Challenges – Keep runs fresh with all sorts of modifiers. Can you win with just 1 character, or with your ship scrambling itself every fight? Play at your own pace, or get competitive on the leaderboards!
  • Get in the groove – featuring 90+ minutes of catchy and electrifying original music by Minecraft composer Aaron Cherof!
  • Forward momentum – untangle a narrative and unlock more playstyles as you go. Is there any escape from this time loop?



By the makers of Sunshine Heavy Industries, recipient of IGF's Honorable Mention for Excellence in Design 2022.
Last evaluated Oct 1, 2026
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