- Deep Rock Galactic Rogue Core how to play: It is a standalone rogue-lite spin-off, not Deep Rock Galactic 2, currently in early access on Steam.
- Your role: You play as a Reclaimer, a mercenary hired by DRG to deal with what was dug up in Season 5, like Core Spawns.
- Core loop: Descend through stages, mine expanite, level up between floors, and defeat a boss at the end.
- Key tip: Only one enemy returns from the original game — the dreaded leech — so expect a mostly fresh roster.
- Top priority: Pick your Enhancements (up to eight passive perks) before every mission launch.
Deep Rock Galactic Rogue Core How to Play: The Basics
Deep Rock Galactic Rogue Core is a rogue-lite set in the Deep Rock Galactic universe, running parallel to the original game rather than replacing it. You are not a DRG miner this time. You command a separate crew of dwarves called the Reclaimers, mercenaries hired by the company to clean up the dangers it unearthed in Season 5 of Deep Rock Galactic, such as the Core Spawns.
The game launched in early access on Steam first, with console versions arriving later. Between missions you hang out in the Ramrod, your new central hub. You can order drinks — but unlike in Deep Rock, you have to work out to earn them instead of simply buying them — and take part in other hub activities similar to dancing in the original space rig.
Video Highlights:
- Full breakdown of all five playable classes and their three abilities each
- How weapon selection, randomized pick order, and weapon upgrades work
- Stage loop explained: expanite farming, side objectives, bio boosters, and workbenches
- Elevator timer mechanics and what happens when it fills red
- Boss fights and the gauntlet-style mode overview
Before launching, set up your loadout choices in the hub:
| Pre-Mission Setting | What It Does | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Enhancements | Passive perks, up to 8 equipped | Unlocked one at a time |
| Perk Decks | Extra abilities gained every level | Each class has two decks |
| Promotion | Resets level 25 for progression | Also unlocks perk deck swapping |
| Weapons/Grenades | Cannot be pre-selected | Chosen inside the mission |
Always open your Enhancements and Perk Deck menus before starting a mission. Options like reduced friendly fire damage, stronger power attacks, or bonus starting health and armor make early stages significantly smoother.
All Five Classes Explained
There are five dwarves to pick from, each with three signature abilities and their own perk decks. Here is how they compare:
| Class | Role | Signature Ability | Standout Ability | Support Ability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spotter | Sniper/marksman | Mark enemies for guaranteed crits (works for whole team) | Cave-wide scanning to spot enemies | Drop ammo for you or teammates |
| Guardian | Tank | Shotgun gloves: two energy blasts that damage and stun | AoE fear pushing enemies away | Armor circle that grants and regenerates armor |
| Falconeer | Damage/support | Attack drone dealing electricity damage | Drone can also pick up downed teammates | Circle infusing weapons with electricity for bonus damage |
| Slicer | Melee | Plasma sword with long reach and range upgrades | Short-range dash, recharges quickly, great for climbing | 180-degree shield blocking frontal projectiles |
| Recon | Survivor | Time shift: rewind to a marked spot, refunding ammo and grenades | Rage: bonus damage after taking enough hits | Once per mission, self-revive at full health if the team wipes |
Unlike Deep Rock Galactic, Rogue Core has no regenerating shields. Armor reduces incoming damage and health is far more precious, so the Guardian's armor circle and defensive Enhancements are more valuable than they look.
Recon's self-revive triggers only once per mission, and only if everyone goes down. Her time shift refunds ammo, grenades, and restores your health and armor at the marked position — as long as you do not go down first.
Mission Flow: Step by Step
Every run follows the same rhythm: gear up inside the first room, descend stage by stage, grow stronger, and end with a boss. Follow this sequence for consistent results.
Launch From the Ramrod
Pick your region and mission type, climb into the space rig with your team, and confirm your Enhancements are equipped. Weapons and grenades cannot be chosen here.
Set Up Bots and Unlock Equipment
Drop in, set up the bots to start the mission, then enter the first area. Pick your weapon from multiple options, choose a traversal tool, and grab grenades once unlocked. Use the heart tag to signal upgrades you want so teammates know.
Mine Expanite and Fill Ripley
Mine green expanite ore around the cave and deposit it into Ripley, your supply bot. Ripley is faster and smarter than Molly — she clips through terrain — so call her freely. When everyone fills her up, gather around to pick character upgrades.
Complete Side Objectives Carefully
Every stage has a side objective rewarding extra expanite, but completing one almost always triggers an enemy attack. Clear the wave, collect the big expanite payout, and likely level up.
Exit, Vote, Descend
Reach the exit, turn on the generator, and drop down the elevator. Between stages the team votes on a modifier — unanimous picks apply instantly; split votes resolve by percentage. Beat the final boss to return to the rig.
There is one bio booster per stage: unlock it to choose one of two perk deck upgrades. Each stage also has a workbench — find its toolbox first to upgrade a weapon, swap weapons, or grab a class upgrade.
The Elevator Timer and Threat Management
A cable timer runs toward your elevator throughout each stage. Manage it poorly and the run spirals:
| Timer State | What Happens | Best Response |
|---|---|---|
| Early ticks | Standard exploration window | Mine fast, grab side objectives |
| Enemy spawn tick | Enemies spawn and attack | Group up, use support abilities |
| Timer fills red | Enemies spawn endlessly | Rush to the elevator immediately |
| Red timer waves | New grabber enemies drag you into a prison | Teammates can free you next stage |
Expanite Priority
- Green ore is everywhere — mine it
- Full Ripley = team upgrade picks
- Side objectives give large bonuses
Weapon Upgrades
- No overclocks, but upgrades mimic them
- Fire rounds, explosive rounds, 100% ricochet
- Any element can roll on any weapon
Survival Tools
- Recon self-revive for worst case
- Guardian armor circle for objectives
- Falconeer drone can rescue teammates
If red timer enemies drag you into a prison, your run continues — teammates can rescue you in the following stage. Coordinate before abandoning a downed ally.
Beginner Checklist
First Session Goals:
- Equip your available Enhancements before launching
- Try at least three classes to find your fit
- Fill Ripley completely for a team upgrade round
- Complete one side objective per stage
- Find the toolbox and use a workbench upgrade
- Reach and defeat a stage boss
Beyond the standard runs, Rogue Core also includes a gauntlet-style mode similar in spirit to Deep Dives from the original game, offering a different challenge structure once you are comfortable with the core loop.
Weapon upgrade rolls can get wild — think an M1000 with fire rounds holding 87 shots, or a 16-shot double-barrel shotgun. Experiment freely; every run re-rolls your arsenal.
Key Systems Reference
| System | Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ramrod | Hub | Drinks (workout-earned), activities, mission launch |
| Ripley | In-mission | Expanite deposits; fast terrain-clipping supply bot |
| Bio Booster | One per stage | Choose one of two perk deck upgrades |
| Workbench | One per stage | Weapon upgrade or class upgrade (needs toolbox) |
| Modifier Vote | Between stages | Team-voted stage modifier |
| Boss Fight | Final stage | Multiple bosses, each with unique strengths and weaknesses |
Rogue Core is in active early access on Steam, so details like Guardian's two shotgun-glove charges have already changed across alphas. Expect balance shifts as development continues.
FAQ
Q: Is Deep Rock Galactic Rogue Core a sequel to Deep Rock Galactic?
No. It is a separate rogue-lite game set in the same universe at the same time as the original, featuring different dwarves on a separate rig working as Reclaimers rather than DRG miners.
Q: When learning how to play, which class is most beginner-friendly?
The Guardian is a solid first pick thanks to stunning shotgun gloves, an AoE fear for space control, and an armor-regen circle — valuable since Rogue Core has no regenerating shields. The Spotter also works well for players who prefer ranged safety.
Q: How do I get better weapons?
Weapons are chosen inside the mission, not before it. Pick order rotates each round, and workbench upgrades can effectively turn weapons into overclock-tier gear with rolls like fire rounds or 100% ricochet chance.
Q: What happens when the elevator timer fills completely?
The timer turns red and enemies spawn endlessly, including new enemies that grab and imprison you. Teammates can rescue imprisoned dwarves in the next stage, so a red timer is dangerous but not instantly fatal to the run.