NPCs & Vendors

Interacting with the various Non-Player Characters (NPCs) and Vendors in Core Keeper is crucial for progression, acquiring essential items, and unlocking new crafting recipes. This detailed guide will walk you through locating, interacting with, and maximizing your benefits from each key NPC.

The Core Keeper

Your primary objective is to awaken the Core Keeper, who serves as your central hub for progression. The Core Keeper is found at the very center of the starting area, within the Core biome. Initially, it will be dormant. To awaken it, you must defeat the first three major bosses:

Glurch the Abominable Mass: Found in the Clay Caves biome. Defeat Glurch to obtain the Glurch Eye.
Bumble: Located in the Azeos' Wilderness biome. Defeat Bumble to acquire the Bumble's Antenna.
Ghorm the Devourer: Roams the Forgotten Ruins biome. Defeat Ghorm to get the Ghorm's Horn.

Once you have all three boss items, return to the Core Keeper and interact with it. Placing these items into its designated slots will fully awaken it, unlocking new crafting tiers, revealing more of the map, and providing access to advanced technologies.

The Shaman

The Shaman is an invaluable vendor who specializes in magical items, potions, and unique crafting components. Finding the Shaman requires a bit of exploration and preparation.

Locating the Shaman:

Explore the Azeos' Wilderness: The Shaman's dwelling is typically found within the Azeos' Wilderness biome, often nestled amongst the large trees and overgrown foliage.
Look for Distinct Structures: Keep an eye out for a small, circular hut made of wood and leaves, often surrounded by glowing mushrooms or peculiar plants. This is the Shaman's home.
Clear the Path: You may need to clear some enemies or break through certain environmental obstacles to reach the hut. Ensure you have a decent weapon and pickaxe.

Shaman's Inventory & Key Purchases:

The Shaman accepts Ancient Coins as currency. Prioritize these purchases:

Healing Potions (Greater/Superior): Essential for boss fights and deep dungeon delves.
Mana Potions: If you're using magical weapons or tools, these are a must.
Magical Runes: Used in enchanting equipment. The Shaman often sells basic runes like Damage Rune or Defense Rune.
Rare Seeds: Occasionally, the Shaman will sell seeds for unique plants not found elsewhere, such as Glow Tulip Seeds for light sources.
Mysterious Idol: A key item for summoning certain bosses or unlocking hidden areas. Always check if the Shaman has one in stock.

Strategy: The Shaman's inventory refreshes periodically. Check back often, especially after defeating a new boss, as new items may become available.

The Caveling Merchant

The Caveling Merchant is a friendly, albeit shy, vendor who deals in various raw materials, basic tools, and sometimes rare ores. He's an excellent source for replenishing common resources.

Finding the Caveling Merchant:

Explore the Clay Caves: The Caveling Merchant's stall is usually found in the Clay Caves biome.
Listen for Sounds: He often emits a distinctive, soft chittering sound. Follow the sound to locate him.
Look for a Small Stall: His shop is a simple wooden stall, often illuminated by a single torch, distinct from the surrounding cave walls.

Caveling Merchant's Wares & Recommended Buys:

The Caveling Merchant also uses Ancient Coins. Focus on these items:

Copper Ore/Tin Ore: If you're short on basic metals for crafting, he's a reliable source.
Wood/Stone: Useful for base building or crafting basic tools when you're far from your main base.
Basic Pickaxes/Shovels: Good for emergencies or if your current tools are about to break.
Fishing Bait: Often sells various types of bait, which are crucial for fishing.
Food Items: Sometimes has basic cooked food that can provide a quick health or hunger boost.

Strategy: The Caveling Merchant's stock is generally more consistent than the Shaman's. He's great for topping off your resource reserves before heading into a new, dangerous area.

The Fisherman

The Fisherman is your go-to NPC for all things aquatic. He sells fishing rods, bait, and can even process certain rare fish for you.

Locating the Fisherman:

Search Near Water Bodies: The Fisherman will always set up shop near a significant body of water, typically in the Sunken Sea biome, but sometimes in larger lakes within the Clay Caves or Azeos' Wilderness.
Look for a Small Dock: His location is marked by a small, makeshift wooden dock or platform extending into the water.

Fisherman's Offerings & Essential Purchases:

The Fisherman accepts Ancient Coins and sometimes specific fish as trade.

Fishing Rods: He sells various tiers of fishing rods, from basic Wooden Fishing Rods to more advanced ones like the Iron Fishing Rod. Upgrade your rod as soon as possible for better catches.
Bait: Always stock up on different types of bait, such as Grub Bait or Larva Bait, as different fish prefer different bait.
Fish Processing: The Fisherman can sometimes process rare fish into unique crafting materials or high-tier food items. For example, he might turn a Giant Squid into Squid Ink for crafting.
Special Fish: Occasionally, he might sell rare fish that are difficult to catch, useful for cooking high-tier meals or completing collections.

Strategy: Regularly visit the Fisherman to upgrade your fishing gear and check for any special processing options. Fishing is an excellent way to earn Ancient Coins and gather unique food resources.

Other NPCs

While the above are the primary vendors, Core Keeper features other NPCs that offer quests, lore, or unique interactions:

The Ancient Pickaxe: This sentient pickaxe can be found in a hidden chamber within the Forgotten Ruins. It provides cryptic hints about the world and can be upgraded through specific actions.
The Mysterious Statue: Found in various biomes, these statues often require specific offerings (e.g., Ruby, Gold Bar) to reveal hidden passages, grant temporary buffs, or spawn unique enemies.

Always interact with any new NPC you encounter. They might hold the key to your next big discovery or provide a much-needed boost to your adventure!