To The Core is an incremental game about extracting and using resources from planets to buy upgrades.
Players describe the core gameplay loop as incredibly addictive and satisfying. The game tasks players with repeatedly ramming their drill ship into a planet's surface to mine resources. As they progress, players can unlock a wide variety of upgrades that make their drill more powerful, allow them to mine resources faster, and provide new tools like grenades, lasers, and drones to aid in the mining process. Many players emphasize the rewarding feeling of constantly upgrading their drill and watching their mining capabilities grow exponentially.
The progression system is a major draw for players. Mining resources from planets allows them to purchase upgrades that fundamentally alter the gameplay. Players can upgrade their drill's durability, fuel capacity, damage output, and more. They can also unlock entirely new tools that provide additional mining power. Reviewers describe the upgrade system as well-balanced, with each new upgrade feeling impactful and meaningful in enhancing their capabilities.
As players progress, the scale of their capabilities increases dramatically. Reviewers note that they start out as a weak, struggling miner, but by the end, they are obliterating entire planets in seconds with a powerful armada of mining drones and orbital bombardments. This increasing power fantasy is cited as a major source of enjoyment, with players reveling in the feeling of transforming from a small craft to a planet-destroying juggernaut.
The game is praised for its accessibility and casual appeal. The straightforward gameplay loop allows players to simply jump in and start mining with minimal friction. Reviewers describe the experience as perfect for "shutting off the brain" and mindlessly enjoying the satisfying progression and upgrade systems. Many players note that they were able to complete the game's content in a reasonable timeframe of 5-10 hours, making it an appealing option for those looking for a focused, self-contained experience.
The pixel art visuals and chiptune soundtrack are frequently cited as strengths of the experience. Players enjoy the retro-inspired aesthetic, which they feel complements the casual, arcade-like gameplay well. The soundtrack, in particular, is praised for being incredibly catchy and well-suited to the game's tone and themes.