Explorers, grab your pickaxes and polish your lanterns because things are about to get wild in the underground. If you thought you had seen everything Core Keeper has to offer, think again. The developers just dropped a massive bombshell that changes everything for seasoned miners and new players alike.
We are talking about the newly announced Void & Voltage update. This isn’t just a small patch; it is a game changer that introduces advanced automation, terrifying new enemies, and yes, it is launching alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 version. Let’s dive deep into what is coming to the caverns on January 28, 2026.
Release Date and Platforms
Mark your calendars for January 28, 2026. That is the golden date when the Void & Voltage update lands on all platforms. Whether you are playing on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, or Xbox One, you are getting this content for free.
The biggest surprise? Core Keeper is officially a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. This next gen version boasts serious upgrades, targeting a smooth 60fps and enhanced visuals that make the lighting and particle effects pop like never before. Plus, the Switch 2 version supports native 8 player co-op, doubling the previous limit on the original handheld. It is a massive leap forward for portable mining parties.
Enter Breaker’s Reach: A New Biome
Prepare to step into Breaker’s Reach. This brand new biome (or sub biome) is where the fabric of spacetime is tearing apart. It is dark, it is mysterious, and it is crawling with Void variants of enemies you thought you knew. You will encounter:
- Void Larvae: Nasty critters emerging from Void Cocoons.
- Void Cavelings & Shamans: Smarter, deadlier versions of the classic cave dwellers.
- Void Brutes: Massive tanks that will test your combat skills.
- Void Hydra: A multi headed threat that demands respect.
These aren’t just reskins. The Void enemies use a new combat mechanic featuring explosive flames, spinning arcane beams, and lightning orbs. You will need to stay on your toes and dodge like never before.
Automation Revolution and Heavy Firepower
For the builders and engineers out there, Void & Voltage is a dream come true. The update introduces the Advanced Automation Table, a crafting bench designed to streamline your underground life. We are looking at tools that completely change how you manage resources:
- Robot Farm Arm: Automate your harvest.
- Seed Extractor Machine: Keep your crops sustainable without the manual labor.
- Item Collector & Conveyor Splitter: Sort and store loot with factory level efficiency.
- Incinerator & Shredder: distinct ways to destroy or recycle unwanted items.
But what is industry without firepower? To combat the Void, you are getting some serious heavy weaponry. Say hello to the Flamethrower and the Minigun. These aren’t your standard swords and slingshots; they are tools of destruction designed to clear rooms and melt bosses. Just be careful with that flamethrower around oil barrels, or you might blow up more than just the bad guys.
Meet the New Boss: S.A.H.A.B.A.R.
It wouldn’t be a major Core Keeper update without a colossal new boss fight. Enter S.A.H.A.B.A.R., a massive robo boss that rules over the new content. Details are scarce on its attack patterns, but given the “Voltage” in the update title, you can expect plenty of electrical hazards and mechanical mayhem. Defeating this titan will likely be the key to unlocking the highest tier of automation gear.
Why This Update Matters
This update signals that Pugstorm and Fireshine Games are committed to long term support. By aligning the update with the Switch 2 launch, they are ensuring the community continues to grow. The shift towards heavy automation also suggests a deeper endgame loop, giving veteran players more reasons to optimize their bases and stick around for hundreds of hours more.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Void & Voltage update free?
Yes! The update is free for all existing owners of Core Keeper on every platform.
2. When is Core Keeper coming to Switch 2?
Core Keeper releases on Nintendo Switch 2 on January 28, 2026, the same day as the update.
3. Can I play cross-play with the new update?
While specific cross-play details between Switch 2 and other consoles haven’t been fully detailed, the game generally supports cross-play between PC and Xbox. Switch 2 players can play with original Switch owners in specific host setups.
4. What is the new max player count for co-op?
On the Nintendo Switch 2, the player count has been doubled to support up to 8 players in a single world.
5. Do I need to start a new world to see the new biome?
Typically, new biomes in Core Keeper spawn in unexplored areas of your map, so you should be able to find Breaker’s Reach in your current world without restarting.
Conclusion
The Void & Voltage update is shaping up to be the most exciting expansion for Core Keeper yet. With the introduction of the Breaker’s Reach biome, the S.A.H.A.B.A.R. boss, and game changing automation tools, January 2026 cannot come soon enough. Whether you are a master automator or a monster hunter, there is something here for you. Get your drills ready, explorers!