Cobalt Core

Time keeps looping, and the Cobalt keeps getting shot down. Piloting a small crew through the same fight over and over, the only way to break the cycle is to master the deck, learn the enemy patterns, and finally find a way through.

Cobalt Core is a turn-based, tactical roguelike deckbuilder from developer Rocket Rat Games, combining strategic card combat with spaceship positioning. Piloting the Cobalt through repeated encounters with a growing deck of cards, choosing from a colorful crew of pilots, and maneuvering the ship itself as part of the puzzle, you’ll strategize your way past enemy fleets on a mission to uncover why this loop keeps happening.

What Makes It Different?

• Combine card-based combat with spaceship positioning and movement
• Choose from a colorful crew of pilots, each bringing a unique deck and ability
• Move the Cobalt strategically to dodge, block, or redirect incoming attacks
• Draft cards that shape an entirely different playstyle with every run
• Uncover crew memories and story beats tied to repeated time loops
• Face escalating enemy fleets across a tightly designed, replayable campaign
• Discover game variations and challenges for players chasing full completion

Position Matters as Much as Power

Cobalt Core sets itself apart by treating the ship’s position as a genuine combat resource. Moving the Cobalt can dodge incoming fire entirely, redirect attacks toward enemies instead, or set up the perfect angle for a devastating card combo. That spatial layer sits on top of a strong deckbuilding foundation, meaning strong runs come down to reading the battlefield just as much as building the right hand of cards.

A Crew Worth Getting to Know

Each pilot brought aboard the Cobalt carries their own deck and unique ability, giving runs a genuinely different feel depending on who’s flying. Layered underneath the combat is a story about repeated loops and buried memories, slowly revealed the more the crew fights, fails, and tries again. That narrative thread gives even a rough run some forward momentum, since progress toward understanding the loop carries on regardless of how the fight itself goes.

How Long Does a Run Take?

An individual successful or complete run takes 40 to 60 minutes on average. A single run lasts roughly 40 minutes for a standard play session, though deliberate tactical analysis can stretch a single run closer to 1.5 or 2 hours. Clearing the primary narrative objectives and unlocking crew memories takes about 18 hours of combined successful and failed runs, while reaching full completion, including 100% achievements and discovering all game variations, takes around 30 to 31.5 hours.

Controller Support

Cobalt Core features Full Controller Support for Xbox Controllers. Support for other devices is not known.

Good If You Like…

If you enjoyed StarVaders, Slay the Spire, or Roguebook, Cobalt Core’s mix of tactical deckbuilding and spaceship positioning should be well worth a look.