The warning signal starts while your backpack is still full of minerals, forcing you to choose between collecting more resources and returning to defend your base. Dome Keeper is a roguelike mining and survival game where players protect a glass dome from alien creatures. The action alternates between exploring underground tunnels and fighting monsters on the surface. There is no conventional storyline with dialogue or story missions. The main objective depends on the selected game mode.

Every Mining Trip Is a Risk

Players begin each run beneath a dome on a procedurally generated planet. Using drilling equipment, they dig through rock to discover deposits of iron, water, and cobalt. Resources must be transported back to the dome before they can be used. Deeper layers contain harder materials, making drill upgrades necessary. Hidden chambers may also contain gadgets that improve mining, transportation, or defense.

What Keeps the Dome Standing?

Enemy waves interrupt mining at regular intervals. Players must return to the surface and operate the dome’s weapons before monsters cause too much damage. Some creatures approach along the ground, while others attack from the air.

Available gameplay features include:

•         Different domes with individual weapons and mechanics.
•         Drill upgrades for breaking harder rock.
•         Movement and carrying capacity improvements.
•         Iron, water, and cobalt for upgrades and repairs.
•         Hidden gadgets with additional abilities.
•         Defensive equipment for fighting alien monsters.
•         Cooperative gameplay for up to four players.

Choosing upgrades requires planning. Improving mining equipment helps collect resources faster, but neglecting defensive weapons can make later attacks difficult to survive.

Searching for the Relic Beneath the Surface

Relic Hunt mode challenges players to locate an ancient artifact buried underground. Before retrieving it, they must discover and activate several connected nodes. Bringing the relic to the dome triggers a final enemy wave. Prestige mode offers a different objective, focusing on earning points and surviving attacks.

To play, select a keeper, dome, and starting equipment. Dig tunnels, collect minerals, purchase upgrades, and return when enemies approach. During combat, aim the dome’s weapons and eliminate attackers. There are no numbered story levels. Each run generates a new underground map, requiring players to adjust their mining routes and upgrade decisions.