Deep Rock Galactic is filled with challenges, rewards, and progression systems that keep players coming back for more cave-diving action. One of the key elements in unlocking powerful equipment upgrades and unique weapons is the Core Infuser. This vital feature becomes available once players begin engaging with Deep Dives and Machine Events, offering access to overclocks, weapon mods, and special cosmetics. The Core Infuser is more than just a terminal it’s the gateway to some of the most rewarding content in the game, and understanding how it works is essential for maximizing your mining potential.
What Is the Core Infuser?
The Role of the Core Infuser
The Core Infuser is a device used during Machine Events to convert Blank Matrix Cores into useful upgrades or cosmetics. It is found within select missions in the game, specifically where a Machine Event appears. Machine Events are randomly occurring mid-mission events that present challenging encounters with strong enemies, environmental hazards, and objectives. Once completed, these events allow players to interact with the Core Infuser if they possess a Blank Matrix Core.
Where to Find the Core Infuser
The Core Infuser is not available in every mission. It only appears during Machine Events, which are marked by an icon on the mission map. These events are not guaranteed to spawn each time, so finding one can take patience. The actual Core Infuser device is located near the completed Machine Event pod and glows with a distinct green hue, making it easy to identify in the darkness of Hoxxes IV.
How to Use the Core Infuser
Step-by-Step Usage
To successfully use the Core Infuser, players need to follow several steps:
- Acquire a Blank Matrix Core: These are obtained through Deep Dives, Weekly Core Hunts, or promotions. You must have one in your inventory before activating the Core Infuser.
- Find a Machine Event: Check the mission selection screen for the Machine Event icon. Join a mission with one present.
- Complete the Machine Event: These events have varied objectives and difficulty levels. Successfully finishing one is required to activate the Core Infuser.
- Interact with the Infuser: Insert your Blank Matrix Core into the Core Infuser and choose from the three reward options Overclock, Weapon Skin, or Cosmetic.
Understanding the Reward Choices
When inserting a Blank Matrix Core into the Infuser, you are presented with three options. These are randomly selected from pools of available rewards that depend on your class and progression. Here’s what each category offers:
- Weapon Overclocks: Modifications for primary or secondary weapons, offering changes in stats and behavior. These are game-changing and often significantly impact your playstyle.
- Weapon Skins: Purely cosmetic skins that change the appearance of your weapons without altering functionality.
- Cosmetics: Includes armor pieces, beards, helmets, and other visual upgrades for your dwarves.
Once you make your selection, the reward is permanently added to your collection and the Blank Matrix Core is consumed. If you choose not to use a Core at the Infuser, it remains in your inventory for future use.
Getting More Blank Matrix Cores
Sources of Blank Cores
Blank Matrix Cores are limited in quantity, which means planning their use is important. Here are the primary ways to obtain more:
- Weekly Core Hunt: Completing this assignment grants one Blank Core and one Weapon Overclock Matrix Core.
- Deep Dives: Both regular and Elite Deep Dives provide opportunities to earn Cores through stage completions.
- Promotions: Upon promoting a dwarf, you gain access to Weekly Core Hunts and Deep Dives, increasing your earning potential.
Because these sources are tied to weekly rotations or promotions, active participation is necessary if you want to steadily collect and use Blank Matrix Cores with the Core Infuser.
Machine Events and Core Infuser Synergy
Challenges of Machine Events
Machine Events are not easy. They come with unique hazards such as robotic enemies, unstable terrain, or timed mechanics. Some common Machine Events include:
- Omen Modular Exterminator: A powerful turret platform with rotating weak points.
- Tritilyte Crystal: Requires players to use special bombs to destroy massive crystals while fending off enemies.
- Kursite Infection: Demands that players collect and return glowing infection samples from infected creatures.
Team coordination, situational awareness, and ammo management are all vital for succeeding. Once cleared, the Core Infuser activates, becoming accessible for any players with a Blank Matrix Core.
Solo vs Co-op Considerations
While Deep Rock Galactic is designed with co-op in mind, it’s possible to complete Machine Events solo using the help of Bosco, the AI companion. However, some events, like Omen Exterminator, can be especially difficult alone. Co-op teams benefit from class synergy and firepower, making success and use of the Core Infuser more consistent and rewarding.
Maximizing the Core Infuser
Efficient Usage Tips
If you want to make the most of your Core Infuser opportunities, consider the following tips:
- Always carry a Blank Matrix Core when playing missions with Machine Events to avoid missing out.
- Prioritize events when you see the icon on the map they don’t appear every mission.
- Coordinate with your team to ensure you are ready for the challenge and can complete the objective without wasting resources.
- Choose Overclocks first if you’re focused on gameplay performance they provide the biggest impact.
Why the Core Infuser Matters
The Core Infuser is essential for long-term progression. It gives players access to rare and powerful upgrades that can define builds and strategies. Unlocking Overclocks breathes new life into weapons, offering explosive rounds, faster reloads, or improved stability. Unlike standard mods, Overclocks often include trade-offs, encouraging experimentation and personal preference. Without using the Core Infuser regularly, you’ll miss out on some of the game’s deepest customization systems.
The Core Infuser in Deep Rock Galactic is more than just a crafting terminal it’s a key part of player progression, build development, and endgame variety. By mastering Machine Events and strategically using Blank Matrix Cores, players can unlock unique Overclocks and rare cosmetics that elevate both gameplay and style. Whether you’re a veteran dwarf mining for perfection or a newcomer still climbing the ranks, understanding and utilizing the Core Infuser is essential for diving deeper into the rewarding, chaotic world of Deep Rock Galactic. Rock and Stone!