NOTE: web version has lowered graphics. windows build is the way to play. 

Known Bugs
(game is still very playable):  

I got way too ambitious with this gamejam game so lots of ideas I planned  with the upgrade tree before actually implementing the actual upgrade itself. so you will see upgrades that don't actually work. I apologize, I just ran out of time and didn't get around to fully implementing things. some things used to work then I broke them by adding other things and didn't even realize until after submission.

1.  ship shapes upgrades don't actually work
2. dash doesn't work
3. most modifier upgrades don't really work
4.  strange bug where some upgrade makes it so when you pick your starting weapon it gives you a different one than you actually picked but at first it does work

🚀 CORE DOWN

CORE DOWN is a fast arcade roguelite built around one idea: ⏳ the clock never stops.

Your life timer drains every second. Enemy attacks drain it faster. When it hits zero, the run is over.

⬇️ Descend. 💥 Destroy. ❤️‍🔥 Survive — long enough to make every run count.

⚡ How It Works

• ⏱️ Time is Health: Your countdown never pauses—speed is your only shield.
• 🧱 Smash Blocks: Break tiles for instant XP, currency, and vital time drops.
• 👾 Beat the Windows: Kill enemies before their individual timers run out for maximum rewards.
• 📈 Adapt or Die: Fill your XP bar to halt the clock, open the shop, and drop to a deeper layer.
• 🪙 Meta-progression: Bank gold to unlock permanent upgrades so every run leaves you stronger.

🧠 The Loop: Incremental Dopamine Meets Survivors-Like Chaos

CORE DOWN takes the addictive, compounding dopamine loop of an incremental game and smashes it into the high-stakes survival of a survivors-like bullet heaven.

Instead of waiting for numbers to go up, you are actively tearing through layers of blocks to feed your upgrade meter. The faster you destroy, the faster you break the game's economy.

🛸 Modular Ship Building 

Between layers, you don't just pick passive stats—you physically engineer your ship.

• 🧩 Grid-Based Customization: Alter your ship's physical layout and shape to fit new modules.
• Weaponized Contagion: Utilize a modular weapon upgrade system inspired by pathogenic.
  
  
  

🌊 The Descent

Layers get harder and the world shifts as you go down. Unlock new 👾 enemies, weapons and 🛒 shop gear the further you push. 

Made for the GMTK 2026 Game Jam themed around ⏳ counting down — your life, enemy kill windows, layer transitions, and the urge for just one more run.

🎮 Controls

• 👟 Move — WASD / Arrow keys
• ⚡ Dash — Space (when unlocked)  Bugged :( 
• 🖱️ Menus / Shop — Mouse

⏳ Good luck. The clock is already ticking.