Two popular indie survival games are joining forces. Pocketpair’s Palworld has crossed over with Pugstorm’s Core Keeper, bringing the iconic Pal Cattiva to the underground survival sandbox.
The crossover arrived alongside Core Keeper’s major Version 1.3 update, Riders of the Underground, which launched on September 21, 2026. The update adds several new ways to explore the underground, including rideable mounts and the new Hookshot, while also introducing new pets, equipment, and a new sub-biome.
Cattiva from Palworld joins Core Keeper
According to an announcement shared through the official Palworld social media account, players can now bring Cattiva along on their adventures in Core Keeper as a pet. The crossover version of Cattiva also comes with multiple color variations, giving players more than one version to collect.
Cattiva is one of three new pets added with the 1.3 update, alongside Azeos Jr. and Hoppet. As a melee pet, Cattiva can fight alongside its owner and has a chance to stun enemies with its attacks.
The crossover is a fitting addition to Core Keeper, which has previously welcomed characters and creatures from other games through its various collaborations.
What else is new in Core Keeper 1.3?
While Cattiva is likely to be the biggest attraction for Palworld fans, Riders of the Underground is a substantial update in its own right.
Here are some of the major additions:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rideable mounts | Players can turn cattle into rideable mounts using the new Saddle or Racing Saddle. |
| Hookshot | A new mobility tool lets players cross gaps and chasms by grappling onto suitable points. |
| Moss sub-biome | A new sub-biome has been added to the Forgotten Ruins, bringing new resources and creatures to discover. |
| Orex | The new dinosaur-like Orex cattle can be found in the Moss sub-biome and can also be turned into a mount. |
| New pets | Cattiva, Azeos Jr., and Hoppet join the game’s growing collection of pets. |
| Mage and Summoner changes | Both classes have received talent changes, while Summoner minions can now persist indefinitely rather than expiring automatically. |
| New equipment | The update adds new weapons, armor, rings, necklaces, and other equipment for players to collect. |
The Riders of the Underground update is available now on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. It also marks the first major stop on Pugstorm’s Road to the Maw roadmap, with Updates 1.4 and 1.5 planned as the next major releases.
For more info, read official patch notes on Steam.