Oddcore: Zippy Early Access Shooter You Can't Put Down

• Key Takeaways:
• Oddcore is an Early Access roguelike "boomer" FPS from developer OddCorp and publisher Scarecrow Arts on Windows (Steam), released Jan. 7, 2026 for $10.
• Short, frenetic runs and a timed survival loop force risk/reward choices: spend souls in a portal shop for time and upgrades or press on.
• Tight controls, randomized arenas, and a growing upgrade system keep sessions fresh and addictive for quick play breaks.

Game at a glance

Oddcore outfits familiar arcadey shooter DNA with liminal, low-res arenas and grotesque little enemies that swarm from all sides. Matches are short by design — most runs play out against a five-minute timer that constantly pressures you to act.

Developer, platform, price

OddCorp developed the title and Scarecrow Arts published it into Early Access on Jan. 7, 2026. The game is available on Windows via Steam and is priced at $10 during Early Access.

How the loop works

The core loop pairs fast, strafing-heavy combat with a semi-randomized upgrade and shop mechanic. Enemies flood open arenas; you dodge, shoot, and race to collect souls left behind by kills.

Portal shop and upgrade trade-offs

Tapping a button opens a portal to a strange shop dimension where souls buy more time, health, or randomized stat upgrades such as attack speed and health capacity. Each shop visit increases a running purchase “tax,” making the decision to warp away a recurring strategic tension.

Why it clicks

Controls are responsive and the aiming model is forgiving, which keeps fights feeling fast and fair even as enemy types scale up. The semi-randomized progression and varied arena variants — from swarms of small demons to quirky chase or boss encounters — avoid monotony.

Secrets, progression, and longevity

Between runs there’s an arcade-like hub full of hidden spaces, unlockable play areas, and collectibles that encourage exploration. In-game leaderboards and achievements hint that long, optimized runs can let skilled players push much further, even if most sessions remain short, satisfying bursts.

Who should play it?

If you enjoy pick-up-and-play shooters, fast reflex combat, and roguelike upgrade choices, Oddcore offers strong value at its Early Access price. The game is ideal for short gaming breaks and for players who like iterative risk-versus-reward decisions.

Where to find it

Oddcore is on Steam as an Early Access title. Expect regular updates during Early Access that will expand enemies, arenas, and meta-progression.