Cellar Keeper Game Modes
Same 2,448 bottles — three ways to stress-test your sorting.
Cellar Keeper from EgoTrampoline ships three distinct modes on Steam (app 4935510, released August 6, 2026). Every mode asks you to sort the same 2,448 bottles using the same label rules — wine type routes via map symbols, brand locks shelves, series numbers fine-sort within brands, yellow means correct and gray means wrong — but each mode changes how much help you get, how failure feels, and whether leaderboards matter.
This hub compares Cozy Mode, Speedrun Mode, and Hardcore Mode so you pick the right ruleset before investing hours. Watch the featured developer video above for the cozy design intent behind the sim, then dive into the mode pages below for mechanical detail.
The three modes at a glance
| Mode | Skill upgrades | Leaderboards | Extra risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cozy Mode | Yes — unlock in progression | No | None |
| Speedrun Mode | No upgrades | Yes | Time pressure only |
| Hardcore Mode | Cozy rules + breakage | Varies by run goals | Bottles can shatter |
Sorting fundamentals never change. See Sorting Rules and Cabinet Symbols regardless of mode.
Cozy Mode — learn and upgrade
Cozy Mode is the default progression path. Completing shelves awards skill points; smaller shelves pay out first so you can unlock Spot Matches and Batch Grab early — the two skills most guides mark as essential. Additional upgrades include Quick Order, Target Hint, Auto Place, Sprint, and Jump.
If you are new, start Cozy until map symbols and brand lock-in feel automatic. Cross-read How to Prioritize Skills and the Skills hub.
Speedrun Mode — pure execution
Speedrun Mode strips skill upgrades and clocks your run for leaderboards. You rely on raw label literacy, map memorization from Cellar Layout, and efficient ten-bottle batching. Any time lost to gray feedback hurts more without Batch Grab safety nets.
Compare pacing tips in Cozy Mode vs Speedrun Mode on the Guides hub.
Hardcore Mode — sorting under consequence
Hardcore Mode keeps Cozy-style progression options but adds bottle breakage if you handle bottles carelessly. Wrong-wing sprints, sloppy jumps, or rushed placement near hazards can cost more than a gray flash — you may lose the bottle entirely.
Hardcore suits keepers who know Types and Brands cold and want tension beyond gray feedback.
Shared systems across modes
Carry limit: ten bottles in every mode.
Map: identical central map and cabinet symbols — Map hub.
Achievements: ten Steam achievements track milestones like Perfect Order and Peak Efficiency — Achievements hub.
Controls: keyboard, mouse, and full controller support per Steam — Controls hub.
Story: restoring the cellar frees the cursed collector — How to Free the Keeper.
Which mode should you play?
First time in the cellar? Cozy Mode only until yellow placements feel routine.
Chasing leaderboard ranks? Speedrun Mode after you memorize symbol routes.
Want cozy upgrades with higher stakes? Hardcore Mode once breakage rules are understood.
Completionist? Cozy for skills, then revisit other modes for achievements and personal bests.
Related hubs
- Bottles — label and sorting reference
- Guides — walkthroughs and mode comparisons
- Skills — upgrade details (Cozy focus)
- Tools — planners and timers
- Review — full game overview
- Wiki home — site index
Pick a mode page below for deep rules, FAQs, and links back to sibling modes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions.
How many game modes does Cellar Keeper have?
Three: **Cozy Mode**, **Speedrun Mode**, and **Hardcore Mode**. Each uses the same 2,448-bottle cellar and sorting rules.
Which mode lets me unlock skills?
**Cozy Mode** awards skill points for completed shelves. Speedrun Mode disables upgrades; Hardcore follows Cozy progression with added breakage risk.
Is there a leaderboard mode?
Yes. **Speedrun Mode** tracks run times for leaderboards without skill upgrades.
Do sorting rules change between modes?
No. Wine type, brand shelf lock-in, and yellow or gray feedback are identical — see [Sorting Rules](/bottles/sorting-rules/).