SteamWorld Dig 2 is a game about digging holes, finding treasure, and getting better at digging holes. It is a direct sequel to the 2013 original, and it refines the formula into something close to perfect. The game launched on Linux, PS4, and 3DS in 2017.
Trailer, via GOG.
Dorothy Heads to El Machino
You play as Dorothy, a steam-powered robot searching for her missing friend Rusty. The search takes her to El Machino, a mining town built over a vast network of tunnels. The story is simple, but it gives the digging a purpose. You are not just mining for profit; you are mining for answers.
The game’s world is hand-crafted, not randomly generated. That is a key change from the first SteamWorld Dig. Each cavern, each hidden room, and each upgrade location is placed with intent. This makes the exploration feel rewarding rather than repetitive.
Digging Is the Whole Game
The core loop is simple: dig down, collect ore and gems, return to town to sell them, and buy upgrades. That loop is the heart of the game, and it never gets old. The pickaxe feels weighty. The dirt crumbles satisfyingly. The sound of a gem popping out of the rock is a small dopamine hit.
Dorothy’s toolset expands as you play. You start with a basic pickaxe, but soon you gain a powered drill, a grappling hook, and a jetpack. Each tool opens up new ways to move and dig. The game teaches you to think vertically, not just horizontally.
Cogs and the Shop in Town
Upgrades are bought with gold, which you earn by selling what you dig up. The shop in El Machino offers new gear, but the real power comes from cogs. Cogs are hidden throughout the tunnels, and they unlock new abilities on a skill tree. Finding them is the real goal of exploration.
The game balances its economy well. You are always a little short of gold, which keeps the pull of the next dig strong. But you are never so broke that the game feels like a chore. The pacing is tight, and the difficulty curve is smooth.
Boss Fights Break the Rhythm
Not everything is about digging. SteamWorld Dig 2 has boss fights, and they are the weakest part of the game. The fights are fine, but they interrupt the flow. The game is at its best when you are alone in the dark, chipping away at rock. A scripted fight with a large enemy feels like a detour.
That said, the bosses are not bad. They are just different. They test your platforming skills more than your digging skills. The change of pace is welcome, even if it is not the highlight.
Art, Sound, and Platform Performance
The game’s art style is charming. The steampunk aesthetic is consistent, and the lighting effects in the caves are excellent. The game runs smoothly on all platforms, though the 3DS version has a lower resolution. The music is a highlight, with a soundtrack that shifts between jaunty and atmospheric.
The game is not long. A typical playthrough takes about ten hours. That length is perfect. It does not overstay its welcome, and it leaves you wanting more. There is also a post-game area that adds a challenge for completionists.
How SteamWorld Dig 2 Compares
SteamWorld Dig 2 is often compared to other mining games. Here is how it stacks up:
| Game | Core Loop | World Design | Upgrade System |
|---|---|---|---|
| SteamWorld Dig 2 | Dig, sell, upgrade | Hand-crafted | Skill tree with hidden cogs |
| SteamWorld Dig | Dig, sell, upgrade | Semi-random | Linear shop upgrades |
| Terraria | Dig, build, fight | Fully procedural | Crafting and equipment |
SteamWorld Dig 2 sits between the original and Terraria. It has the hand-crafted design of the former and the depth of the latter, without the building mechanics.
A Near-Perfect Dig
SteamWorld Dig 2 is a masterclass in game design. It takes a simple idea and executes it perfectly. The controls are tight, the world is rewarding to explore, and the upgrades feel meaningful.
It is a rare sequel that improves on its predecessor in every way.
The game is a must-play for fans of the genre, and it is a great entry point for newcomers.
SteamWorld Dig 2 holds an IGDB critic aggregate of 8.9/10 across 11 outlets.
