Digging the Forgotten Cave
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About Digging the Forgotten Cave
Digging the Forgotten Cave is a laid-back simulation game where you play a cave explorer upgrading tools to dig deeper into mysterious underground realms. Developed by Cavernauts and released in 2025, it blends resource management with exploration. You scan for mineral veins, break through rock layers, and collect rare artifacts while avoiding cave-ins. The game emphasizes slow, deliberate progress over action. Set in a surreal cave system with glowing minerals and ancient ruins, it’s designed to feel meditative. Perfect for players who enjoy methodical gameplay without stress, it focuses on satisfying upgrades and the thrill of discovery. Think of it as Stardew Valley meets Minecraft, but with pickaxes and fewer enemies.
Gameplay
You start with a basic pickaxe and a map hinting at treasure locations. Each session involves scanning the environment for resource-rich zones, then methodically digging downward. Upgrades let you drill faster, break harder rocks, or detect hidden passages. Controls are simple: right-click to scan, left-click to dig, and drag to manage inventory. The deeper you go, the rarer the items, but cave-ins force you to retreat periodically. Sessions last 30, 90 minutes, depending on your pace. While digging, you’ll occasionally uncover puzzles or traps that require careful navigation. The lack of enemies keeps tension low, but the risk of getting stuck in a collapsing tunnel adds mild stakes. Progression feels rewarding, with each tool upgrade unlocking new layers of the cave.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate it 8.7/10, with 89% completing the main cave within 15 hours. Critics praise its “zen-like flow” (PC Gamer) and “addictive upgrade loop” (IGN). Average playtime is 12.3 hours, though 25% replay for alternate endings. Community moods are split: 55% “calm,” 30% “curious,” and 15% “frustrated” by slow early-game progress. One player wrote, “It’s like coloring by numbers, but with geology.” Achievement completion rates are high, 92% finish the “Diamond Hands” milestone for digging 1,000 meters. The game’s 78% “Recommended” score on Steam reflects its niche appeal, with complaints about repetitive visuals in later caves.
PlayPile's Take
Digging the Forgotten Cave is a solid choice for fans of relaxed, methodical gameplay. Priced at $29.99, it offers decent value for its satisfying systems, though the lack of multiplayer or combat may deter others. The 37 achievements add replayability, but don’t force you to rush. If you enjoy games where patience pays off, like Monument Valley or Grindstone, it’s worth trying. Just don’t expect a story or fast action. For a low-stakes, high-satisfaction cave adventure, this one hits the bedrock.
Game Modes
Single player
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