SteamWorld Dig 2

About SteamWorld Dig 2

SteamWorld Dig 2 launched on September 21, 2017 as a sequel from Swedish studio Image & Form. This indie adventure blends platforming and puzzle elements into a tight loop of vertical exploration. You control Dorothy, a steambot searching for clues about her missing friend while digging through a world hit by strange earthquakes. The game ships on nearly every major console including PlayStation 4, Switch, Xbox One, and PC alongside Linux and Mac support. It stands out as a single-player focused title that rewards patience and precise movement. Critics immediately recognized the polish in this follow-up to their earlier mining hit, marking it as a standout entry in the genre since its release.

Gameplay

You start by digging straight down with your drill while managing limited stamina. The core loop involves breaking blocks, collecting gold, and avoiding falling debris or enemies that ambush you from the dark. Once you reach certain depths you gain tools like a hookshot to swing across gaps or a jet engine for vertical flight. Combat happens in real time as you dodge attacks from shadow creatures and haunted machinery before striking back. Every session feels short enough to grab but long enough to unlock new upgrades that let you access harder areas. You constantly backtrack through familiar tunnels to find hidden passages or secret rooms filled with treasure. The controls feel responsive, making precise jumps essential when a single mistake sends you tumbling into spikes.

What Players Think

Critics and players alike agree this title hits the mark hard. Metacritic holds an 88 out of 100 while OpenCritic shows 97.62% of reviewers recommend it. IGDB lists an 85.8 rating based on 198 user scores. The community moods lean heavily toward positive vibes with players praising the zen-like pacing described by God is a Geek as a brilliant slice of gaming. Average playtime for completions sits around 12 hours though many stick around much longer to hunt every achievement. There are 34 total achievements available with an average unlock rate of just 26%. The rarest challenge "The Impossible Dream" only unlocks for 2.50% of players who master the endgame mechanics.

PlayPile's Take

SteamWorld Dig 2 is worth your time if you enjoy methodical exploration over fast reflexes. At a low price point of $1.19 on GOG, it offers incredible value compared to other metroidvania titles. The achievement structure provides plenty of replayability for those who want to see every hidden secret. Dorothy's journey feels complete without needing constant grinding sessions. You should play this if you like games where progress feels earned through careful digging rather than luck. Avoid it only if you prefer action-heavy combat with no pause for resource management.

Storyline

"In search of her lost friend, a lone steambot and her unlikely companion must dig deep, gain riches and explore an underworld riddled with danger. But time is running short…"