SteamWorld Dig 2

 Switch
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 381 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 324 out of 381
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 381
  3. Negative: 19 out of 381
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  1. Rtheom
    Sep 25, 2017
    9
    This is a fantastic little game and was a system seller for me. I bought a Switch just to play this game and I am not disappointed. It plays very similar to the first with a few tweaks and additions that keep things interesting, but the heart of the game is still there. The controls are as tight as ever, the secrets and challenges throughout the game are well thought out and fun, the musicThis is a fantastic little game and was a system seller for me. I bought a Switch just to play this game and I am not disappointed. It plays very similar to the first with a few tweaks and additions that keep things interesting, but the heart of the game is still there. The controls are as tight as ever, the secrets and challenges throughout the game are well thought out and fun, the music sets the mood of the areas you're in nicely, and I can easily see myself playing through this several times. If this is the only game that I play on the Switch, I would still consider it $300 well spent.… Expand
  2. ricklongo
    Oct 18, 2017
    9
    I may be wrong, but I think the original Steamworld Dig was my first indie purchase on my 3DS. So, in a way, it's the precursor to the love for downloadable titles that has defined my gaming habits this decade. I guess one can only wonder how much stronger that effect would have been if that game was Steamworld Dig 2 instead, as this sequel takes an already addictive formula and goesI may be wrong, but I think the original Steamworld Dig was my first indie purchase on my 3DS. So, in a way, it's the precursor to the love for downloadable titles that has defined my gaming habits this decade. I guess one can only wonder how much stronger that effect would have been if that game was Steamworld Dig 2 instead, as this sequel takes an already addictive formula and goes completely nuts with it. In a good way, if you can't already tell.

    You play as Dorothy (or Dot), who gets to the city of Tumbleton looking for Rusty, the player character in the previous game. The game's world is a post-apocalyptic yet colorful land, inhabited mostly by steam-powered Robots, and strange earthquakes have been worrying Tumbletonians about the city's future. As such, Dot agrees to enter the mines below the city, previously explored by Rusty, to investigate, while looking for her friend's whereabouts.

    The gameplay follows closely in the footsteps of the first title, meaning it's got an extremely addictive loop. You go down the mine, dig around, collect minerals, find new weapons and upgrades, then comes back to the surface once your backpack is full. The main difference is that, quite literally, the entire world of the first Steamworld Dig is a single are in this sequel.

    I know, bigger isn't necessarily better, but my goodness did Image & Form deliver the goods when it comes to gameplay progression. This is, simply put, one of the most satisfying metroidvanias I've ever played, by virtue of how it manages to keep giving you new abilities that seem overpowered in the surface, but feel just right in practice. They make traversing previous areas a breeze, but are integrated into new ones in smart ways, so that the difficulty curve never feels dampened. It's really a masterclass in open 2D level design.

    Aside from the 'main' weapons and items found in secret chambers, Steamworld Dig 2 allows you to use cogs (which are found during your exploration) to upgrade various aspects of Dot's abilities. By going back to the surface, you can add new cogs to new slots, or even exchange old ones, and as such customize your own skill tree. This helps immensely in the exploration, which is the game's true meat, but also in bosses (which, sadly, are few and far between) and puzzle-solving.

    If you manage to get 100% of the items in each of the game's various areas, there's also post-game content in the form of a series of gauntlets. Those dial the challenge all the way up, requiring you to truly master everything you've learned during the game if you hope to succeed.

    TL;DR:
    The first Steamworld Dig was a lovely and unique metroidvania. This sequel is exactly that, except with an incredibly larger scope, featuring many more areas, themes, and mechanics. With a super addictive gameplay loop and almost perfect design in levels, puzzles, items, and abilities, Steamworld Dig 2 is destined to go down as one of the original gems in the Switch indie scene.

    Rating: 9.5    … Expand
  3. MooX
    Sep 24, 2017
    10
    The best indie game on switch, gorgeous game served by a wonderful game design! The world feels dense and it's fun and pleasant to explore, the story is not the craziest but it's well written and awesome to follow. A must buy!
  4. Zeriel
    Jun 14, 2018
    10
    This is a MUST OWN on Nintendo Switch. I have a ton of Indy games including Celeste and this is hands down the best Indy game on the system. The game is a fun Metroid style digging game and highly addictive. Some people say the game is short but taking my time and finding everything I got 17 hours out of it, for the price you can't beat it. If I had ONE complaint it was that the storyThis is a MUST OWN on Nintendo Switch. I have a ton of Indy games including Celeste and this is hands down the best Indy game on the system. The game is a fun Metroid style digging game and highly addictive. Some people say the game is short but taking my time and finding everything I got 17 hours out of it, for the price you can't beat it. If I had ONE complaint it was that the story could've been more fleshed out, but since I consider it a must own and it's so cheap It absolutely deserves a 10.

    Buy it now!    … Expand
  5. Daug
    Oct 3, 2017
    10
    firstly, my score is 9.5, but i had round it, so i chose to round it up.
    steamworld dig 2 is hands down the BEST switch game, apart from zelda.
    100%ing the game took me a solid 20 hours, which is very worth it for a 20$ game. every part of this game is amazing and addictive. a huge highlights is the extra content for complitionists- i wont spoil it, but its super challenging and    firstly, my score is 9.5, but i had round it, so i chose to round it up.
    steamworld dig 2 is hands down the BEST switch game, apart from zelda.
    100%ing the game took me a solid 20 hours, which is very worth it for a 20$ game.
    every part of this game is amazing and addictive.
    a huge highlights is the extra content for complitionists- i wont spoil it, but its super challenging and refreshing.

    the ONLY complaint i have with this game is that after unlocking the hookshot, the wall jumpimg becomes useless. and after unlocking the jet engine, the hook shot becomes useless. this makes returning to past areas of the game feel like childsplay, while skipping some puzzles almost entirely.

    final score is 9.5, its absolutely fantastic. GO BUY THIS GAME RIGHT NOW!!    … Expand
  6. GBG_Jason
    Sep 29, 2017
    9
    Imagine an Earth that didn’t take the path that it did. Instead, imagine that steam was the major form of power for all devices. Yes, imagine a steampunk world where war desolated the planet and the only way to survive was to dig. Dig for treasure, dig for materials, dig for life. There have been several games made in the SteamWorld, but the most recent is a sequel to a fairly popularImagine an Earth that didn’t take the path that it did. Instead, imagine that steam was the major form of power for all devices. Yes, imagine a steampunk world where war desolated the planet and the only way to survive was to dig. Dig for treasure, dig for materials, dig for life. There have been several games made in the SteamWorld, but the most recent is a sequel to a fairly popular entry that involved a whole lot of digging.

    Three years later, the fine folks at Image & Form Games release the sequel, and while I didn’t love the first, SteamWorld Heist was certainly up my alley, so I figured I’d give it another shot. I’m not sure if I just wasn’t in the right frame of mind with the first one or what, but I was immediately enamored with SteamWorld Dig 2. The game is absolutely beautiful, and the western twang for the soundtrack certainly gives it character. I knew from the get go that the game wouldn’t just be about digging, as there is a decent amount of platforming and a boss fight within minutes. Well, not so much a boss, but a good indication of what was to come.

    You play as a Dorothy (Dot), a Steambot looking for Rusty, the main character from the first entry. There are a series of mysterious earthquakes, and it’s possible that the rumblings and the missing Steambot are connected. Why and how are up to you to figure out. You’ll meet an assortment of characters on your journey, each with their own bits of amusing dialogue, as well as your own sidekick that would love for something bad to happen to anyone and everyone.

    During your trek through the mines, you’ll come across varied enemies and landscapes. What starts off almost like a puzzle game soon becomes much deeper with the new equipment you receive, such as the luxurious hookshot and jetpack. It’s honestly amazing just how much the game opens up after a few hours – it’s almost as if it changes genres. Learning the best way to battle enemies, finding all the secrets that the game has to offer, and solving the story’s mystery is truly something that makes me consider going back to the original to give it another chance.

    There is one major difference between the first and second game though. The first was procedurally generated, whereas the second is handcrafted. I don’t have any qualms with making a game either way – Spelunky is one of my favorite platformers, but that almost feels handcrafted the way Derek created it. It’s possible I felt a much stronger connection with this one from the start because of the love put into the level design. Outside of the digging that you’ll be spending most of your time with, there are some rooms with specific solutions that are checked off once you not only complete the obvious puzzle, but find all the secrets within. These will offer artifacts that can be traded for blue prints to enhance your gear, and you’ll also find cogs which are used to equip said upgrades.

    Weapon upgrades are also made available as you level up your gear with the treasure you find in the mines to sell. Is your light running out too fast? Is the radius it lights up too small? Is digging with your pickaxe taking to long? Do you want to boost the distance your pressure bombs go before exploding? All of these things (and many more) are available to you as you upgrade your gear with cogs, and each one feels necessary. Don’t worry though, you aren’t stuck with your decisions. If you decide one of the upgrades isn’t for you, just respec. You’ll also want to make sure you’re killing enemies, as they boost your experience, and each level gained gives an added bonus to the amount you sell your treasure for, meaning more upgrades.

    While spending time in the mines, you’ll come across tubes that you can open up that serve as fast-travel points. In some cases, these may mean life or death for your character. At one point I had run out of light and had mined down in a way that I couldn’t make my way back up. Luckily I was able to make it to a new tube without dying, as that would mean losing a good amount of my findings. The gameplay structure of traversing the mines for treasure, making progress to your next goal, and upgrading your gear is as rewarding as it gets in this type of game. And if you’re able to more or less 100% the game, you’re able to continue past the final boss, which will no doubt be the end of the game for many.

    If you enjoyed the original, you’ll love SteamWorld Dig 2. As someone that thought the first was fine, I’m amazed at how much improvement there was in the second. There’s so much to do and so much to see. It’s been a great year for indie sequels; Image and Form continues that trend with this. Pro tip: if you have a Switch or Vita, this game is perfect for short bursts on the go.    … Expand
  7. aztimh
    Feb 5, 2018
    10
    My first experience in this wacky little franchise was with this game. I did not know what to expect but soon discovered that Image & Form have created an incredible franchise. One I would recommend to everyone. The charm is there in the characters, dialogue, story, music, design, puzzles and all; something that is often lacking in the mass market of gaming these days. Very at home onMy first experience in this wacky little franchise was with this game. I did not know what to expect but soon discovered that Image & Form have created an incredible franchise. One I would recommend to everyone. The charm is there in the characters, dialogue, story, music, design, puzzles and all; something that is often lacking in the mass market of gaming these days. Very at home on Nintendo Switch. 10/10… Expand
  8. nusco
    Mar 31, 2019
    8
    SteamWorld Dig was already a very good little game. SteamWorld Dig 2 takes everything that worked in the first game, and supercharges it. The charming "robots in the old west" setting is the same, and so is the game loop: dig for a while, collect resources, travel back to the basecamp, upgrade, repeat.

    Where the first Dig was almost skeletal in its simplicity, however, this second game    SteamWorld Dig was already a very good little game. SteamWorld Dig 2 takes everything that worked in the first game, and supercharges it. The charming "robots in the old west" setting is the same, and so is the game loop: dig for a while, collect resources, travel back to the basecamp, upgrade, repeat.

    Where the first Dig was almost skeletal in its simplicity, however, this second game adds some much-needed diversity to its environments, and a map that extends in multiple directions instead of just downwards. You could argue whether the first Dig deserved to be called a "metroidvania", but this second one definitely does. Some areas are not accessible until you get movement upgrades, and you get those signature metroidvania moments where you suddenly connect to a known area.

    Speaking of movement upgrades: the most powerful ones are a mixed bag. Minor spoiler: the jet engine improves your quality of life and guarantees that you won't struggle to traverse heavily mined areas, like in the first game. However, you could argue that it makes your life a bit *too* easy. Once you can fly around, the entire point of the game (digging tunnels) becomes moot: you just happily move around the map with barely any limitations whatsoever. On one side, this upgrade is very welcome–on the other, it almost nullifies the premise of the game, and removes almost all the challenge from the endgame.

    The Image & Form team is great at building compelling upgrade and exploration loops that hook you in and make you want to have just one more go, and this game is no exception. It's not a must play like SteamWorld Heist, but it works perfectly as a nice chilled diversion.    … Expand
  9. kzollove
    Mar 19, 2019
    8
    I couldn't put this beautiful and addicting game down once I started it. The boss battles felt a little lackluster, until the final boss, which posed a good challenge. While I had a great time finding secrets throughout the game, the end came too fast. Since it has been over, I have not gone back to it once. A great game that ended too soon, but jam packs a valuable experience in a shortI couldn't put this beautiful and addicting game down once I started it. The boss battles felt a little lackluster, until the final boss, which posed a good challenge. While I had a great time finding secrets throughout the game, the end came too fast. Since it has been over, I have not gone back to it once. A great game that ended too soon, but jam packs a valuable experience in a short timeframe.… Expand
  10. Flammie
    Nov 15, 2020
    8
    Steamworld dig 2 is a sequel to excellent treasure digging adventure. Unlike steamworld dig, the caves in the sequel are hand-drawn and not generated, which makes really good gameplay with well-hid secrets that are satisfying to hunt for. The game is not super long or hard, which makes it a perfect on the go playing or while you are wanting some easier games in between. The graphics areSteamworld dig 2 is a sequel to excellent treasure digging adventure. Unlike steamworld dig, the caves in the sequel are hand-drawn and not generated, which makes really good gameplay with well-hid secrets that are satisfying to hunt for. The game is not super long or hard, which makes it a perfect on the go playing or while you are wanting some easier games in between. The graphics are good retro-style, a bit too busy at times for my taste, so I cannot easily recognise everything that's going on on the screen and what parts of the screen are background or foreground or blocks or not. This however gets easier after first few hours of the game in most of the cave settings, the game starts in a desert that is particularly clutttered. The music is not memorable, sound effects do their job. Good buy if you find it in discounts.… Expand
  11. MediaFreak
    Oct 28, 2017
    10
    I don't really like giving things a 10, but literally my only complaint with this game was that finished it and wanted more.

    But 10 hours for 15 quid is a solid return. I'd love steamworld dig 3 to be absolutely huge. The art style is gorgeous, the music and atmosphere is perfect, digging for teasure is tonnes of fun, the levelling up system, the puzzles, boss fights. All of it, no    I don't really like giving things a 10, but literally my only complaint with this game was that finished it and wanted more.

    But 10 hours for 15 quid is a solid return. I'd love steamworld dig 3 to be absolutely huge.

    The art style is gorgeous, the music and atmosphere is perfect, digging for teasure is tonnes of fun, the levelling up system, the puzzles, boss fights. All of it, no complaints.

    Mighy have to go play the first game now, but so glad i found this one, beats shovel knight as my fave indie game ever.    … Expand
  12. ps4lover
    Sep 30, 2017
    10
    this game is so incredible and fun digging the caves but this game is way better than first one because this game has everything that first one doesn't have. i recommend anyone to this game who love that kind of game
  13. LuccaSSC
    Jan 2, 2018
    9
    SteamWorld Dig 2 retains the core gameplay loop of digging for riches, but layers in stronger RPG elements.
  14. b00lpr0p
    Jan 18, 2019
    8
    Well designed. It starts easy but it gets more difficult as the levels progress. Good game at all, you should try it.
  15. kirkender
    Oct 12, 2019
    9
    I couldn't stop playing. A near perfect game. So much to do, great difficulty level, I'd play a new Dig game every year if they made them.
  16. rodericrinehart
    Jan 2, 2018
    9
    First off, Steamworld is an amazing universe. Image and Form have crafted it with love and humor, and I've really enjoyed my time in it. Steamworld Dig 1 and 2 were both polished game loops that were just fun. Steamworld Heist blew me away because it really was XCOM in 2D, but much cuter, funnier, and fairer. Steamworld Dig 2 is a great sequel because it improves on the first one in everyFirst off, Steamworld is an amazing universe. Image and Form have crafted it with love and humor, and I've really enjoyed my time in it. Steamworld Dig 1 and 2 were both polished game loops that were just fun. Steamworld Heist blew me away because it really was XCOM in 2D, but much cuter, funnier, and fairer. Steamworld Dig 2 is a great sequel because it improves on the first one in every way AND doesn't overstay its welcome with padding. It is concise and respects your time and skill, but has an amazing amount of replayability and collectible-hunting if desired.… Expand
  17. bulger_paul
    Dec 3, 2018
    9
    This is a near perfect 2D platforming adventure game, I only wish there was more of it. It lasts a decent amount, just under ten hours, but by the end I found myself wishing for more, though I guess it isn't necessarily a bad thing to be enjoying a game so much that I just want a little more of it.

    When it comes to 2D indie platformer/action/adventure games that have come to the Switch    This is a near perfect 2D platforming adventure game, I only wish there was more of it. It lasts a decent amount, just under ten hours, but by the end I found myself wishing for more, though I guess it isn't necessarily a bad thing to be enjoying a game so much that I just want a little more of it.

    When it comes to 2D indie platformer/action/adventure games that have come to the Switch in 2018, this doesn't quite hold a candle to Hollow Knight, Celeste, or Dead Cells, but if you've already played all three of those, this is a great place to go next.    … Expand
  18. striggowski
    Sep 26, 2017
    9
    Liebevolle Grafik mit dem bekannten Metroidvania Gameplay. Einzig die geringe Anzahl an Bossgegnern und die wenige Abwechslung in den Kämpfen sind kleinere Kritikpunkte. Absolute Empfehlung für alle, die dieses Genre mögen. Läuft auf der Switch hervorragend und ohne Bugs.
  19. sinetic
    Feb 14, 2022
    10
    Excellent adicting game. Super fun to upgrade your gear and explore more. Makes you want a sequel.
  20. JJTX
    Mar 24, 2019
    10
    Image & Form is the kind of developer that gains a following of dedicated players who will buy every new game they release sight unseen, because they have an amazing track record. SteamWorld Dig 2 is a great example of why I'm one of these I&F devotees -- it is an almost perfect sequel to what was already a fantastic game. With an addictive gameplay loop, engrossing soundtrack, cleverImage & Form is the kind of developer that gains a following of dedicated players who will buy every new game they release sight unseen, because they have an amazing track record. SteamWorld Dig 2 is a great example of why I'm one of these I&F devotees -- it is an almost perfect sequel to what was already a fantastic game. With an addictive gameplay loop, engrossing soundtrack, clever writing, endearing characters, and expert level design, SWD2 is among the best games of this generation. If you enjoy MetroidVania-type adventure games or solid platformers, you'll find lots to love about the latest chapter in the SteamWorld series.… Expand
  21. thryce3
    Jun 22, 2022
    8
    Has the same addicting gameplay as the first game with improved game design and a bit more interesting story. I hope the 3rd game continues that trajectory.
  22. blawren4
    Jan 10, 2018
    10
    Great game and had a great time from beginning to end. Mining for ore doesn't feel like grinding or ore. You will want to get every last one. This is my first Steamworld game and I'll be awaiting future titles. Proof that great games don't need big budgets, big prices, and huge playtimes. Well done.
  23. Kaneris
    Nov 25, 2017
    8
    Really enjoyable and entertaiment game.
    If you love Metroidvania, puzzles and a game with personality this is for you. I really recommend it
  24. Grubhead
    Sep 29, 2017
    10
    I have not played the first Steamworld Dig, having assumed it was just another indie platformer that would sit in my collection unfinished. After getting the Nintendo Switch I have been reading about upcoming games and came across Steamworld Dig 2.

    I thought I would read some of the reviews from the first game and see what this new one was all about. I admit that the game trailer wasn't    I have not played the first Steamworld Dig, having assumed it was just another indie platformer that would sit in my collection unfinished. After getting the Nintendo Switch I have been reading about upcoming games and came across Steamworld Dig 2.

    I thought I would read some of the reviews from the first game and see what this new one was all about. I admit that the game trailer wasn't all that exciting...but decided to give it a try.

    What an awesome game!

    I played through and enjoyed almost all of it (there were a few challenging parts that I was just not prepared for). The only real complaint would be that it is too short of a game, but for the price it is worth the ~10 hours of gameplay. I'm not sure if I would play through it again, but I will likely pick up after the last save and see if I can complete all of the caves.

    The game feels very well paced with goodies and upgrades coming steadily, but not easily (played on Normal mode). The graphics are pleasing and the gameplay is smooth. I was impressed by how smooth the controls felt. Only two issues held me back a bit (I wanted to swing my pickaxe in the air and the jetpack is tricky through spiky areas).

    I am excited for a Steamworld Dig 3!    … Expand
  25. WereSuricat
    Nov 3, 2017
    10
    The first game was a pretty cool game... The second .. Wow.. If you like a game with a lot of puzzle and element of platforming with so many upgrade to find and twick then its the right game for you. For my part just love to take time to search everyting and after 15 hours I search for the next upgrade. The game never get boring because you always find something new and that you have toThe first game was a pretty cool game... The second .. Wow.. If you like a game with a lot of puzzle and element of platforming with so many upgrade to find and twick then its the right game for you. For my part just love to take time to search everyting and after 15 hours I search for the next upgrade. The game never get boring because you always find something new and that you have to return to a old cave to find .. at last, the treasure... Fantastic game, graphic beautiful and fun factor at max !!!… Expand
  26. klasflod
    Jan 11, 2018
    8
    This game is just plain fun. Dig, dig, dig. Discover, discover, discover. The gameplay loop is fantastically addicting.
  27. thealexmott
    Oct 20, 2017
    9
    A great follow-up to Steamworld Dig. It expands on the previous game and refines mechanics in ways that really enhance the experience. Some of the hardware upgrades you'll acquire feel like a godsend. My only criticism is that the optional final challenges (which you can access for 100%-ing the rest of the game) are INSANELY difficult. Until then, the game's difficulty level seemedA great follow-up to Steamworld Dig. It expands on the previous game and refines mechanics in ways that really enhance the experience. Some of the hardware upgrades you'll acquire feel like a godsend. My only criticism is that the optional final challenges (which you can access for 100%-ing the rest of the game) are INSANELY difficult. Until then, the game's difficulty level seemed perfect. Even watching people make it through the final challenges on YouTube, I couldn't manage some of them, as the controls must be very exact and precise.

    But that's not that big of a deal, as they're completely optional. If you ever enjoyed the first game or the old flash game Motherload, you should buy this game.    … Expand
  28. Madmortagan68
    Sep 29, 2017
    9
    I love this game! One of the best Metroidvania titles I've played in years. The music, controls, progression, exploration, and appearance are all top notch. Some of the platforming challenges were Very hard which is a big plus for. I wish it were a bit longer but I'll definitely come back again and again for years to come
  29. StevenGreen
    Sep 22, 2017
    9
    Image & Form Games strikes gold (or other minerals) again with this amazing sequel. If you liked the previous titles from this studio, indie games in general, or other games in the Spelunky/Terarria style, then this is a MUST PLAY and is in the running for the best indie title of 2017.
  30. Oudekerk
    Oct 26, 2017
    8
    Good story, fun, and a great game. a lot of fun...
    BUT
    sadly enough, quite short (for my tastes) i tried completionist but i was done in 11 hours without any guides.

    still a great game but i'll leave whether or not it's worth it's price up to you
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best Switch Game of 2017
19
#19 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
30
#30 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Feb 16, 2018
    80
    SteamWorld Dig 2 is a textbook sequel. It is bigger, nicer and more addictive, but still without a good story. Despite the shortcomings, this is still a funny game. [Issue#279]
  2. CD-Action
    Dec 19, 2017
    90
    I wish everyone who develops platform games understood movement mechanics as good as Image & Form. SteamWorld Dig 2 is a very good game in every aspect, but the cherry on top is the joy that comes from running around, jumping and climbing. [12/2017, p.62]
  3. IGN Japan
    Dec 15, 2017
    82
    Steam World Dig 2 is one of the very best side-scrolling games on the Nintendo Switch, and it is the perfect game to play in between the system’s masterpieces.
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