SteamWorld Dig: A Fistful of Dirt

 Switch
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 97 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 97
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 97
  3. Negative: 4 out of 97

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  1. TheFlannelFox
    Feb 2, 2018
    8
    Originally released in 2013, the indie smash hit has now dug its way onto the Nintendo Switch. The predecessor to SteamWorld Dig 2, which came out last September 2017 by Image and Form.

    Playing as steam bot Rusty you arrive in Tumbleton after your deceased uncle gives you the deed to a mine and you rob his corpse of his old pickaxe. It’s your job to restore the town of Tumbleton by    Originally released in 2013, the indie smash hit has now dug its way onto the Nintendo Switch. The predecessor to SteamWorld Dig 2, which came out last September 2017 by Image and Form.

    Playing as steam bot Rusty you arrive in Tumbleton after your deceased uncle gives you the deed to a mine and you rob his corpse of his old pickaxe. It’s your job to restore the town of Tumbleton by digging for precious minerals and selling them back on the surface.

    Creating your own way as you dig through the enormous mine, which is procedurally generated for each campaign playthrough. Running into different enemies, pickups, and environments the deeper you go down. As you dig your way you’ll upgrade your gear to allow you to smash harder rocks, keep your lantern lit longer, and boost your armor to protect you from those cavernous creepy crawlies. Finding adjacent caves along the way, you also learn new skills, speedy boots that allow you to run and jump further, a drill to pulverize rocks, and a jump to break those high to reach areas. In true metroidvania fashion, allowing you to reach depths you couldn’t reach before.

    The gameplay loop of collecting minerals, selling them to come back better than ever, and dig deeper finding higher valued ore and more difficult challenges is incredible. Having a blast digging I very frequently ran out of light and found myself in the dark.

    As a platformer SteamWorld Dig isn’t very challenging to say the least, which is really nice. Normally I love the hardest platformer I can find, but the exploration and looting is so engaging that you just get lost in the discovery. There are some interesting environmental puzzles along the way, digging under huge boulders trying to create a path to the next section of the cave and if you mess up, you can exit the room and try again. Also if you dig yourself into a spot with no way out, you have the self-destruct option, taking some cash to scrap you back together and send you back to town.

    Verdict
    SteamWorld Dig is a great game that built the foundation for one of my favorite indie franchises. It’s such a solid experience that it is a fantastic to any gamers Switch library.

    Now if you're new to the Switch and haven’t played SteamWorld Dig 2, I would absolutely recommend playing SteamWorld Dig one first. As the sequel, like most great sequels, is so much more evolved than the first, moving from 2 to 1 feels like a bit of a downgrade and playing in order with this series will be the most rewarding player experience.

    That being said if you’ve beaten SteamWorld Dig 2 and are pining to throw more dirt over your shoulder, this will certainly scratch the itch.

    Be sure to watch my video review at YouTube channel TheFlannelFox    … Expand
  2. aztimh
    Feb 5, 2018
    9
    I was in a weird position with this franchise. I had heard of it but never tried it until my Nintendo Switch. Meaning I’ve played the games in reverse order. While much simpler than its sequel; Steamworld Dig is a fun 5 hour game that sets up an amazing franchise and I think it is good value for what you get from it.
  3. nusco
    Oct 26, 2018
    7
    A short but thoroughly enjoyable underground exploration that keeps you in the loop until you're done.
  4. bulger_paul
    Dec 3, 2018
    5
    I decided to check this one out after I enjoyed Steamworld Heist, and I thought it was very meh. It gets repetitive very quickly, which is especially problematic because it takes five hours or less to beat. It's fine, it just failed to make an impression on me.
  5. Deckard2
    Mar 28, 2018
    8
    Managed to pick this up in a sale on the eshop for £4 and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Plot is simple, dig and find treasure to discover why your estranged robot uncle invited you to a mining town in the middle of nowhere. Charming, colourful, an Ennio Morricone-esque soundtrack and addictive gameplay. It is rather short and I managed to complete it in one sitting at 3 1/2 hours with noManaged to pick this up in a sale on the eshop for £4 and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Plot is simple, dig and find treasure to discover why your estranged robot uncle invited you to a mining town in the middle of nowhere. Charming, colourful, an Ennio Morricone-esque soundtrack and addictive gameplay. It is rather short and I managed to complete it in one sitting at 3 1/2 hours with no real replay value. But at the price I paid who's complaining. Roll on SteamWorld Dig 2!… Expand
  6. quwip10
    May 24, 2018
    9
    This indie game is extremely fun. It has tight controls and a very simple, but rewarding concept: you dig and find treasures! There are constant bigger and better upgrades to be purchased. The saves are frequent and death is punished by an expensive loss of valuable $$. A game like this is perfect for the Switch as it is very easy to pick up, play for a bit, then put it down. The story isThis indie game is extremely fun. It has tight controls and a very simple, but rewarding concept: you dig and find treasures! There are constant bigger and better upgrades to be purchased. The saves are frequent and death is punished by an expensive loss of valuable $$. A game like this is perfect for the Switch as it is very easy to pick up, play for a bit, then put it down. The story is pretty straightforward, but kept me interested. I will pick up the sequel next!… Expand
  7. SunsetGamer
    Jun 5, 2018
    9
    A great combination of elements that I love in games - mining and selling resources, clever puzzles, great art style and a well balanced upgrade system. Cannot recommend it highly enough as a pick-up-and-play game for those who are looking for something lighthearted and fun. Returning to town can be a bit of a pain and teleporters are expensive so you end up spending a bit too much timeA great combination of elements that I love in games - mining and selling resources, clever puzzles, great art style and a well balanced upgrade system. Cannot recommend it highly enough as a pick-up-and-play game for those who are looking for something lighthearted and fun. Returning to town can be a bit of a pain and teleporters are expensive so you end up spending a bit too much time trying to get back to sell your minerals, otherwise it'd be a solid 10… Expand
  8. Don_Leudyn
    Aug 31, 2019
    8
    Un juego que cuando comienza tu primera partida no dejaras de jugarlo hasta acabarlo. perfecta jugabilidad, y hermoso diseño gráfico.
  9. Mattia9336
    Jan 6, 2020
    8
    It's a fun game with a neat concept. The game is a bit on the short side, however is really cheap, so it's definitely worth it
  10. wegie125
    Apr 22, 2018
    9
    A simplistic game but somehow it really had me attached. I didn't plan to see much through this game as it just looks like some kind of block builder clone, something that wouldn't interest me. That with the combination of a western scene, those are just about my two least favorite things in video games so for this to impress me as much as it did, I think it deserves more praise than it isA simplistic game but somehow it really had me attached. I didn't plan to see much through this game as it just looks like some kind of block builder clone, something that wouldn't interest me. That with the combination of a western scene, those are just about my two least favorite things in video games so for this to impress me as much as it did, I think it deserves more praise than it is getting. The game starts slow but by the end I actually felt attached to the characters, I actually felt something at the end. I won't spoil it but I will say that it really had me feel close throughout this game. That takes a lot for a game to manage to do that.… Expand
  11. Zodiac_A
    Jun 30, 2020
    8
    Rather unique gameplay, graphic looks great, nice story for a couple of days or a week.
  12. Locke_Cole
    Mar 24, 2018
    6
    Aunque divertido, SteamWorld Dig tiene un planteamiento bastante simple y poco inspirado, salvo en lo artístico. Es un juego sumamente depurado en su gameplay, el cual es fluido y adictivo, pero no llega a brillar del todo puesto que los niveles no se prestan para explotar al máximo sus posiblidades. Pese a esto considero que es un juego sólido y adictivo para lo que dura, no lo pasé mal yAunque divertido, SteamWorld Dig tiene un planteamiento bastante simple y poco inspirado, salvo en lo artístico. Es un juego sumamente depurado en su gameplay, el cual es fluido y adictivo, pero no llega a brillar del todo puesto que los niveles no se prestan para explotar al máximo sus posiblidades. Pese a esto considero que es un juego sólido y adictivo para lo que dura, no lo pasé mal y creo que con niveles mejor diseñados, y una cierta vuelta de tuerca para afinar detalles podría ser un juego muy interesante. Esperaré a una rebaja para ver si SteamWorld Dig 2 mejora en lo que he señalado.… Expand
  13. EdwardG
    Jul 27, 2020
    6
    Steamworld Dig is fairly limited in scope and it's a very short experience, but it has a very addictive gameplay loop in digging progressively further down a mine to find more and more valuable gems while periodically coming back to the surface to sell them and buy upgrades to your gear. There are also new abilities to be found down the mine to help you keep going further down too. It'sSteamworld Dig is fairly limited in scope and it's a very short experience, but it has a very addictive gameplay loop in digging progressively further down a mine to find more and more valuable gems while periodically coming back to the surface to sell them and buy upgrades to your gear. There are also new abilities to be found down the mine to help you keep going further down too. It's pretty simple but it is fun.

    There's a mostly barebones story and a boss fight at the end that's just okay. The visuals are fine but nothing special, and music seemed to be absent for a lot of the game. Again though, it must be said that this is a fun game that doesn't overstay it's welcome. It's well worth picking up as it often goes on sale to just a couple quid.    … Expand
  14. GlennGlenny
    Jun 6, 2018
    7
    I went back to this after some time after completing Dig2 having dropped off about half way through previously, This time I was able able to push through and the game is quite enjoyable, I felt it was maybe a little harder although that could have been because it's more laborious than its successor with fewer teleports and ways to get back to the surface there's more traversing up and downI went back to this after some time after completing Dig2 having dropped off about half way through previously, This time I was able able to push through and the game is quite enjoyable, I felt it was maybe a little harder although that could have been because it's more laborious than its successor with fewer teleports and ways to get back to the surface there's more traversing up and down to be done. The great writing and characters are evident in this game and it has charm aplenty if you can stick it though those frustrations.… Expand
  15. titten
    Sep 23, 2022
    10
    Flawless Switch port of a very cool game. Controls are great and responsive, graphics are very good and the progression system is solid.
  16. ALTYN
    Jun 15, 2021
    5
    The game is ok if you want to spend about 5 hours, but there are tons of better games to be honest. Spelunky or Terraria are better games in similar jenres
  17. JosephBurke
    Feb 1, 2020
    8
    Very simple mechanics and has an amazing storyline. The art style is stunning and is perfect for the switch.
  18. Nitroade24
    Sep 1, 2020
    7
    Fun gameplay loop with some fun powerups along the way but it gets repetitive at points. It laid the groundwork for the even more brilliant sequel.
  19. Gerdo
    Jun 30, 2020
    8
    Nice little gem overall. Really enjoyed the time I invested. Charming characters.
  20. patrickmurphy09
    Aug 30, 2020
    8
    This was my first entry into the SteamWorld series, and it set me on a path to loving what these developers could do. Gameplay is both fun and relaxing--oddly satisfying to simply dig and explore. And just when you thought you had a good grasp of what the gameplay would continue to entail, the game switches it up and takes you on a whole new course. Like other games in the series, the artThis was my first entry into the SteamWorld series, and it set me on a path to loving what these developers could do. Gameplay is both fun and relaxing--oddly satisfying to simply dig and explore. And just when you thought you had a good grasp of what the gameplay would continue to entail, the game switches it up and takes you on a whole new course. Like other games in the series, the art design is lovely and music is delightful. What a fun experience!… Expand
  21. abrus
    Apr 9, 2023
    10
    I love this game so much! I finished it 3 times on my 3DS, then got it again on Switch for less than $4. Everything here is so polished and well-executed, and there is a great atmosphere as you explore the caves below. The rate of progression feels just right, and the new upgrades you acquire are all so useful / necessary to completing deeper levels of the mine. Highly recommended! (HeistI love this game so much! I finished it 3 times on my 3DS, then got it again on Switch for less than $4. Everything here is so polished and well-executed, and there is a great atmosphere as you explore the caves below. The rate of progression feels just right, and the new upgrades you acquire are all so useful / necessary to completing deeper levels of the mine. Highly recommended! (Heist is still my favorite though!) Note: If you are finishing this game in 4 or 5 hours you are rushing through it! 7 to 8 hours is a more realistic play through.… Expand
  22. PS1Snake
    Nov 12, 2021
    7
    This game was fun. It's worth the small amount the game actually costs. It isn't super difficult, I really only died a lot when there were a lot of enemies surrounding my loot, but it stays for a while so it isn't a big deal if you leave the your ores until you're prepared. I don't know why but I decided to replay this game 2 weeks ago instead of playing one of the 3000 games on my backlogThis game was fun. It's worth the small amount the game actually costs. It isn't super difficult, I really only died a lot when there were a lot of enemies surrounding my loot, but it stays for a while so it isn't a big deal if you leave the your ores until you're prepared. I don't know why but I decided to replay this game 2 weeks ago instead of playing one of the 3000 games on my backlog but I did and I enjoyed it even more. The characters aren't memorable at all, and it isn't super revolutionary, but the main gameplay loop is entertaining enough to the end. Also I give it bonus points for getting me to play Hollow Knight.… Expand
  23. ophone
    Aug 27, 2023
    7
    Basically a great game. Its setting, its gameplay, its graphics and its sound effects are all top notch for such a game and it gives great satisfaction to dig deeper into the mine to gather different metals and gems.
    But it's definitely too short.
  24. Matthew257
    Feb 26, 2023
    10
    i got this game for like 2$ on discount and it turned out to be a phenomenal game, this game is soo good for the price I most certainly will be buying the sequel soon!
    -Matthew
  25. chosen0ne
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    The style, the mining, the platforming, the exploration, it's all just SO GOOD!!! Brilliant indie game. Everyone should play this and its even better sequel.
  26. attemptatreason
    Nov 18, 2021
    8
    Great solid game. Similar to 'mothership' with elements of combat. Good fun game to play albeit short
  27. ironfoam
    Apr 23, 2022
    5
    I found the game a bit too repetative. It had some entertaining aspects to it and cool graphics, but it was not enough to really get me fully engaged.
  28. Oddlennon
    Oct 16, 2022
    7
    This game was fun while it lasted. My only issue is that it abruptly stopped.
    I thought I’d moved onto a next level or something, but no. Just the end of the game.

Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Worth Playing
    Jul 13, 2018
    73
    As a sum of its parts, Steamworld Dig: A Fistful of Dirt still holds up reasonably well. If you haven't jumped in yet, start your journey here before tackling the sequel. The gameplay may feel limited if you've already completed the sequel, but A Fistful of Dirt is still an incredibly fun platformer.
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  2. DarkStation
    Mar 2, 2018
    70
    Overall SteamWorld Dig has a lot of potential for some fun. Unfortunately, due to the tedium of going to and from the town to make money just isn’t for me. It’s a very well built game though, so if you like grinding, or if it doesn’t bother you, you like can’t go wrong with SteamWorld Dig. However, if you’re like me and tedious tasks tend to gnaw at your attention very quickly maybe give this one a pass and try Spelunky instead.
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  3. Gaming Nexus
    Feb 28, 2018
    80
    Steamworld Dig is a fun game, but it’s pretty short and can get repetitive after a while. My first playthrough clocked in at just under four hours and most of the game is mining, going back to town to cash out and upgrade, and repeat. That said though, Steamworld Dig is still a good game, and ten dollars is a decent price for it, but just take note that more expert level gamers might be disappointed in how short the game can be.
    Read full review
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