Prepare to descend into a world of mystery and mechanical marvels in SteamWorld Dig 2. As the highly anticipated sequel to the original mining adventure, this title expands upon its predecessor's foundation with more vibrant visuals, cleverer puzzles, and an even deeper sense of exploration. Players step into the boots of Dorothy, a steambot driven by a singular mission: to find her lost friend, Rusty, and uncover the truth behind the mysterious earthquakes striking the trading town of El Machino.

A Metroidvania Mining Adventure

SteamWorld Dig 2 is a platforming mining adventure forged in the fires of the Metroidvania genre. The gameplay loop is as addictive as it is rewarding: venture deep underground into the earth's crust, excavate valuable ores and treasures, and return to the surface to trade your spoils for cash. This gold can then be reinvested into essential gear upgrades—such as your pickaxe, armor, and lantern—to help you survive even more dangerous depths.

Unlike the strictly vertical descent of the first game, this sequel introduces a more varied level design. While much of the action takes place digging through the earth, players will also encounter horizontal-focused environments and complex puzzles. This shift prevents the gameplay from feeling repetitive and allows for much more intricate platforming challenges across lava pools, large chasms, and spiked traps.

New Tools and Expanded Abilities

The sequel introduces groundbreaking gadgetry that fundamentally changes how you traverse the underworld. Two standout additions include:

  • The Hookshot: Allows you to swing across massive gaps and navigate the terrain with precision.
  • The Jet Engine: Grants a sensation of flight, letting you soar through caves and bypass obstacles.

In addition to these movement tools, players can collect cogs—a new resource that acts as skill points. By spending cogs, you can unlock powerful passive abilities, ranging from sprinting to explosives, making every corner of the map worth exploring.

Key Features

  • Deep Exploration: Dig through the crust of the planet to uncover hidden secrets, treasures, and ancient electrical threats.
  • Dynamic Combat: Battle shadowy creatures and dangerous enemies lurking within the twisted paths of the underground.
  • Character Progression: Utilize a robust upgrade system to enhance your gear and expand your capabilities using collected cogs.
  • Quality of Life Improvements: Navigate more efficiently with new teleporter tubes that whisk you back to town, and enjoy automatic health restoration upon returning to the surface.

Who is this game for?

With its accessible mechanics and "gateway" design, SteamWorld Dig 2 is perfect for players who may be new to the platformer or Metroidvania genres. However, its deep upgrade systems and complex level layouts also offer plenty of satisfaction for seasoned veterans looking for a polished, high-quality indie experience. If you enjoy exploration-driven gameplay paired with charming characters and beautiful art, this is a must-play.

Platform Availability: PC (Windows), Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, and Vita.