SteamWorld Dig

The steampunk western action-adventure SteamWorld Dig is currently free, for Windows, 100% free to keep, in a limited-time Steam’s giveaway! Take advantage of the offer, as SteamWorld Dig normally costs US$9.99!

SteamWorld Dig, or SteamWorld Dig: A Fistful of Dirt, is an indie action-adventure and platformer where you control Rusty, a small steam-powered robot who arrives in a tiny Old West town to work in the mine he inherited from his uncle. The game was developed by Image & Form and was originally released on August 7, 2013.

This title is the second installment in the SteamWorld series, following SteamWorld Tower Defense, and focuses on digging through the town’s mine, which also involves solving puzzles and handling platforming challenges to avoid traps and enemies.

Published by Image & Form Games themselves, SteamWorld Dig was released for Nintendo 3DS, Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Wii U, Switch, and Stadia. The game was well received by critics and, at least at the time of this post, holds very positive ratings on major online gaming platforms. In 2017, it received a direct sequel: SteamWorld Dig 2.

You can get the game here!

Trailer

Gameplay

SteamWorld Dig is a 2D platform game focused on mining resources and treasures, where you control Rusty, a steam-powered robot who inherits a mine from his uncle in the old Wild West town of Tumbleton. Initially armed with only a pickaxe, Rusty explores the depths of the earth, unearthing secrets and collecting ores and gems.

The goal of the game is to progress deeper and deeper into the mine, finding treasures, equipment and new abilities that allow access to previously inaccessible areas. Along the way, Rusty obtains additional tools, such as drills, dynamite and flashlights, which make digging and fighting enemies easier. However, some of these tools consume limited resources, such as water, which can be refilled in reservoirs found inside the mine.

In addition to dealing with enemies that have different attack patterns and weak points, the player also needs to face traps, solve small lever puzzles and overcome platforming challenges. An important element is physics: when digging under certain rocks, gravity can make them collapse on Rusty, requiring attention and planning.

The collected minerals and gems can be sold on the surface in exchange for money, which can be used to buy permanent improvements, such as increased health, greater load capacity or new equipment. Some also require the collection of energy spheres, scattered throughout the caves.

To facilitate movement between the surface and deeper levels, the game offers options such as elevators and teleporters. If Rusty dies during exploration, he returns to the surface upon payment of a repair fee, and it is possible to recover the items left at the site of death. With each new game, the mine layout is procedurally generated, causing the location of treasures, enemies and resources to vary, increasing the replayability of the game.

About the game

A digging adventure in a Steam-powered Frontier…

SteamWorld Dig is an action-adventure game that mixes exploration, puzzle-solving, and mining mechanics.

Set in a western steampunk-inspired world, you control a robot named Rusty, who embarks on a journey to uncover the secrets of a long-abandoned underground town. As you dig through the earth, you’ll gather resources like ores and gems, which can be used to upgrade your abilities and tools to help you go faster and deeper…

But don’t think it’ll be that easy! As you descend into the depths, you’ll encounter a variety of enemies, environmental hazards and puzzles that will put you and your trusty pick-axe to the test.

Key Features