The short answer
SteamWorld Dig 2 is the better game to play today — it refines the drill-and-descent loop, moves far better, and is longer. Play Dig 1 first only if you want the tighter origin story or prefer a shorter game.
What actually changed
- Movement: Dig 2 adds ledge grabs and a bounce, making the underground far less repetitive to traverse. Dig 1’s movement is functional but clunkier by comparison.
- World: Dig 2 is larger, with more biomes and a more connected map. Dig 1 is a compact, self-contained descent.
- Story: Dig 2 follows directly from Dig 1 and resolves Rusty’s arc; it handles recaps so newcomers are not lost.
- Upgrades: Dig 2 spreads upgrades across more systems, giving more build variety than the original’s tighter kit.
Which should you buy
- New to the series → Dig 2. Best pacing, best movement, longest content.
- Want the origin → Dig 1, then Dig 2. The intended order, and the shorter game is a quick, satisfying setup.
- Only have an hour → Dig 1. It is the tighter, faster experience.
Both are on the series order guide, which lays out the full play order across Dig, Heist, Quest and Build.
Related guides
- Series Play Order — the full order across Dig, Heist, Quest and Build
- SteamWorld Dig Guide — the first game, start to finish
- SteamWorld Dig 2 Walkthrough — the sequel, zone by zone
- SteamWorld Dig 2 100 Percent — what full completion actually demands
- SteamWorld Games Ranked — every game in the series ranked against each other