SteamWorld Dig combines science fiction, steampunk and Wild West surroundings. A robot in a cowboy hat named Rusty arrives in the town of Tumbleton, which is going through hard times. The purpose of the visit is to meet with my uncle. However, it turns out that he died and hid his wealth somewhere in the mines, consisting of several biomes. The protagonist equips himself with a pickaxe and goes on a journey underground. Gradually, he learns the backstory of this world and discovers information about the past of his relative.

SteamWorld Dig is a 2D platformer with Metroidvania elements. The core gameplay revolves around digging a lot, collecting crystals, minerals and other valuable minerals, and then returning to the surface. There you can recharge your flashlight and sell your loot to local residents. The money raised is spent on replenishing health, purchasing consumable items and purchasing some upgrades. Other upgrades are given as rewards for completing challenges in caves that have yet to be found.

As you progress, the hero becomes more durable and acquires new abilities. They allow him to deal with enemies more effectively, avoid traps better, and move more conveniently. The protagonist also receives cooler equipment and upgrades old tools to penetrate previously inaccessible places. All dug tunnels are preserved forever. Therefore, you need to move down in such a way that you can then return to the settlement without problems. When digging, it is important to ensure that no boulder falls on the robot's head. If this happens, he will be reborn in the city and lose some of the jewelry.