Dig Dug
The player-controlled underground excavator, equipped with an air pump and able to dig through soil.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad | Move Dig Dug and dig through soil |
|---|---|
A | Use the air pump against a nearby enemy |
Control notes
The NES version uses directional movement for digging and positioning.
No reliable version-specific button combination is listed.
How it plays
How does Dig Dug play?
Dig Dug is viewed from the side on a single screen. The player digs horizontal and vertical tunnels through dirt, collects no conventional items, and clears a round by defeating every enemy or forcing them off the screen.
Enemies can be defeated by pumping them until they burst or by dropping rocks after undermining them. Pookas pursue through tunnels, while Fygars can attack with a horizontal burst of fire. The player has limited lives, and later rounds become harder as enemy behavior and movement create greater pressure.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Dig Dug?
Plan connected tunnels before engaging enemies, and avoid creating escape routes that let several monsters approach at once.
Use rocks when multiple enemies are positioned below a weakened section of soil. Against a single enemy, pumping from a safe tunnel is usually more reliable, but retreat before the enemy closes the distance.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Pooka
A round, red underground monster that follows Dig Dug through tunnels.
Fygar
A dragon-like enemy that can breathe fire horizontally through open tunnel paths.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Digging vertically can create useful escape routes, but it also opens more approaches for enemies.
- 2
Try to lure enemies beneath rocks before dropping them.
- 3
Fygars are most dangerous in straight horizontal corridors because of their fire attack.
Community discussion
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