A Game About Digging A Hole

About

"A Game About Digging A Hole" is a relaxing, exploration-based game where you dig deeper into the earth, sell discoveries for upgrades, and uncover secrets. Created by indie developer Ben in his spare time, it offers a unique underground adventure at an affordable price, comparable to the cost of a cup of coffee. With no rules or time constraints, players can enjoy discovering the truth below at their own pace.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

92%

Audience ScoreBased on 7,930 reviews

gameplay148 positive mentions

grinding56 negative mentions

gameplay
422 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
61%
4%
The gameplay is characterized by a simple yet addictive digging mechanic that many players find satisfying and relaxing, reminiscent of classic incremental games. However, the experience is often criticized for being too short, typically lasting between 1 to 4 hours, with some players expressing a desire for more content and depth. While the core mechanics are engaging, the lack of variety and complexity leaves some feeling that the game could benefit from additional features or expansions.
- “The actual gameplay is pretty addictive.”
- “The gameplay loop is a lot of fun.”
- “A very satisfying gameplay loop of digging, getting stones, selling stones for money, upgrading equipment, and going back in to do it even faster with the new tools you buy.”
- “The gameplay is solid, barring the mindless mouse-spamming until you get the drill, and there’s a lot to love about the overall idea and vibe.”
- “It is very short, so unless you are ready to spend €5 for two hours of gameplay, this is not for you; it certainly is not the best value for the time spent playing, but it is fun in its way.”
- “The environment doesn't change much as you dig down; I excavated the entire diggable area in the game and found a few little 'secrets' but nothing actually game-changing, no new mechanics beyond what are spoon-fed to you.”
story
210 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
67%
1%
The game's story is generally perceived as simple and brief, often taking around 1 to 2 hours to complete, with some players appreciating its unexpected plot twists and quirky elements. While many reviews highlight the lack of depth and complexity, they also express a desire for more content, such as additional quests or lore, to enhance the narrative experience. Overall, the story serves as a lighthearted backdrop to the gameplay, making it enjoyable for casual players, especially given its low price point.
- “Truly an enjoyable game and while I hope to see more updates and expansions in the future just so I can do more than just fun sandboxing, I would be incredibly happy for the game to stay as is and strongly recommend it for all those who want to enjoy a simple, task-repeating game with nice graphics and a fun story.”
- “Something that on the surface seems like just a simple game about digging a hole could lead to tremendous adventure.. think about thinking you're just digging for treasure, but end up discovering a doorway to a buried lost city and the entire story changes into something more impactful and intriguing and takes on a possibly whole new focus/goal.”
- “A beautifully crafted story that tells a tale of greed and deep conspiracy on an unknown level, with it being up to the player to figure out if it is corporate, societal or more sinister in nature... put your expectations aside or else you might get buried alive!”
- “There is a semblance of a story, but I didn't find any secrets or easter eggs that might hint at anything deeper than what you see on the surface.”
- “The ending is the worst and is completely removed from the rest of the gameplay, and there is really no story.”
- “I wish it was longer and deeper in terms of the story.”
humor
82 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
95%
5%
The humor in the game is widely praised, with many players finding it both silly and unexpectedly profound, balancing absurdity with existential themes. The ending is frequently highlighted as particularly funny, often catching players off guard and adding to the overall enjoyment. However, some reviews note that while the humor is present, the game's predictability can detract from its comedic impact.
- “The game balances humor and existential depth flawlessly.”
- “One moment, you're chuckling at the sheer absurdity of what you're doing, and the next, you're contemplating the futility—or beauty—of effort itself.”
- “Honestly: it delivered what it promised, and the ending was unexpected but legitimately hilarious.”
- “It's pretty predictable and unfunny.”
graphics
76 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
37%
58%
5%
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their charming, minimalist art style and clean visuals, which enhance the overall experience. While some users noted minor graphical bugs and the lack of advanced settings, the visuals are described as enjoyable and fitting for the game's casual, repetitive gameplay. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the game's atmosphere, making it a visually appealing choice for players.
- “The graphics are great, the progression is fun, and the grinding actually makes you feel like you're doing something!”
- “The art style is charmingly minimalist, with a nostalgic pixelated design that invites you to focus on your digging delights.”
- “And let’s talk about the graphics: they’re buried in charm, with an art style that digs its way into your heart.”
- “Yes, there are no advanced graphics settings or major customization options, but you didn't pay for those.”
- “I noticed some minor graphical bugs (flickering textures sometimes).”
- “The graphics glitch a bit as you dig, but no game-breaking issues occur.”
grinding
68 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
14%
82%
The grinding aspect of the game receives mixed feedback, with many players finding the initial stages tedious and repetitive, particularly due to the early need for excessive clicking and limited rewards. However, as players progress and unlock upgrades, the grind becomes more enjoyable and therapeutic, reminiscent of other casual games. Overall, while some players appreciate the grind for its relaxing qualities, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, especially in the early game.
- “Neat little grindy game; would love it if it got an update or expansion to make more upgrades, tools, and ores. Highly recommend you get this game!”
- “The game is fun to waste a couple of hours; progression isn't too tedious.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “Even still, this brings the fun to a grinding halt.”
- “The grind off the start is beyond tedious.”
- “The first 15 minutes of the game are very tedious since you have to click the mouse hundreds of times to make small holes with the shovel.”
replayability
56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
61%
25%
Overall, the game has limited replayability, with many players noting that once completed, there is little incentive to play again due to a lackluster ending and minimal content. While some find enjoyment in the initial playthrough and the simplicity of the gameplay, the consensus is that the game does not offer enough to warrant multiple playthroughs, despite its low price. Players express a desire for additional content or features to enhance replay value.
- “I really hope we get more content/levels/endless and an option for a map maker so we can have community content to extend the lifespan and interest of the game. The base game is still very replayable too, but I do want more.”
- “The ending is somewhat out of place with the rest of the game, but otherwise this is a simple, quick, and decently replayable experience.”
- “A small but very fun experience with some replayability; I'd say it's pretty well worth the price.”
- “You can buy all upgrades quickly and then once you reach the bottom, the ending sucks; then there is literally no replay value.”
- “30-60 minutes of content, no replayability thanks to the ending.”
- “The kicker: once you beat the game, there is 0 replayability.”
music
42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
55%
7%
The music aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players enjoying the freedom to listen to their own playlists or podcasts while playing, as the game features minimal background music. While some appreciate the ambient sounds and the potential for a more atmospheric experience, others criticize the lack of a cohesive soundtrack, suggesting that it detracts from the overall immersion. Overall, the game is seen as a good option for those looking to relax and enjoy their own music while engaging in gameplay.
- “The music and sound design beautifully complement the visuals, transitioning from soothing and serene to a gently intense vibe as you uncover more layers.”
- “If you're looking for a game where you can shut your brain off and listen to some music, then this is a top contender.”
- “Was enjoyable, just chill with some music and dig away.”
- “The presentation is quite basic; there's no music for the bulk of gameplay - I put on the Minecraft OST to listen to in the background.”
- “Soundtracklessness is particularly conic, bringing on an audio void which is the reflection of Beckettian absurdity where silence is as much present as the void itself—an abyss into which the player, as much as sight, instead constructs.”
- “- the game could've benefited from better sound design, maybe some soundtracks to make the deeper layers more atmospheric.”
emotional
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players report a deeply emotional experience with the game, highlighting a satisfying and unexpected ending that evokes a range of feelings, from joy to sadness. The journey is described as profound, with moments that inspire laughter and tears, despite some frustrations with gameplay mechanics. Overall, the game offers a simple yet captivating emotional rollercoaster that resonates with players.
- “I laughed, I cried, I found stuff... I went through all the changes.”
- “The emotional journey this game takes you on is profound.”
- “This mf made me feel like Luffy once he finds the One Piece.”
stability
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
11%
78%
Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag; while many players report a smooth experience with minimal glitches, some have encountered notable bugs, particularly with fall damage and certain mechanics like dynamite. Despite these issues, the game is generally considered well-polished for its genre, though a few players find the bugs frustrating.
- “Does what it wants to do very competently; surprisingly, I had no glitches at all, which is very impressive given the open nature of the game.”
- “Runs great! I needed to swap the FOV to 130 because I'm on 3 monitors, but that is a minor game file edit.”
- “Fall damage is buggy, and you can get hurt from a 3-foot fall.”
- “Dynamite is buggy and tends to clip through the terrain, causing it to fail to blow up boulders.”
- “Maybe if the game was $2 it'd be worth it, but it's buggy, like crazy and annoyingly so.”
atmosphere
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
39%
17%
The game's atmosphere is generally praised for its immersive and mysterious qualities, with well-crafted visuals that contribute to a satisfying experience. However, some players feel it could benefit from improved sound design and additional content, as the initial slow pace may lead to boredom. Overall, while the atmosphere is a highlight, it is not without its shortcomings.
- “The atmosphere is well-crafted, adding to the overall immersion.”
- “Reminds me of two of my favourite films, The Gate (1987) and Vivarium (2019), both of which I've just watched while playing, and the atmosphere was perfect.”
- “There’s something satisfying about the repetitive motion, and the visuals, while simple, add to the peaceful atmosphere.”
- “It lacks content and some refining; the first few minutes are fun, but it gets boring fast because of the lack of atmosphere.”
- “Maybe throw some skeletons in the dirt somewhere just for atmosphere.”
- “After beating it on the first run, it took me around an hour. The start was a bit slow, but as you go further, it adds a mysterious atmosphere.”
monetization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express concern that the game's monetization strategy may lean towards a quick cash grab, with limited gameplay beyond the core mechanics of digging and treasure hunting. There is hope that the developers will invest in the game's potential rather than abandoning it for short-term profits.
- “Game has a lot of potential, I truly hope that the dev doesn't just abandon this as a quick cash grab.”
- “Zero advertisement that you'd be doing any more than digging, finding treasure, selling it.”

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3h Median play time

3h Average play time

2-5h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 118 analyzed playthroughs

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