Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 80 | 53 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 100 | 1 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 75% | 70 | 453 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 81% | 75 | 134 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (May 15, 2025) · 129 reviews sampled · 134 total reviews in window · weighted 72 up / 16.5 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (51)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 70
“Shovel Knight Dig isn't a bad game; at most, it's slightly redundant. This generally successful adaptation of a well-known franchise to a new format is held back by a lack of innovation and a few missteps in terms of game design. If you’re a huge fan of the rogue-lite genre and/or the Shovel Knight series, you’ll have plenty of fun… but otherwise, at least in this genre, there are better options to choose from.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Shovel Knight Dig is another triumphant and enjoyable entry in the popular indie knight's growing legacy, offering up thrilling, challenging gameplay that will appeal to fans both old and new. Though it may be a little on the short side, every minute of Shovel Knight Dig positively oozes quality, whether that be the snappy action-platforming or the fresh 16-bit art style and animation. We'd give this one a high recommendation to anyone who enjoyed the original platformers or to anyone looking for a tough (but not offputtingly tough) new roguelite. Shovel Knight Dig has got it where it counts and can stand tall beside its noble predecessors.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Shovel Knight Dig is another fantastic new entry into the series by Yacht Club Games, and it will no doubt go on to be a beloved game.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“If you're in the camp for short-term but challenging "devil may care" fun, dig in!”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Shovel Knight Dig isn't the best game in the ever-expanding indie series, but it's a solid addition nonetheless. It delivers a remarkable rogue-lite experience with tight controls, enjoyable bite-sized stages, enticing risk-versus-reward gameplay, and lovely graphics and sound. Only a short running time and an unsatisfactory sense of progression hold it back.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“There is a lot to enjoy with the new challenges brought on by Shovel Knight Dig. Gameplay is fast paced, the music is just as catchy as its predecessor, and the quirky dialogue between the NPCs brings back the nostalgia from the original. Although the environments are repetitive, losing a run never feels like a typical game over; it is just a quick regroup and back into adventure. The only major drawback of Shovel Knight Dig is that it is relatively short. Unless trying to get the perfect run, it ends just as quickly as it begins. Still, Yacht Club Games has managed to make a fun new genre and chapter for its fans and new players alike.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“While not packed with content, Shovel Knight Dig is rich in quality. Charming pixel artwork combined with excellent level chunks and tight gameplay make it well worth the hours spent.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Shovel Knight Dig is a great little game. Small in length but big in quality. It's easy to start a game for a few minutes and come back to it later. It's also easy to lose yourself in a couple of more minutes of gameplay. Once again, a great success from Yacht Club Games that we highly recommend.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Dig is not a sequel, but even calling it a spin-off doesn't feel totally right. This is just the 2D side-scrolling adventures of Shovel Knight's origins displayed through a different vertical lens with a dash of arcade roguelike design tossed in. Through it all, the bountiful creativity that Yacht Club has made their staple is everywhere throughout the experience.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Shovel Knight Dig remixes the popular indie platformer into a clever roguelike that's an entertaining-if somewhat diminished-Shovel Knight experience.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Just like Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon, Shovel Knight Dig proves to be a very solid spin-off for a very beloved character. The familiar platforming of the original mixes well with the predominantly vertical focus, while still maintaining a responsiveness that fans expect. The roguelike nature of the title means that there's a good amount of randomization and temporary upgrades. The quick average runs mean that levels aren't a slog. Overall, it works well as a starter roguelike, and it's a perfect choice for both Shovel Knight and platforming fans alike who are looking for something different.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Shovel Knight Dig is definitely worth playing for both platformer and roguelike fans. The twist on the Shovel Knight formula makes Shovel Knight Dig feel fresh, despite the mostly unchanged controls from the original. The fair random elements and generous meta-progression make it a good entry point for platformer fans unfamiliar with roguelikes, whereas hardcore roguelike fans can enjoy the tough bosses and challenges required to get the True Ending. Although the main campaign may seem rather brief, it's a blast while it lasts, and an easy recommendation.”
read full review ↗
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Patch history
- Version 2.0.2 - Wicked Wishes HotfixMay 16, 2025
- Shovel Knight Dig Wicked Wishes is out now!May 15, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Wicked Wishes DLC releases on May 15thApr 30, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Shovel Knight Dig Wicked Wishes Free DLC is releasing later this Summer!Jul 3, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Development Update & Quality of Life Early PreviewAug 4, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Fate and Fortune FREE DLC 1.1.5 HotfixApr 7, 2023
- Fate and Fortune FREE DLCMar 17, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Shovel Knight Dig version 1.1.3 hotfixOct 28, 2022significant · resets scoring window
- Shovel Knight Dig update version 1.1.3Oct 19, 2022significant · resets scoring window