Dig Dug NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Action / Puzzle

Dig Dug

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1985 (originally 1982)
GenreAction, Puzzle
DeveloperNamco
PublisherNamco
Players1–2 players
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
SeriesDig Dug
LegacyWell-known · legacy score 9

Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985, Dig Dug is an action game developed by Namco. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1982. It blends action and puzzle elements.

It belongs to the NES's earliest wave of games. Other notable NES releases from 1985 include Super Mario Bros., Excitebike and Ice Climber.

It is part of the Dig Dug series; on the NES you can also try Dig Dug II and Dig Dug II: Trouble in Paradise. The series also appears on other systems with Dig Dug (2600) and Dig Dug (5200). Namco also made Pac-Man, Battle City and Mappy for the NES.

Dig Dug supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

Pick it if…

  • you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
  • you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
  • you have a friend to play against

Maybe skip it if…

  • you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests

What playing Dig Dug is like

Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.

Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.

Dig Dug gameplay screenshot on NES
In-game screenshot (NES)

Dig Dug cheats & codes

9 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:

Infinite LivesSXUKTIVG

See all Dig Dug cheats

Dig Dug walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Dig Dug.

If you like Dig Dug, the Matrix also picks…

Qix box art
Qix NES · 1991 · Action

Playing NES games today

NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.

Dig Dug FAQ

When did Dig Dug come out on the NES?

Dig Dug was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985; the original game dates back to 1982.

Who made Dig Dug?

It was developed by Namco.

Is Dig Dug multiplayer?

Yes. Dig Dug supports up to 2 players.

How long does Dig Dug take to play?

As an action game, Dig Dug typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Dig Dug on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you