Dig Dug (1982)
Atari 2600 · 1982
About this game
Dig Dug is a single-player or alternating two-player action game.
The player controls a character tasked with eliminating underground monsters across a series of stages.
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Each level is a cross-section of dirt with tunnels dug in real time as the player moves.
The two types of enemies encountered are Pookas, round red creatures wearing goggles, and Fygars, green fire-breathing dragons.
Both pursue the player through tunnels, and after a few seconds of losing sight of the player, they can transform into ghostly forms to move through solid earth until they reach another tunnel.
To defeat enemies, the player carries an air pump that can be attached by pressing the action button.
Pumping inflates the monster until it bursts, awarding points.
Pumping can be interrupted, but partially inflated enemies will revert to normal and continue attacking.
An alternative method of attack is luring enemies under large rocks scattered throughout each stage.
Digging beneath these rocks can cause them to fall, crushing anything below, including the player.
Rocks falling also open tunnels, and dropping multiple rocks in a stage grants bonus points.
Scoring incentives are built into the system.
Vegetables occasionally appear in the middle of the screen once two rocks have been dropped in a round.
Collecting these vegetables grants bonus points, and the type and value of the vegetable increase in later rounds.
Bonus points are also awarded for consecutive ghost kills or for crushing multiple enemies with a single rock.
Each round ends when all enemies have been eliminated.
Enemies increase in speed as stages progress, and Fygars add the additional threat of breathing fire horizontally across tunnels, which can instantly defeat the player.
Later versions and home releases varied in presentation and features.
The arcade original allowed two players to take turns, while console and computer ports often adjusted graphics and sound to suit hardware limitations.
Some versions altered maze size, e
About Atari 2600
The Atari 2600 (1977) was the console that first proved interchangeable game cartridges could sustain a mass-market business, effectively founding the home console industry as we know it. Most common 2600 titles are inexpensive today given how many units and copies were sold, but a small number of extremely rare releases — including several from Atari's own late-era prototype and licensed titles — are among the most valuable cartridges in retro collecting.
Gamevaro tracks Dig Dug (1982) for Atari 2600 with separate market values for loose, complete-in-box (CIB) and factory-sealed copies, sourced from real eBay sales. Prices also vary by region — PAL, NTSC-U and NTSC-J releases of the same game often sell for different amounts due to print run sizes and regional collector demand.
Adding Dig Dug (1982) to a Gamevaro collection takes seconds — search by title or scan the box barcode, and the app fills in cover art, release details and current pricing automatically. This A2600 release dates back to 1982.
Market values by condition
Recent sales
| Date | Type | Region | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-15 | Loose / Item only | NTSC-U | €13.59 |
| 2026-07-15 | Loose / Item only | PAL | €15.88 |
| 2026-07-15 | Boxed (CIB) | NTSC-U | €48.22 |
| 2026-07-15 | Sealed / New | NTSC-U | €30.68 |
| 2026-07-15 | Sealed / New | PAL | €37.08 |
Market insights
Rarity & condition
Only a handful of market sales have been tracked for Dig Dug (1982), suggesting it doesn't trade hands very often — a sign of relative scarcity compared to more common Atari 2600 titles.
Complete-in-box (CIB) copies typically command a premium over loose cartridges/discs because the original box and manual are more fragile and get discarded or damaged over time — fewer complete sets survive.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Dig Dug (1982) worth?
Dig Dug (1982) for Atari 2600 is currently worth €15.88 loose, and €37.08 factory sealed. Prices are based on real sales and update regularly on Gamevaro.
Is Dig Dug (1982) rare?
Dig Dug (1982) has only a handful of tracked market sales, suggesting relative scarcity compared to more common Atari 2600 titles.
What's the difference between loose, CIB and sealed for Dig Dug (1982)?
Loose means cartridge or disc only, CIB (complete in box) includes the original box and manual, and sealed means factory-sealed and never opened. These are tracked as separate market values because the price gap between them can be significant, especially for older releases.
Is Dig Dug (1982) worth more in PAL or NTSC?
The PAL version of Dig Dug (1982) is currently worth €15.88 loose, versus €13.59 for NTSC-U. Regional price differences usually come down to print run size and regional collector demand.
Ratings & Reviews
Also on other platforms
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