Tips & Strategies Guide

Pro strategies, speed run tactics, and advanced techniques to master all endings in Dig to Escape.

Speed Run Strategies
Fastest ways to complete each ending

Janitor Ending Speed Run (19-20 minutes)

19-20 minutes

Fastest ending achievable. Focus on keycard acquisition and battery collection.

Steps:

  1. Day 1: Dig items, sell for TP (13+ TP)
  2. Day 1: Trade for food (burger/chicken) for energy
  3. Day 2-3: Continue digging, upgrade to Toy Shovel (25 TP)
  4. Day 3: Find or steal Illegal Keycard (200 TP or free)
  5. Day 3: Access Security Room with keycard
  6. Day 3: Collect ladder from Security Room
  7. Day 3-4: Climb vent, collect 12 batteries
  8. Day 4-6: Place batteries, activate escape
  9. Complete in 19-20 minutes

Pro Tips:

  • Keycard can be stolen/found for free - saves 200 TP
  • No tool upgrades needed beyond Toy Shovel
  • Speedster class recommended for battery collection
  • Focus on energy management

Rooftop Ending Strategy (15-20 minutes)

15-20 minutes

Requires keycard and crowbar. More challenging but achievable.

Steps:

  1. Day 1-2: Dig and trade for TP
  2. Day 2-3: Save 200 TP for Illegal Keycard
  3. Day 3-4: Access kitchen with crowbar (5-100 TP)
  4. Day 4: Find keycard in kitchen or trade
  5. Day 4-5: Use crowbar to break vent
  6. Day 5: Navigate to rooftop
  7. Day 5-6: Complete parkour chase
  8. Reach helicopter

Pro Tips:

  • Keycard can be found hidden in kitchen
  • Crowbar price varies (5-100 TP)
  • Speedster class essential for rooftop chase
  • Practice parkour mechanics

Mineshaft Ending (Hard Mode - 39 minutes)

39+ minutes (Hard Mode)

Full tool upgrade path. Longest but most straightforward ending.

Steps:

  1. Day 1: Roll carpet, start digging
  2. Day 1-2: Trade items for TP, buy food
  3. Day 2-3: Upgrade to Toy Shovel (25 TP)
  4. Day 3-4: Upgrade to Spatula (45 TP)
  5. Day 4-5: Upgrade to Trowel (80 TP)
  6. Day 5-12: Dig through 7 layers
  7. Day 12-14: Use dynamite if needed
  8. Day 14: Enter mineshaft, follow tracks
  9. Complete escape

Pro Tips:

  • Energizer class saves 20-30% energy
  • Upgrade sack early (Small Sack 20 TP)
  • Use dynamite (12 TP) to skip tough layers
  • Stockpile food and energy boosters
  • Close tunnel entrance before night
Early Game Optimization
Maximize efficiency in the first few days
  • Roll carpet immediately on Day 1
  • Dig common items first (plates, sponges, toothpaste)
  • Sell at guard's desk for initial 13+ TP
  • Trade TP for food (burger/chicken) immediately
  • Upgrade to Small Sack (20 TP) early
  • Focus on Toy Shovel (25 TP) as first tool upgrade
  • Use lunch breaks for free food from chef
Resource Management
Efficiently manage TP, energy, and inventory
  • Prioritize tool upgrades over cosmetic items
  • Save TP for key items: Keycard (200 TP), Crowbar (100 TP)
  • Use Bargainer class for 20% discount
  • Upgrade sack before investing in expensive tools
  • Stockpile food for long digging sessions
  • Use Energy Boosters (syringes) strategically
  • Trade during lunch breaks when guards are less active
Energy Management
Keep your energy bar full for continuous progress
  • Always have food ready before long digging sessions
  • Trade TP for food early (burgers, chicken, hot dogs)
  • Use Energizer class to dig 20-30% longer
  • Use Energy Boosters (syringes) for extended sessions
  • Visit cafeteria during lunch for free food
  • Plan digging sessions around food availability
  • Don't let energy deplete completely
Guard Avoidance
Survive night cycles and avoid detection
  • Always close tunnel entrance before night
  • Return to cell before night falls
  • Hide in vents if caught outside cell
  • Stay completely still during night
  • Don't peek out of hiding spots
  • In Hard Mode: Be extra cautious, plan movements
  • Use Sneaker class for better stealth
Trading Optimization
Maximize TP income and get best deals
  • Focus on digging legendary items (gold bars, trophies)
  • Sell items at guard's desk first
  • Check both Pedro and Andrea for keycard prices
  • Keycard can sometimes be found for free or stolen
  • Crowbar price varies (5-100 TP) - shop around
  • Trade during lunch breaks for better deals
  • Use Bargainer class for discounts
Class-Specific Strategies
Optimal strategies for each character class

Energizer

Mineshaft Ending, Long Digging Sessions

Reduces energy consumption by 20-30%. Perfect for deep digging and Hard Mode. Saves significant food resources.

  • Best for Mineshaft Ending
  • Allows longer digging without breaks
  • Combines well with Energy Boosters
  • Essential for Hard Mode efficiency

Bargainer

All Endings, Cost Optimization

20% discount on all purchases. Saves significant TP over time. Best for players who want to optimize costs.

  • Saves 40 TP on Keycard (200 → 160 TP)
  • Saves 20 TP on Crowbar (100 → 80 TP)
  • Best for budget-conscious players
  • Works well for all endings

Speedster

Janitor Ending, Rooftop Ending

Increased movement speed. Essential for battery collection and rooftop parkour chase.

  • Best for Janitor Ending battery collection
  • Essential for Rooftop Ending chase
  • Faster traversal between areas
  • Reduces time spent in dangerous areas

Sneaker

Hard Mode, Stealth Play

Better stealth mechanics. Helps avoid guards, especially useful in Hard Mode.

  • Reduced detection range
  • Better for Hard Mode survival
  • Useful for night navigation
  • Combines well with X-Ray Vision
Hard Mode Preparation
Essential preparations before attempting Hard Mode
  • Master Easy/Normal mode first
  • Understand all guard patterns
  • Plan resource management carefully
  • Stockpile food and energy boosters
  • Choose Energizer or Sneaker class
  • Be patient - Hard Mode takes 39+ minutes
Hard Mode Execution
Key strategies during Hard Mode gameplay
  • Always close tunnel entrance before night
  • Use vents strategically for hiding
  • Upgrade tools systematically (Toy Shovel → Spatula → Trowel)
  • Use dynamite (12 TP) to skip tough layers
  • Pantry access unlocks advanced tools
  • Turbo Drill dramatically increases speed
  • Energy Boosters are essential
  • Don't take unnecessary risks
Quick Reference: Ending Requirements

Janitor Ending (Fastest - 19-20 min)

Illegal Keycard (200 TP or free) + 12 Batteries. No tool upgrades needed. Speedster class recommended.

Rooftop Ending (15-20 min)

Illegal Keycard (200 TP) + Crowbar (5-100 TP). Speedster class essential for parkour chase.

Mineshaft Ending (39+ min Hard Mode)

Full tool upgrade path (150 TP total: Toy Shovel 25 + Spatula 45 + Trowel 80). Energizer class recommended. Dig through 7 layers.