Digging Tools Guide

Master your escape with the right tools. Learn about all digging equipment, upgrade paths, and cost optimization strategies.

Recommended Upgrade Path
Spoon (Free)Toy Shovel (25 TP)Spatula (45 TP)Trowel (80 TP)

Total Cost: 150 TP for all upgrades | With Bargainer Class: 120 TP (-20% discount)

Spoon
Your starting digging tool. Works on the first layer but becomes extremely slow on deeper layers. Should be replaced as soon as possible.
Free (Starting Tool)
Speed:Base Speed
Best For:Layer 1-2 (Very Slow)

Pro Tips:

  • Only use for initial digging in your cell - roll up the carpet first
  • Collect items like wallets, shoes, bones, and skulls quickly to earn TP
  • Can slowly dig second layer if desperate, but very inefficient
  • Your sack has limited capacity (5-6 slots) - sell items frequently
  • Crawl through vents to reach secret selling spots
Toy Shovel
Your first major upgrade. Significantly faster than the spoon and allows efficient digging through the second layer. Essential for early game progression.
25 Toilet Paper
Speed:+16 Digging Speed
Best For:Layer 2-3

Pro Tips:

  • First upgrade you should purchase - game changer for early progression
  • Pays for itself quickly with faster item collection
  • Bargainer class reduces cost to 20 TP (saves 5 TP)
  • Allows efficient digging through layer 2
  • Significantly speeds up the excavation process
Spatula
Mid-tier digging tool that handles the third layer efficiently. Slightly better stats than Toy Shovel with improved speed.
45 Toilet Paper
Speed:+17 Digging Speed
Best For:Layer 3-4

Pro Tips:

  • Good stepping stone to Trowel - +17 dig speed boost
  • Consider skipping if close to Trowel cost - save TP for best tool
  • Useful for medium-depth resource farming (layers 3-4)
  • Can help you reach 42/45 TP needed for Trowel faster
  • Slightly better than Toy Shovel but not essential
Trowel
The best digging tool available. Can efficiently dig through the fourth, fifth, and even final layers. Essential for completing the Mineshaft ending.
80 Toilet Paper
Speed:+19 Digging Speed
Best For:Layer 4-7

Pro Tips:

  • Save up for this if possible - the ultimate digging tool
  • Most cost-effective in the long run - can dig through layers 4-7
  • Required for reaching bottom layers efficiently
  • Bargainer class reduces cost to 64 TP (saves 16 TP)
  • With maximum energy from burgers, this tool is unstoppable
  • Essential for completing the Mineshaft ending
  • Can efficiently dig through stone biomes
Dynamite
Consumable explosive that instantly breaks through an entire layer. Extremely useful when you lack proper tool upgrades or want to speed run.
12 Toilet Paper Each
Speed:Instant Layer Break
Best For:All Layers

Pro Tips:

  • Stock up multiple dynamites (5-7) for speed runs
  • Very cost-effective for skipping tool upgrades (12 TP vs 45-80 TP)
  • Essential for getting through tough layers quickly
  • Can use instead of buying intermediate tools - saves 45 TP on Spatula
  • Useful when you lack proper tool upgrades
  • Can blast through sections to reveal new areas and hidden items
  • Great for budget strategy - skip Spatula entirely
Turbo Drill
An advanced power-up that dramatically increases digging speed. Essential for Hard Mode speed runs and efficient deep layer excavation.
Premium Item (Robux or Trade)
Speed:Maximum Digging Speed
Best For:All Layers

Pro Tips:

  • Dramatically increases digging speed - game changer for Hard Mode
  • Can be acquired through trades or purchased with Robux
  • Best used in combination with Energy Boosters for extended sessions
  • Highly recommended for Hard Mode Mineshaft ending attempts
  • Significantly reduces time needed to reach bottom layers
Energy Booster (Syringe)
A consumable syringe that restores energy, allowing for extended digging sessions without needing food. Crucial for Hard Mode progression.
Trade with Prisoners
Speed:N/A (Energy Restoration)
Best For:N/A

Pro Tips:

  • Essential for extended digging sessions in Hard Mode
  • Allows continuous digging without food breaks
  • Trade with prisoners to acquire multiple syringes
  • Use strategically before deep dives or long digging sessions
  • Combines well with Energizer class for maximum efficiency
Cost Optimization Strategy

Budget Strategy (Dynamite Focus)

Spoon → Toy Shovel (25 TP) → Multiple Dynamites (12 TP each) → Trowel (80 TP)

Skip Spatula and use dynamite to get through tough layers. Total saved: 45 TP. Perfect for players who want to save resources.

Speed Run Strategy

Stock up 5-7 Dynamites (60-84 TP) → Use spoon only for collecting items

Dynamite through all layers. Fastest method but doesn't build tool collection. Can complete escape in 19-20 minutes.

Standard Progression

Spoon → Toy Shovel (25 TP) → Spatula (45 TP) → Trowel (80 TP) = 150 TP total

Best for learning game mechanics and building your tool collection. Most reliable path.

Hard Mode Strategy

Prioritize Turbo Drill + Energy Boosters → Use lunch breaks for trades, dig at night → Stockpile dynamite for final push

Hard Mode requires strategic timing and resource management. Turbo Drill dramatically speeds up digging, while Energy Boosters allow extended sessions. Can complete Mineshaft ending in ~39 minutes.

Bargainer Class Bonus

All tool purchases have 20% discount. Total savings on full upgrade path: 30 TP (150 TP → 120 TP). Highly recommended for budget-conscious players.