Boulder Dash
Boulder Dash is a 1984 puzzle game developed by First Star Software in which players control Rockford as he digs through underground caves to collect diamonds. Each stage requires gathering a set number of gems before a time limit expires and then reaching the exit, which only opens once the quota is met, all while contending with the cave's unforgiving physics.
The core challenge lies in dislodging boulders that fall under gravity: digging carelessly can crush Rockford from above or trigger chain reactions, and enemies such as fireflies and butterflies can be exploited by dropping rocks on them to burst them into diamonds. Amoeba growth and magic walls add further puzzle mechanics, so success blends quick reflexes with careful spatial planning across dozens of increasingly intricate caves.
Boulder Dash was ported to virtually every platform of its time and inspired a whole subgenre of digging puzzle games. The original and its many variants and sequels remain available through re-releases and emulation.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Boulder Dash, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steamburg Indie | € 4,99 | Steam Deck Untested | PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet |
| Baba Is You Indie | € 12,49 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Mac, Linux, Switch |
| Boulder Dash Deluxe | € 14,99 | Steam Deck Untested | PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Boulder Dash - 30th Anniversary | € 9,99 | Steam Deck Untested | PC, Mac, Switch |
Steamburg Indie
€ 4,99An indie physics puzzle game with the boulder-and-gem logic that Boulder Dash pioneered.
Steamburg runs on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. Not available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Baba Is You Indie
€ 12,49A grid puzzler about rewriting the rules themselves, for players who want Boulder Dash's logic without the reflexes.
Baba Is You runs on PC, Mac, Linux, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox.
Boulder Dash Deluxe
€ 14,99The official modern Boulder Dash, with new level sets and the original falling-rock rules intact.
Boulder Dash Deluxe runs on PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
Boulder Dash - 30th Anniversary
€ 9,99An official modern edition preserving the classic diamond-digging puzzle gameplay.
Boulder Dash - 30th Anniversary runs on PC, Mac, Switch. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox.
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