Prison Escape Simulator: Dig Out

Prison Escape Simulator: Dig Out is an indie prison simulation game developed by Digital Melody and published by PlayWay S.A.

It puts you in the shoes of a prisoner determined to break free from a monotonous life behind bars. Unlike typical prison simulators that focus on violence or survival brawls, this title blends humor, resource management, and sneaky strategy.



The core mechanic is simple—dig a tunnel out of prison—but the journey is layered with trading, upgrading, decorating, and even gambling.

Every move is about balancing risk and reward, making each escape attempt a tense but oddly addictive experience.

Key Features

• Digging Simulation – Use spoons, shovels, or even dynamite to dig tunnels under your cell.
• Trading System – Exchange toilet paper, junk, and contraband with prisoners and guards.
• Cell Customization – Buy carpets, furniture, and glow sticks to hide your tunnel and make your life easier.
• Guard Inspections – Cover your tracks, hide sand, and avoid being caught, or risk starting over.
• Mini-games – Gambling with inmates adds a reputation and money mechanic.
• Progression & Upgrades – Improve stamina, backpacks, and digging tools to dig deeper and faster.
• AI-Generated Elements – Promo art and parts of the soundtrack were enhanced using AI technology.

User Interface

The UI is functional and easy to grasp. At the top, you track stamina, inventory, and guard countdown timers. The main view centers on your cell and tunnel, while menus for trading, exercising, or customizing are straightforward.

Some users note overreliance on the E key for actions, which can feel repetitive. Despite this, navigation remains intuitive, especially for casual players.

The FileHorse review team recommends this game as a fun and unique experience for PC/Laptop players.

Installation and Setup

Prison Escape Simulator: Dig Out for Windows installs like most Steam indie games. The file size is light (around 12–15 GB), making it quick to download on modern connections.

Setup requires no extra steps beyond installing DirectX 11. Controller support is limited, but the game runs smoothly on most mid-range PCs without heavy tweaking.

What’s New

• Controller Improvements: Fixed a gamepad button conflict that caused the same button to trigger both energy drink consumption and placing all items on the table
• Furniture Persistence: Reworked the furniture state system to permanently resolve an issue where placed furniture could disappear
• Gameplay & Quality of Life: Improved interactions and overall gameplay flow, while reducing excessive item spawns during digging
• Guard Behavior: Improved guard patrols and reactions for more consistent behavior
• Visual Fixes: Resolved several visual glitches, including rendering issues and minor graphical artifacts

How to Play

You start in a basic cell with minimal tools. By lifting the carpet, you begin digging. As you progress:

• Dig carefully – manage stamina and avoid detection by guards.
• Trade smart – swap junk for better tools or food to stay energized.
• Upgrade – buy better shovels, shoes, and backpacks to increase efficiency.
• Hide evidence – dump dirt in toilets, cover tunnels, and time digging sessions.
• Decorate & gamble – invest in cell items or bet to gain influence and resources.

The game ends when you successfully escape, but being caught resets progress, forcing you to rethink your strategy.

FAQs

What happens if the guard catches me?
You lose progress and must restart your escape attempt from scratch.

Is there more than one way to escape?
Yes, but all routes involve digging. Strategy and upgrades determine how quickly you succeed.

Can you save progress mid-escape?
Saves exist, but escaping wipes your save, making achievement hunting tricky.

How long does it take to complete?
Most players finish in 2–5 hours, though achievements may extend playtime.

Does money matter in the game?
Money is secondary; toilet paper is the true in-game currency for upgrades and trades.



Alternatives

The Escapists 2 – A more complex prison escape sim with crafting and multiplayer.

Thief Simulator – Focuses on burglary rather than escape, but shares stealth and strategy elements.

Contraband Police – Another PlayWay title about border control and smuggling.

Pricing

• Base Game: €5.89
• Bundle with Crime Scene Cleaner: €27.35 (-10%)
• Bundle with Contraband Police: €32.29 (-10%)
• Bundle with Thief Simulator: €22.85 (-10%)

A FREE DEMO is also available to try before buying.

System Requirements

Minimum:

• OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core i3-3220 / i3-13100T or AMD A10-6800K / Athlon X4 950
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 / GTX 1050 (2 GB) or AMD Radeon R7 265 / RX 460 (2 GB)
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 12 GB available space
• Additional Notes: 1080p / 60 FPS

Recommended:

• OS: Windows 11 (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core i3-14100 or AMD Ryzen 5 5500
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (6 GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6400 (4 GB)
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 15 GB available space

PROS

• Addictive digging and upgrade loop.
• Quirky humor and lighthearted prison setting.
• Simple controls and UI.
• Fun gambling mini-game for variety.
• Creative trading economy with inmates.
• Affordable price for a few hours of fun.
• AI-enhanced visuals and music.

CONS

• Bugs and glitches can break immersion.
• Getting caught resets all progress.
• Short playtime, limited replay value.
• Heavy reliance on one action key.
• Money feels less useful than toilet paper currency.
• Save file wipes after escape hurt achievement hunters.

Conclusion

Prison Escape Simulator: Dig Out is not a masterpiece but delivers exactly what it promises: a quirky, budget-friendly prison escape adventure. For less than the price of a fast-food meal, you get hours of digging, trading, and sneaky strategy with just enough humor to keep things light.

Its biggest drawbacks are bugs and limited replay value, but if you manage expectations, it’s a surprisingly engaging indie gem. Achievement hunters should prepare for frustration, but casual players looking for a fun distraction will find solid value here.