Big Dig · Story & ending
A spoiler-marked overview of the three-region progression, political conflict, election and post-story collection.
Full-game reference · reviewed October 20, 2026 · six officially listed languages.
Show story spoilers
Three regions
The opening region runs from Beach through Farm. The Midwest covers Forest through Middlesville; the East continues from River through Capital. Entering later regions needs the story keys as well as money.
A museum becomes political
The museum's growth draws it into Governor Dog's organization, the Frog Civil Liberties Union and the consequences of development. Agreements and the later judgement move the story forward while forcing an economic rebuild. Follow the current character interaction when money alone does not open a route.
Capital and the finale
The ordinary Capital dig site costs 10,000,000. The separate finale entrance costs 15,000,000; it is not a sixteenth regular dig site with five more artifacts. The late story leads to an election involving Dog and Frog.
After the story
Museum play can continue after the ending, so missing sets, artifact levels and shiny variants can be collection goals rather than prerequisites for the first clear. Use the atlas to track remaining finds. The checklist tracks the 91 distinct obtainable artifact entries, not every level or shiny variation.
Related pages
Search 91 artifacts by name or location, view their images and excavation footprints, and save a collection checklist in this browser.
Artifact setsLocate all 16 pieces of the Cuneiform Tablet, Dino Skeleton and Cat Statue, with depth and fishing notes.
Automation & researchChoose research for your current bottleneck: workers, excavation power, depth, fishing, visitors and shiny artifacts.
Permit calculatorAdd only the district permits you still need, subtract current cash and see the funding gap. Story gates remain separate.
Game artwork: Dan Schumacher / Hjalte Tagmose. Independent fan guide; not an official game website.