Dig Dug is a 1-2 player arcade game where you use your shovel to dig through the earth. Pooka and Fygar monsters are chasing you, trying to stop you from digging. The only weapon you have is an air pump that inflates them, causing them to explode. You can also use rocks to squash them, but be careful as they will turn back into their normal form if inflated again. If the monsters don't find you for a few seconds, they become ghosts and can walk through the earth, becoming invincible.
The gameplay revolves around digging tunnels, avoiding the monsters, and using the air pump to eliminate them. You'll also collect vegetables that appear in the center of the screen, which will give you points. The goal is to clear all the monsters and reach the exit before they catch up to you.