Depths

Introduction

The Depths are the vertical heart of Hole Is Mine — a descent of roughly 40 layers filled with hazards, secrets and ever-better rewards. Using Shelly the drill companion, you bore downward one Depth at a time, clearing dangers to unlock the next Cave and pushing toward the Infinite Hole at the bottom. The Steam store page advertises 40+ Depths, while the playtest notes mentioned 5 Caves, and the exact relationship between Caves and Depths is not fully documented by the developers. This hub covers how Depth progression works, what hazards to expect, how to unlock new Caves and what waits at the very bottom of the Hole for players chasing the late game.

Depth Progression Phases

Depth Landmarks

Core Mechanics

Depth progression in Hole Is Mine is driven by Shelly, your drill companion. You descend one Depth at a time, and each new Depth introduces tougher hazards that must be cleared before you can unlock the next Cave. The official playtest referred to 5 Caves, while the Steam store page advertises roughly 40 Depths — the community believes Caves are the larger regions and Depths the individual layers inside them, though the developers have not published an exact mapping. As you descend, impurity yields rise and new content appears: more Mini'Ohs, better equipment and more secrets. The main journey to the bottom takes roughly 4-5 hours, and after the final Depth you reach the Infinite Hole, the post-game farming area designed for long-term play.

Advantages

The Depth structure gives Hole Is Mine a clear and motivating sense of progress. Every drill with Shelly moves you toward something new, whether that is a fresh Cave, a stronger yield or a hidden secret, so there is always a reason to descend rather than idle forever in one spot. The difficulty curve is gentle enough that casual players can push through without grinding, while the 40+ Depth count gives completionists a long journey to enjoy. The Infinite Hole also solves a common idle-game problem by giving post-game players a purpose after the story ends, keeping the farming loop engaging instead of letting it peter out into boredom once the final Depth is cleared.

Challenges

The main weakness of the Depth system is the lack of official documentation about how Caves and Depths relate. Players have to piece together the structure from the playtest notes and community reports, which can be confusing when you are trying to plan a route. Some hazards can also feel like walls if you have under-invested in the right upgrades, and the game does not always tell you exactly what you need to clear the next Cave. Finally, the exact "40 Depths" number is approximate — the store page says 40+, and the precise count depends on how Caves are counted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Tips