How to Get Shovel Acnh: How to Get Shovel in Acnh: Your…

So, you’re diving into the wonderful world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons and you’ve realized something crucial: you need a shovel! Whether you’re planning to unearth buried treasures, plant some beautiful flowers, or even move those pesky trees, the shovel is an indispensable tool.

But how exactly do you get your hands on one? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This guide will walk you through every method, from your very first flimsy shovel to the sturdier, more efficient tools that will make your island life so much easier.

Unearthing the Shovel: Your First Steps in Acnh

Getting your first shovel in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is tied directly to your island’s progression. It’s one of the early tools you’ll acquire, and it unlocks a whole new world of possibilities for your island development. Let’s break down the most common and earliest ways you’ll get your hands on this essential item.

The Flimsy Shovel: Your Island’s First Digging Tool

The very first shovel you’ll receive is the Flimsy Shovel. This is a basic tool, perfect for starting out. It has a limited number of uses before it breaks, so you’ll need to craft or purchase replacements fairly regularly. Thankfully, it’s quite simple to obtain.

How to Get the Flimsy Shovel:

1. Progress Through Tom Nook’s Early Quests: Upon arriving on your deserted island, Tom Nook will guide you through a series of initial tasks. One of the early objectives involves gathering materials to craft essential items.
2. Learn the Recipe: Tom Nook will eventually teach you the DIY recipe for the Flimsy Shovel. This usually happens shortly after you’ve set up your tent and started gathering resources for Nook’s Cranny.
3. Gather Materials: The Flimsy Shovel requires 3 pieces of Iron Nugget and 5 pieces of Wood. You can find Iron Nuggets by hitting rocks on your island with a Stone Axe or a regular Axe (once you craft one). Wood is obtained by hitting trees with an Axe.
4. Crafting: Once you have the materials and the DIY recipe, you can craft the Flimsy Shovel at any DIY workbench. You’ll find a workbench in your tent, and later at Resident Services.

The Regular Shovel: An Upgrade for Your Island Life

As you continue to play and develop your island, you’ll want a more durable tool. The Shovel (often referred to as the ‘Regular Shovel’ to distinguish it from the flimsy version) offers more uses before breaking, making it a more reliable option for everyday island tasks. (See Also: how to get flimsy shovel animal crossing)

How to Get the Regular Shovel:

1. Purchase the DIY Recipe: The DIY recipe for the regular Shovel is not taught by Tom Nook. Instead, you’ll need to purchase it from Nook’s Cranny.
2. Upgrade Nook’s Cranny: Initially, Nook’s Cranny is a small shop. To access a wider variety of DIY recipes, including the Shovel, you’ll need to wait for Nook’s Cranny to upgrade. This upgrade happens after you’ve spent a certain amount of Bells in the store and have had it open for a period of time.
3. Look for the Recipe Book: Once Nook’s Cranny is upgraded, check the shelves. The DIY recipe book that contains the Shovel recipe will be available for purchase.
4. Crafting Materials: The Regular Shovel requires 1 piece of Iron Nugget and 1 piece of Hardwood. Hardwood can be obtained by hitting hardwood trees (the ones with fuller canopies) with an Axe.

The Golden Shovel: The Ultimate Digging Tool

For those who aspire to the highest level of island efficiency and style, the Golden Shovel is the ultimate prize. This tool is incredibly durable, lasting for a very long time before breaking, and it has a special property: it can dig up a money tree every single day!

How to Get the Golden Shovel:

1. Reach a Milestone: The Golden Shovel recipe is unlocked by achieving a significant milestone in the game: successfully digging up and planting 100 buried fossils.
2. Find the DIY Recipe: Once you’ve dug up your 100th fossil, the DIY recipe for the Golden Shovel will appear in your inventory or be given to you by Isabelle at Resident Services.
3. Crafting Materials: The Golden Shovel requires 1 Shovel (the regular one) and 3 Golden Nuggets.
4. Obtaining Golden Nuggets: Golden Nuggets are much rarer than Iron Nuggets. They can be found by hitting rocks, but with a significantly lower drop rate. They can also be obtained through special events or trading with other players.

Buying Shovels: When Crafting Isn’t an Option

While crafting is the primary way to get shovels, there are occasions when you might want to buy them directly. This is especially useful if your current shovel breaks unexpectedly and you don’t have the materials to craft a new one immediately.

Where to Buy Shovels: (See Also: how much to shovel a driveway)

• Nook’s Cranny: The most consistent place to buy shovels is at Nook’s Cranny. They will stock Flimsy Shovels regularly. Sometimes, they might also have the Shovel (regular) available for purchase, though this is less common than the flimsy version. Keep an eye on their rotating stock!
• Special Visitors: Occasionally, special visitors to your island, like C.J. or Flick, might sell unique items. While they don’t typically sell tools, it’s always worth checking their inventory if you’re looking for something specific. However, for shovels, Nook’s Cranny is your best bet.

Tips for Shovel Management in Acnh

Shovels, especially the flimsy and regular ones, have a limited lifespan. Here are some tips to ensure you’re never caught without one:

• Always Keep Materials Handy: Try to keep a small stash of Iron Nuggets and Wood (or Hardwood for the regular shovel) in your inventory or storage. This way, if your shovel breaks, you can craft a new one on the spot.
• Craft in Batches: When you have the materials, craft a few shovels at once. This saves you trips to the workbench and ensures you have spares.
• Prioritize the Golden Shovel: Once you’re working towards the Golden Shovel, focus on digging up those fossils! The investment in time is well worth the durability and the money tree perk.
• Use the Right Tool for the Job: While the Golden Shovel is amazing, it’s a waste to use it for simple tasks like digging up weeds. Save its durability for digging up fossils, moving trees, or planting saplings.

What Can You Do with a Shovel in Acnh?

The shovel is one of the most versatile tools in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Its uses extend far beyond just digging holes. Here’s a look at what you can accomplish:

• Digging Up Fossils: This is perhaps the most common use for your shovel. You’ll see star-shaped cracks on the ground, indicating buried fossils. Dig them up, donate them to the museum, or sell them!
• Planting Trees and Flowers: Need to relocate a tree or plant a new sapling? The shovel is essential. You can dig up whole trees (with the shovel equipped) and replant them elsewhere. It’s also used to plant flower seeds and saplings.
• Unearthing Buried Items: Besides fossils, you can dig up various buried items, including Bells (money bags), Gyroids, and sometimes even lost items that belong to villagers.
• Creating and Altering Landscapes: While the Shovel itself doesn’t terraform (that’s the Island Designer app), it’s crucial for the groundwork. You’ll use it to dig holes for new paths, create decorative pits, or remove unwanted holes.
• Digging Up Clams: You’ll see small spouts of water appearing on the beach. Digging these with your shovel will often yield Manila Clams, which are used in various cooking recipes.
• Digging Up Roots: Sometimes, you might dig up roots. These are generally not useful unless they are part of a specific crafting recipe or a quest.

Troubleshooting: “my Shovel Broke!”

It’s a common experience for new players: you’re in the middle of an important task, and suddenly, your shovel breaks! Don’t panic. Here’s what to do:

1. Check Your Inventory: Do you have any spare shovels crafted?
2. Check Your Storage: If not in your inventory, check your house storage or the storage shed if you have one.
3. Head to Nook’s Cranny: If you’re desperate and have Bells, buy a Flimsy Shovel.
4. Gather Materials: If you have the materials, head to a DIY workbench and craft a new one.
5. Plan Ahead: This is a good reminder to always try and have spare materials or a spare shovel on hand!

The Role of the Shovel in Island Customization

The shovel is more than just a tool; it’s a cornerstone of your island’s customization. Without it, the ability to shape your environment is severely limited. Imagine trying to plant a beautiful orchard without being able to move trees or dig holes for saplings. The shovel empowers you to:

• Create Gardens: Digging holes for flowers, planting seeds, and even moving established bushes and trees allows for intricate garden designs.
• Design Paths: While paths are laid out, the shovel is used to clear the ground and create the initial “dig” spots that are then replaced by your chosen path design.
• Strategic Tree Placement: Want to create a dense forest, a fruit-bearing orchard, or clear space for buildings? The shovel lets you dig up and replant trees exactly where you want them.
• Enhance Aesthetics: Digging decorative holes, creating small raised mounds (by digging and then filling in holes around them), or even creating specific patterns on the ground can add unique touches to your island’s appearance.

Shovels and Villager Interactions

While not as direct as other tools, the shovel plays a subtle role in your interactions with villagers: (See Also: how to keep snow from sticking to your shovel)

• Burying Gifts: Sometimes, villagers might ask you to bury a gift for them, or you might find a message bottle on the beach containing a request to bury something.
• Finding Lost Items: If a villager loses an item, they’ll often ask you to help find it. The lost item is usually buried, and you’ll need your shovel to dig it up. Returning it often leads to rewards and strengthens your friendship with the villager.
• Money Trees: The most direct link is with the money tree. You dig a hole with your shovel, bury Bells, and a money tree sprouts. This is a recurring and profitable activity.

Understanding the Different Shovel Types and Their Durability

It’s important to understand the differences between the shovel types, especially regarding their durability. This will help you manage your resources effectively:

As you can see, investing the time to craft the Regular Shovel and then the Golden Shovel significantly reduces the need for constant crafting and replacement, freeing up your time for more enjoyable island activities.

Conclusion

Getting your shovel in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a straightforward process, primarily tied to early game progression and crafting. From the essential Flimsy Shovel to the coveted Golden Shovel, each has its purpose and acquisition method. Mastering how to obtain and manage these tools is key to unlocking the full potential of your island life, allowing for extensive customization, efficient resource gathering, and a more rewarding gameplay experience.

Recommended Products

No products found.