Are you eager to dive into the explosive world of Plague Knight’s campaign in Shovel Knight? You’ve come to the right place! Many players wonder if Plague of Shadows is a separate purchase or how to access this exciting expansion.
The good news is that Plague of Shadows is not a standalone game. It’s a fantastic addition to the original Shovel Knight experience, and if you own Shovel Knight on any platform, you likely already have access to it! Let’s break down exactly how to jump into the alchemical adventures of our favorite villain.
Unlocking the Alchemical Arsenal: How to Get Shovel Knight Plague of Shadows
So, you’re ready to don the goggles and embrace the chaos of Plague Knight’s campaign, but you’re not entirely sure how to get Shovel Knight Plague of Shadows. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than brewing a new potion! Plague of Shadows is a free update that was released for all owners of the original Shovel Knight game. This means if you purchased Shovel Knight on any platform, you already have it. The real task is knowing how to access and start this exciting new adventure.
Understanding the Plague of Shadows Expansion
Before we get into the ‘how,’ let’s appreciate what Plague of Shadows brings to the table. This isn’t just a reskin; it’s a complete campaign starring Plague Knight, one of the Order of No Quarter’s most eccentric members. You’ll experience a familiar world through a completely different lens, with unique mechanics, a new storyline, and a fresh perspective on the events of Shovel Knight’s original quest. Instead of a trusty shovel, Plague Knight wields his alchemical bombs, offering a more strategic and explosive playstyle. You can also craft different bomb types, adding a layer of customization and tactical depth to your combat encounters.
The narrative follows Plague Knight’s own quest to create the ultimate potion, a goal that often puts him at odds with Shovel Knight and the rest of the knights. It’s a story filled with dark humor, interesting character interactions, and a surprisingly poignant undertone. You’ll revisit familiar locales but with Plague Knight’s unique spin, encountering new challenges and enemies designed to test your mastery of his bomb-throwing abilities.
Accessing Plague of Shadows: Step-by-Step
Getting into Plague of Shadows is straightforward, provided you have the base game. Here’s how you do it: (See Also: how to get flimsy shovel animal crossing)
- Ensure You Own Shovel Knight: This is the most crucial prerequisite. Plague of Shadows is included with the original Shovel Knight. If you bought the game digitally on platforms like Steam, Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Xbox Games Store, or mobile app stores, you already possess it. If you have a physical copy, it should also be included.
- Update Your Game: For the vast majority of players, the Plague of Shadows update was applied automatically when it was released. However, if you haven’t played Shovel Knight in a while or have specific update settings, it’s a good idea to check for game updates.
- On PC (Steam): Right-click on Shovel Knight in your Steam Library, select ‘Properties,’ go to the ‘Updates’ tab, and ensure ‘Always keep this game updated’ is selected. You can also manually check for updates by clicking ‘Check for Updates’ in the Help menu.
- On Nintendo Switch: Highlight Shovel Knight on your HOME Menu, press the ‘+’ button, select ‘Software Update,’ and then ‘Via the Internet.’
- On PlayStation (PS4/PS5): Highlight Shovel Knight on the home screen, press the ‘Options’ button, and select ‘Check for Update.’
- On Xbox (One/Series X|S): Highlight Shovel Knight in ‘My Games & Apps,’ press the menu button, and select ‘Manage game & add-ons,’ then ‘Updates.’
- On Mobile (iOS/Android): Open your respective app store (App Store or Google Play Store), search for Shovel Knight, and tap ‘Update’ if available.
- Launch Shovel Knight: Once your game is updated (or if it was already current), launch Shovel Knight as you normally would.
- Select ‘Campaign’ or ‘New Game’: On the main menu, you’ll typically see options like ‘Campaign,’ ‘Arcade,’ or ‘Challenge Mode.’ Select ‘Campaign.’
- Choose Your Knight: After selecting ‘Campaign,’ you will be presented with a screen where you can choose which Knight’s campaign to play. You should see ‘Shovel Knight’ and, importantly, ‘Plague Knight.’ Select ‘Plague Knight.’
- Start Your Adventure!: The game will then prompt you to start a new game with Plague Knight. You’ll be treated to a unique introductory cutscene that sets up his story.
What If Plague Knight Isn’t Available? Troubleshooting Tips
In the rare instance that you’ve followed the steps above and Plague Knight’s campaign isn’t appearing, here are a few things to check:
- Verify Game Ownership: Double-check that you have indeed purchased and installed Shovel Knight. Sometimes, especially with bundles or different editions, there might be confusion.
- Complete Reinstallation: If you suspect a corrupted installation, try uninstalling Shovel Knight completely and then reinstalling it from your digital storefront or physical disc. This can resolve many stubborn issues.
- Check for Platform-Specific Content: On some older platforms or in very specific regional releases, there might have been different versions. However, for the vast majority of modern platforms, Plague of Shadows is a universal free update. If you are on an older console, research the specific version of Shovel Knight you have.
- Contact Support: If none of the above works, it’s time to reach out to the support for your specific platform (e.g., Steam Support, Nintendo Support, PlayStation Support) or the developers at Yacht Club Games. They can help diagnose account-specific issues or potential bugs.
Key Differences and Gameplay Mechanics of Plague of Shadows
Playing as Plague Knight is a significant departure from controlling Shovel Knight. Understanding these differences is key to mastering his campaign.
Movement and Combat
Plague Knight is much more agile. He has a double jump and can perform a “bomb jump” by strategically placing a bomb beneath him. This bomb jump is essential for reaching new areas and executing advanced maneuvers. His primary attack is throwing bombs, which can be customized.
Bomb Crafting System
This is the heart of Plague of Shadows’ gameplay. Throughout your journey, you’ll collect “ingredients” from defeated enemies and treasure chests. These ingredients are used at special “Alchemy Labs” found in various stages to craft different types of bombs. Each bomb type has unique properties:
- Standard Bomb: The default explosive, good for general damage.
- Bouncing Bomb: These bounce along the ground before exploding, useful for hitting enemies at different heights or safely clearing rooms.
- Seeking Bomb: These home in on the nearest enemy, making them great for dealing with evasive foes or hitting targets you can’t directly aim at.
- Cluster Bomb: Explodes into smaller projectiles, good for area denial or hitting multiple targets.
- Sticky Bomb: These attach to surfaces and enemies, detonating after a short fuse. They can be used for strategic trap-setting or to damage enemies from a safe distance.
Experimenting with different bomb combinations is crucial for overcoming specific challenges and boss fights. Some enemies might be weak to certain bomb types, while others might require a more nuanced approach. (See Also: how to shovel without hurting your back)
Health and Upgrades
Plague Knight has a different health system. Instead of heart pieces, he uses “Vials.” You can increase your maximum vials by finding special items. His upgrades are also bomb-focused, allowing you to increase the number of bombs you can carry, improve their effectiveness, or unlock new crafting recipes.
Story and Npcs
The narrative in Plague of Shadows offers a more comedic and sometimes sympathetic look at the villains of the Shovel Knight universe. You’ll interact with familiar characters like Mona, who acts as Plague Knight’s assistant and confidante, and even encounter other members of the Order of No Quarter in different contexts. The dialogue is witty and often breaks the fourth wall, adding to the charm.
The Value of Plague of Shadows
It’s remarkable that an expansion of this quality and scope is included as a free update. Yacht Club Games has consistently provided incredible value to its players, and Plague of Shadows is a prime example. It’s not just a bonus; it’s a fully realized, challenging, and highly entertaining campaign that stands tall alongside the original Shovel Knight experience.
For players who enjoyed the core gameplay of Shovel Knight but were looking for a new challenge or a different perspective, Plague of Shadows delivers in spades. The unique bomb mechanics and the character of Plague Knight himself provide a fresh and engaging experience that can easily consume dozens of hours as you strive to perfect your bomb-throwing skills and discover all the secrets within his quest.
Comparison with Other Shovel Knight Campaigns
It’s worth noting how Plague of Shadows fits into the larger Shovel Knight universe. Each subsequent campaign released for Shovel Knight (Specter of Torment, King of Cards) offers a distinct gameplay style and narrative. However, Plague of Shadows was the first major expansion that introduced a completely new playable character with a fundamentally different set of abilities. While Shovel Knight is about precise platforming and shovel-based combat, and Specter Knight focuses on fast-paced, spectral combat, Plague Knight is all about strategic bomb placement and resource management through his crafting system. (See Also: how to change a shovel handle)
Here’s a quick comparison of the core gameplay loop:
| Campaign | Primary Weapon/Ability | Core Mechanic | Movement Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shovel Knight | Shovel Drop/Slash | Precision platforming, bouncing off enemies | Deliberate, grounded |
| Plague of Shadows | Alchemical Bombs | Bomb crafting, strategic placement, bomb jumping | Agile, aerial focus |
| Specter of Torment | Scythe, Dash Attack | Fast-paced combat, chaining attacks, collecting souls | Fluid, momentum-based |
| King of Cards | Scepter, Card Combat | Card-based combat system, chivalrous charge attacks | Unique, regal, strategic |
Plague of Shadows, therefore, offers a more puzzle-like approach to combat and traversal. You often need to think about the environment and your bomb choices before you even engage an enemy. This makes it a fantastic choice for players who enjoy a strategic layer added to their platforming adventures.
Tips for Mastering Plague Knight
To truly enjoy and succeed in Plague of Shadows, keep these tips in mind:
- Experiment with Bombs: Don’t stick to just one bomb type. Learn what each bomb is good for and use them situationally. A well-placed seeking bomb can save you from a tricky enemy, while a bouncing bomb can clear a path safely.
- Master the Bomb Jump: This is your primary tool for reaching high platforms and dodging attacks. Practice timing your bomb placements to get the most height and control.
- Collect Everything: Ingredients are vital for crafting. Make sure to grab every ingredient drop you see and explore thoroughly to find hidden stashes.
- Understand Enemy Patterns: Just like in the original campaign, learning enemy attack patterns is key. This will help you know when to dodge, when to attack, and which bomb type will be most effective.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Fail: Plague Knight’s campaign can be challenging. You’ll die, and that’s okay! Each death is a learning opportunity. Analyze what went wrong and try a different strategy.
- Utilize Alchemy Labs Wisely: Before a tough boss fight or a challenging section, visit an Alchemy Lab and craft the most appropriate bombs. Sometimes, having the right loadout makes all the difference.
- Talk to NPCs: The characters in Plague of Shadows offer hints, lore, and sometimes even special items. Engaging with them can enrich your experience and provide valuable assistance.
By embracing these strategies, you’ll find yourself becoming a master alchemist and conquering Plague Knight’s unique challenges with explosive flair. The journey is as rewarding as it is chaotic, offering a fresh take on the beloved Shovel Knight world.
Conclusion
Getting Shovel Knight Plague of Shadows is wonderfully straightforward: it’s a free expansion included with the base game. Simply ensure your Shovel Knight is updated, and you’ll find the option to play Plague Knight’s unique campaign on the main menu. Dive into his explosive, bomb-centric gameplay and experience a familiar world with a fresh, alchemical twist. Enjoy the chaos!
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