So, you’ve been exploring the vibrant world of Shovel Knight, battling dastardly knights and uncovering hidden secrets. But lately, you’ve noticed a peculiar item in your inventory: the fishing rod. You’re probably wondering, ‘How on earth do I use this thing?’
Fear not, fellow adventurer! The fishing rod in Shovel Knight isn’t just a quirky addition; it’s a surprisingly useful tool that can unlock new pathways, net valuable treasures, and even help you acquire rare items. It’s a mechanic that many players overlook, but mastering it can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Let’s dive into how you can become a master angler in the world of Shovel Knight!
Mastering the Angler’s Art: How to Use the Fishing Rod in Shovel Knight
The fishing rod, officially known as the Trout Jar, is one of the many magical Relics you can acquire as you journey through Shovel Knight’s perilous quests. It might seem a bit out of place alongside your trusty shovel, but this seemingly simple tool opens up a whole new dimension of exploration and reward. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from finding the rod to becoming a seasoned angler capable of pulling in the rarest of catches.
Unlocking the Power of the Trout Jar
Before you can start casting your line, you need to actually obtain the Trout Jar. This relic is found in the Iron Whale stage, specifically during the segment where you are inside the belly of the beast. Keep an eye out for a suspicious-looking wall that can be destroyed with your shovel. Behind it, you’ll find a treasure chest containing the Trout Jar.
Once acquired, the Trout Jar becomes a secondary weapon or tool that you can switch to using your relic button (typically ‘Up’ on the D-pad or analog stick, then pressing the relic button). It doesn’t consume any magic like some other relics, which is a significant advantage.
The Mechanics of Fishing
Using the Trout Jar is straightforward, but timing and positioning are key to success. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown: (See Also: how to get shovel knight spirit)
- Equip the Trout Jar: Make sure the Trout Jar is selected as your active relic. You can cycle through your available relics by pressing the relic button repeatedly until the Trout Jar icon appears.
- Find a Water Source: The Trout Jar can only be used when there is a body of water present. This includes puddles, rivers, and even the occasional waterfall.
- Aim and Cast: Stand near the edge of the water and press the relic button again. Shovel Knight will cast his fishing line. The direction of the cast is generally forward, but slight adjustments in your position can influence where the line lands.
- The Bobber: A small bobber will appear on the water’s surface. This is what the fish (or other items) will interact with.
- The Bite: Patience is a virtue! Wait for the bobber to dip and wiggle. This indicates that something has taken the bait. You’ll often hear a distinct sound cue as well.
- The Reel: As soon as you see the bobber dip, mash the relic button rapidly. This is your cue to ‘reel in’ your catch. The faster you mash, the more likely you are to successfully pull whatever is on the line.
- Success! If you’ve mashed the button quickly enough, Shovel Knight will reel in his catch. This could be a fish, a valuable gem, or even a special item.
What Can You Catch?
The world of Shovel Knight is teeming with more than just enemies. The Trout Jar allows you to interact with the environment in unique ways, and what you catch can vary greatly:
- Fish: The most common catch. Different types of fish can be found in various locations, and some are worth more gold than others. Selling these fish to the Merchant is a great way to earn extra cash.
- Gems: Sparkling gems are also a frequent find. These are valuable and can be sold for a good amount of gold.
- Treasure Chests: Occasionally, you might reel in a small treasure chest, which contains a handful of gold coins.
- Special Items: In certain areas, using the Trout Jar can yield unique items that might be necessary for progression or offer other benefits.
Strategic Uses of the Trout Jar
Beyond just collecting treasure, the Trout Jar has several strategic applications that can make your life easier:
- Accessing Hidden Areas: In some levels, you might see platforms or ledges that are otherwise unreachable. If there’s water below, casting your line and reeling in a fish or item might create a temporary platform or pull you towards it, allowing you to reach new areas.
- Collecting Hard-to-Reach Items: Sometimes, coins or other collectible items might fall into water or be just out of reach. The Trout Jar can be used to snag these items from a distance.
- Earning Gold: As mentioned, selling fish and gems is a fantastic way to boost your gold reserves. This extra gold can be used to purchase armor upgrades, potions, and other essential items from Chester the Merchant.
- Completing Challenges: Some of the optional challenges or achievements in Shovel Knight might involve catching a certain number of fish or specific types of fish. Mastering the Trout Jar is essential for these.
Tips for Effective Fishing
To maximize your fishing success and minimize frustration, keep these tips in mind:
- Listen for the Sound: The distinct ‘plink’ and subsequent wiggling sound cue for a bite is your best indicator. Don’t rely solely on visual cues, especially during hectic moments.
- Mash Aggressively: When you get a bite, mash that relic button as fast as humanly possible. The speed of your input directly correlates with your success in reeling in the catch.
- Experiment with Position: If you’re having trouble getting a bite or reaching a specific spot, try moving slightly along the water’s edge. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
- Be Patient: Sometimes, you just have to wait for the right moment. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a bite immediately.
- Know When to Give Up: If a particular fishing spot isn’t yielding anything after several attempts, it might be worth moving on to another area or trying a different strategy. Not all water sources are created equal.
The Trout Jar in Different Shovel Knight Campaigns
The Trout Jar is a staple relic that appears across several of the Shovel Knight campaigns, offering its unique utility in each:
Plague of Shadows
In Plague of Shadows, Plague Knight can also acquire and use the Trout Jar. Its functionality remains largely the same, allowing him to fish for items and treasures. While Plague Knight has his own unique abilities, the Trout Jar provides a consistent method for generating income and accessing certain environmental interactions. (See Also: how do you spell shovel)
Specter of Torment
Specter Knight’s campaign, Specter of Torment, doesn’t feature the Trout Jar as a primary relic. Instead, Specter Knight has his own set of abilities that focus on traversal and combat, often involving spectral forms and scythe attacks. The fishing mechanic is largely absent from this particular campaign.
King of Cards
King Knight’s campaign, King of Cards, brings back the Trout Jar. As with the original campaign, King Knight can use it to fish for items, gems, and other treasures. This is particularly useful for King Knight, who relies on collecting items and playing cards to progress and gain advantages in his journey.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Across the entirety of the Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, the Trout Jar serves as a consistent and valuable tool for players who take the time to master its use. Whether you’re playing as Shovel Knight, Plague Knight, or King Knight, the ability to fish can be a significant boon to your progress, offering a steady stream of gold and sometimes even opening up new paths.
Troubleshooting Common Fishing Issues
Even with the best intentions, sometimes fishing can be a bit tricky. Here are a few common problems and their solutions:
Issue: I’m Not Getting Any Bites.
Solution: Ensure you are positioned correctly at the edge of the water. Sometimes, being too far away or too close can prevent the bobber from registering properly. Also, try waiting a bit longer; some fish are more cautious than others. (See Also: how to shovel car out of snow)
Issue: The Bobber Wiggles, but I Can’t Reel Anything in.
Solution: This is almost always a mashing issue. You need to mash the relic button as quickly and continuously as possible the moment you see the bobber dip. Try using your thumb or even multiple fingers if needed. If you’re on a controller, ensure your button isn’t sticking.
Issue: I’m Casting, but the Line Isn’t Going Into the Water.
Solution: You need to be adjacent to a water source. If you’re standing on dry land with no water nearby, the Trout Jar won’t activate. Double-check that there’s a valid water tile within range of your cast.
Issue: I’m Catching the Same Things Over and Over.
Solution: Different areas and different water types can yield different catches. Experiment with fishing in various locations throughout the game. Some rare items or fish might only appear in specific spots or under certain conditions.
The Value of a Good Angler
the Trout Jar is more than just a novelty item. It’s a tool that rewards observation, patience, and quick reflexes. By understanding its mechanics and strategic applications, you can turn a simple fishing rod into a powerful asset, helping you gather resources, uncover secrets, and ultimately, become a more successful adventurer in the vast and wonderful world of Shovel Knight. So next time you see a shimmering puddle or a flowing river, don’t just pass by – equip your Trout Jar and see what treasures await!
Verdict: The Trout Jar Is Your Secret Weapon
The Trout Jar in Shovel Knight is an often-underestimated relic that offers significant benefits. By mastering its casting and reeling mechanics, you can consistently earn gold by catching fish and gems, access otherwise unreachable areas, and collect valuable items. Don’t let this quirky tool gather dust; embrace your inner angler to enhance your gameplay and uncover all the secrets the world has to offer.
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