So, you’ve got your hands on the awesome Shovel Knight amiibo and a New Nintendo 3DS, and you’re wondering how to make these two powerhouses work together. You’re not alone! Many players are eager to unlock the special content and features this particular amiibo brings to the beloved indie classic.
Don’t worry, it’s a straightforward process, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Get ready to enhance your Shovel Knight experience on your portable console!
Unlocking the Power of Your Shovel Knight Amiibo on the New 3ds
The Shovel Knight amiibo is a fantastic piece of merchandise that doesn’t just sit on a shelf; it actively enhances your gameplay experience in Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove on the New Nintendo 3DS. It’s designed to be interactive, offering unique challenges, cosmetic changes, and even new gameplay mechanics that you wouldn’t otherwise access. We’ll walk you through exactly how to tap into these exciting bonuses.
What Does the Shovel Knight Amiibo Do?
Before we dive into the ‘how,’ let’s quickly cover the ‘what.’ The Shovel Knight amiibo is primarily known for unlocking a few key features:
- Co-op Mode: This is arguably the biggest draw. The amiibo allows you to play through the entire Shovel Knight campaign in local co-op mode with a second player controlling a phantom version of Shovel Knight.
- Challenge Levels: A set of exclusive challenge stages become available, testing your platforming and combat skills in new and inventive ways. These are often quite tough but incredibly rewarding.
- Customization Options: You can unlock new armor sets and color schemes for Shovel Knight, allowing you to personalize your hero’s look.
- New Amiibo Dance: A special, celebratory dance animation can be unlocked for Shovel Knight.
The exact features might vary slightly depending on the specific version of Shovel Knight you have (like the original Shovel Knight or the expanded Treasure Trove), but the core functionalities remain consistent for the amiibo on the New 3DS.
Getting Started: What You Need
It’s simple! You’ll need:
- A New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL, New Nintendo 2DS XL, or New Nintendo 3DS. Note that the original Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL models do not have built-in NFC readers and will require an external accessory.
- The Shovel Knight amiibo figure.
- A copy of Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove (or the original Shovel Knight game) installed or in its cartridge form on your New 3DS.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the Shovel Knight Amiibo
The process for using your Shovel Knight amiibo on a New 3DS is incredibly user-friendly. Thanks to the built-in NFC reader, it’s as simple as a tap.
Step 1: Ensure Your Game Is Updated
Before you do anything, it’s always a good practice to make sure your copy of Shovel Knight is updated to the latest version. Developers often release patches that improve amiibo compatibility and add new features. To check for updates on your 3DS:
- Navigate to the System Settings on your 3DS home screen.
- Select Software Update.
- If there are updates available for Shovel Knight, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install them.
Step 2: Launch Shovel Knight
Start up your game of Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove. You can do this from your 3DS home screen by selecting the game icon. (See Also: how to get flimsy shovel animal crossing)
Step 3: Navigate to the Amiibo Menu or Relevant Section
Once the game has loaded, you’ll need to find where the amiibo functionality is integrated. This is usually accessible from the main menu or a specific in-game location.
- From the Main Menu: Look for an option that might be labeled ‘Amiibo,’ ‘Extras,’ ‘Bonuses,’ or something similar.
- In-Game: Sometimes, amiibo features are unlocked by interacting with a specific NPC or a designated spot within the game world. For Shovel Knight, the primary access point is often through a dedicated menu option.
If you’re unsure, consult the in-game options or tutorials. The game itself is quite good at guiding you.
Step 4: Access the Nfc Reader Area
On the New Nintendo 3DS, the NFC reader is located on the bottom screen. Specifically, it’s the area in the center of the bottom touchscreen.
Step 5: Tap Your Shovel Knight Amiibo
With the game running and the amiibo menu (or relevant section) active, take your Shovel Knight amiibo figure and place it, base down, onto the NFC reader area in the center of your New 3DS’s bottom screen.
You should feel a slight vibration or hear a small sound effect indicating that the 3DS has successfully read the amiibo data. The game will then usually prompt you about what content has been unlocked or what action is being taken.
Step 6: Enjoy the Unlocked Content!
Once the amiibo is registered, the unlocked content will be available within your game.
- For Co-op: You’ll typically be able to select co-op mode from the start screen or a specific character select screen.
- For Challenges: A new option for ‘Challenge Levels’ or similar will appear on your main menu or world map.
- For Customization: You’ll likely find options to change Shovel Knight’s armor and colors within the game’s customization menus.
It’s important to note that the Shovel Knight amiibo is typically a one-time unlock for these features. Once registered, the content is permanently available for that save file without needing to tap the amiibo again for the same unlocks. However, you might need to tap it again if you want to activate co-op mode or access specific challenges on a new save file.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the process is usually seamless, you might encounter a few hiccups. Here are some common problems and their solutions: (See Also: how much to shovel a driveway)
Issue 1: The 3ds Doesn’t Read the Amiibo
- Check the NFC Reader Area: Ensure you’re placing the amiibo directly in the center of the bottom screen’s NFC zone.
- Positioning: Make sure the amiibo is flat and stable on the screen. Avoid tilting it.
- Cleanliness: Ensure both the amiibo’s base and the 3DS’s bottom screen are clean and free of dust or debris.
- Game State: Confirm you are in the correct in-game menu where amiibo functionality is enabled. Some games only allow amiibo scanning at specific points.
- Amiibo Damage: Though rare, inspect the amiibo for any visible damage to its NFC chip.
- System Restart: Sometimes, a simple restart of your New 3DS can resolve temporary glitches.
Issue 2: Content Not Appearing After Scanning
- Correct Game: Double-check that you are playing the correct version of Shovel Knight that supports amiibo functionality.
- Save File Specific: Amiibo unlocks are often tied to a specific save file. If you started a new game, you might need to rescan the amiibo.
- Game Updates: As mentioned earlier, ensure your game is fully updated. An outdated game might not recognize the amiibo’s data correctly.
- Region Lock: While amiibo are generally region-free for functionality, ensure your amiibo and your 3DS are from compatible regions if you encountered issues with a third-party purchase.
Issue 3: Co-Op Mode Not Available
- Amiibo Registered?: Ensure the amiibo was successfully scanned and registered for co-op.
- Game Mode Selection: Verify that you are selecting the ‘Co-op’ option from the game’s menu, and not a standard single-player campaign start.
- Second Player Input: Remember that co-op requires a second player to control the phantom Shovel Knight. The amiibo *enables* co-op, but doesn’t play it for you!
Shovel Knight Amiibo on Older 3ds Models (for Completeness)
For those who might still have an original Nintendo 3DS, 2DS, or 3DS XL, the process is slightly different due to the lack of an integrated NFC reader. You would need the Nintendo 3DS NFC Reader/Writer accessory.
Here’s how it would work:
- Connect the NFC Reader: Place the NFC Reader/Writer accessory on a flat surface. Connect it to your 3DS via USB (it usually has a USB cable).
- Launch Shovel Knight: Open the game on your 3DS.
- Access Amiibo Menu: Navigate to the amiibo section within the game.
- Scan Amiibo: Place your Shovel Knight amiibo onto the designated scanning area of the NFC Reader/Writer accessory.
- Follow Prompts: The 3DS will read the amiibo data through the accessory and communicate it to the game.
This accessory effectively adds the NFC functionality to older models, allowing them to interact with amiibo figures just like the newer systems.
The Value of the Shovel Knight Amiibo
Investing in the Shovel Knight amiibo is a fantastic way to deepen your appreciation for this already stellar game. The co-op mode alone is a joy, offering a new way to experience the campaign with a friend. The challenge levels provide a significant difficulty spike and require mastery of the game’s mechanics, offering long-term replayability.
Furthermore, the customization options add a personal touch, letting you style Shovel Knight to your liking. It’s a testament to Yacht Club Games’ dedication to their creation, adding meaningful content that genuinely enhances the player’s journey. For any serious fan of Shovel Knight on the 3DS, this amiibo is a must-have.
A Deeper Dive Into Amiibo Functionality
It’s worth noting that amiibo functionality has evolved over the years. For Shovel Knight on the 3DS, the integration is quite direct and user-friendly. Unlike some other amiibo that might unlock minor bonuses or change character appearances in different games, the Shovel Knight amiibo provides substantial gameplay additions.
The co-op mode is particularly noteworthy. Playing with a friend, even in a phantom form, adds a layer of strategy and fun that transforms the solo experience. Coordinating jumps, attacks, and enemy management becomes a delightful challenge. The phantom Shovel Knight can interact with the main Shovel Knight, offering support and sometimes even creating new puzzle opportunities.
The challenge levels are designed by the developers to be distinct experiences. They often feature unique enemy placements, environmental hazards, and specific objectives that go beyond the standard boss rushes or platforming gauntlets found in the main game. These challenges are a true test of skill and a great way to hone your abilities. (See Also: how to keep snow from sticking to your shovel)
Table: Amiibo Features and Requirements
| Feature | Description | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Co-op Mode | Play through the main campaign with a phantom Shovel Knight controlled by a second player. | Shovel Knight Amiibo, New 3DS/XL/2DS XL, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove |
| Challenge Levels | Unlock exclusive, difficult challenge stages. | Shovel Knight Amiibo, New 3DS/XL/2DS XL, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove |
| Customization Items | Unlock new armor sets and color palettes for Shovel Knight. | Shovel Knight Amiibo, New 3DS/XL/2DS XL, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove |
| Amiibo Dance | Unlock a special celebratory dance animation. | Shovel Knight Amiibo, New 3DS/XL/2DS XL, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove |
When considering how to use your Shovel Knight amiibo on New 3DS, remember that it’s all about enhancing your existing adventure. It’s not about gating content behind a paywall, but rather offering extra layers of fun and challenge for those who choose to engage with it.
The developers, Yacht Club Games, are known for their passion and attention to detail, and the Shovel Knight amiibo is a prime example of how to integrate physical collectibles into a digital experience in a meaningful way. They’ve ensured that the amiibo content feels like a natural extension of the game, rather than a tacked-on feature.
So, go ahead, tap that amiibo! You’ve got a whole new dimension of Shovel Knight waiting for you on your New 3DS.
The process is designed to be intuitive, and with the New 3DS’s built-in NFC reader, it takes mere seconds to initiate the connection. This seamless integration means you can jump from exploring the main campaign to diving into a challenging amiibo-exclusive level or starting up a co-op session with minimal fuss.
It’s a testament to the game’s enduring popularity and the developers’ commitment to providing value to their fans. The Shovel Knight amiibo is more than just a collectible; it’s a key that unlocks a treasure trove of additional content, making your portable Shovel Knight experience even richer.
Remember to always ensure your game is updated and that you’re following the on-screen prompts within Shovel Knight itself. The game will usually guide you on when and where to scan your amiibo for the best results. Happy adventuring!
Conclusion
Using your Shovel Knight amiibo on the New Nintendo 3DS is an incredibly simple yet rewarding process. By tapping your figure to the bottom screen, you unlock a wealth of exclusive content, including co-op mode, challenging levels, and unique customization options. This integration significantly enhances the replayability and depth of your Shovel Knight adventure on the go, making it a worthwhile endeavor for any fan.
Recommended Products
No products found.