So, you’ve heard the whispers of a knight wielding a shovel, a hero of pixelated renown. Or perhaps you’ve stumbled upon its charming art style and catchy tunes and are now wondering: how much is Shovel Knight?
It’s a question that doesn’t have a single, simple answer, because Shovel Knight isn’t just one game; it’s a whole universe! From its humble beginnings as a single, brilliant adventure, it has blossomed into a series with multiple expansions, collector’s editions, and even a brand-new, full-fledged sequel. We’re here to break down all the costs, the value, and why this indie darling is worth every single coin.
Understanding the Shovel Knight Ecosystem
When you ask ‘how much is Shovel Knight,’ you’re likely thinking about the cost of acquiring the game itself. However, the true value and cost of Shovel Knight lie in its evolution. Yacht Club Games, the brilliant minds behind this indie phenomenon, have treated their flagship title with incredible care and generosity. What started as ‘Shovel of Hope’ has expanded to include three additional full campaigns, each with its own unique protagonist, gameplay mechanics, and story. These aren’t just small DLCs; they are substantial, standalone experiences that were, for a long time, offered as free updates to the original game. This commitment to players is a huge part of what makes Shovel Knight so special and influences its perceived value.
The Core Campaigns: A Treasure Trove of Content
Let’s dive into the individual campaigns that make up the “King of Cards” era of Shovel Knight. Each of these can be considered a ‘game’ in its own right, offering dozens of hours of gameplay. Understanding their individual pricing and availability is key to answering your question.
Shovel of Hope (the Original Knight)
This is where it all began. Shovel Knight’s inaugural adventure introduced us to the brave Shovel Knight, his trusty shovel, and the nefarious Enchantress. This campaign is a masterclass in retro-inspired platforming, featuring tight controls, memorable boss fights, and a surprisingly heartfelt story. When it was initially released on digital storefronts, the price was typical for a premium indie title. Over time, as more content was added, the perceived value of the base game has only increased.
- Initial Release Price: Typically around $14.99 USD.
- Current Digital Price: Often bundled with all expansions, so the price reflects the entire “Treasure Trove.”
Plague of Shadows (the Alchemist’s Pursuit)
The first major free update added Plague Knight as a playable character. This campaign offers a completely different playstyle, focusing on bouncy bombs and aerial maneuvers. Plague Knight’s story runs parallel to Shovel Knight’s, offering a fresh perspective on the world and its characters. The addition of ‘Plague of Shadows’ significantly increased the replayability and content of the original Shovel Knight purchase, meaning if you bought the game before this update, you received a substantial amount of new content for free.
- Content Added: Free update to the original purchase.
- Playstyle: Fast-paced, bomb-centric, aerial combat.
Specter of Torment (the Ghostly Gallop)
Next came Specter Knight, a dashing specter with a scythe. This campaign introduces a unique “Traversal” system, allowing players to dash and sickle-launch through levels. The story delves into Specter Knight’s past and his connection to the Enchantress. Again, this was a free update for existing owners, further enhancing the value proposition of the Shovel Knight package.
- Content Added: Free update to the original purchase.
- Playstyle: Momentum-based, scythe-swinging, aerial traversal.
King of Cards (the Royal Rampage)
The final major free campaign introduced King Knight, a boisterous and somewhat pompous monarch. ‘King of Cards’ features a distinct “Pogo-Pound” mechanic and a unique “Card Battle” mini-game. This campaign is the largest of the free additions and offers a truly unique experience within the Shovel Knight universe. Its release solidified the “Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove” as an incredible value. (See Also: how to get flimsy shovel animal crossing)
- Content Added: Free update to the original purchase.
- Playstyle: Royal pogo-stomping, card game integration.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove – the Definitive Package
Recognizing the sheer volume of content, Yacht Club Games eventually consolidated all these campaigns into a single, definitive package: Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove. This is the version most commonly found on digital storefronts today. It includes ‘Shovel of Hope,’ ‘Plague of Shadows,’ ‘Specter of Torment,’ and ‘King of Cards,’ plus other modes like “Battle Mode” and “Co-op Mode.” The price of the Treasure Trove reflects the immense amount of gameplay offered, making it one of the best value propositions in gaming.
| Platform | Typical Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | $39.99 | Includes all campaigns and modes. Often on sale. |
| PlayStation 4/5 | $39.99 | Includes all campaigns and modes. Often on sale. |
| Xbox One/Series X/S | $39.99 | Includes all campaigns and modes. Often on sale. |
| PC (Steam, GOG, etc.) | $39.99 | Includes all campaigns and modes. Frequently discounted. |
| 3DS/PS Vita | $39.99 (if still available) | Digital versions may be delisted on older platforms. |
**Prices are approximate and can fluctuate due to sales and regional differences. Always check your preferred digital storefront for the most current pricing.
Physical Editions: For the Collector’s Shelf
Beyond digital, there are also highly sought-after physical editions of Shovel Knight. These are often released in limited runs and can command higher prices, especially for collectors. The most notable is the “Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove” amiibo 3-Pack, which includes amiibo figures for Shovel Knight, Plague Knight, and Specter Knight. These figures unlock exclusive content within the game, such as special armor sets and co-op modes.
Various publishers have also released special physical editions. For instance, Limited Run Games and Fangamer have produced collector’s editions that include the game, soundtracks, art books, and other memorabilia. These are typically priced higher than the standard digital version but offer a tangible piece of gaming history.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove Amiibo 3-Pack
- Original MSRP: Around $59.99 USD.
- Current Market Price: Can range from $80 to $200+ USD, depending on condition and seller. This is due to its limited nature and collector demand.
Other Limited Physical Editions
Companies like Fangamer and Limited Run Games have produced special physical releases. These often include:
- The full Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove game.
- A retro-style game manual.
- A full-color instruction booklet.
- A physical soundtrack CD.
- Art cards or posters.
- Sometimes, exclusive amiibo or other collectibles.
The price for these premium physical editions can vary wildly, often starting at around $75 USD and going up to $200+ USD for the most elaborate collector’s sets. Their value is tied to their rarity and the included extras.
Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon and Shovel Knight: Dig (new Adventures)
It’s important to note that the Shovel Knight universe has expanded beyond the original platformer. Two new titles have emerged, each with its own pricing structure: (See Also: how much to shovel a driveway)
Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon
This is a puzzle-roguelike dungeon crawler that reimagines the Shovel Knight world. It features a unique block-matching combat system and is a fresh take on the franchise. It was released as a standalone game.
- Digital Price: Typically $19.99 USD.
- Physical Release: Available from Limited Run Games, often bundled with extras and priced higher.
Shovel Knight: Dig (coming Soon!)
This is the latest, highly anticipated entry, featuring a ground-digging gameplay mechanic. While it’s not yet released at the time of writing this, we can anticipate its pricing to be similar to other premium indie titles, likely in the $20-$40 USD range for its digital release. Information on potential physical or collector’s editions will emerge closer to its launch.
Why the Value Proposition Is So High
The reason Shovel Knight is such a compelling purchase, regardless of the specific edition, is the incredible value Yacht Club Games provides. They have a proven track record of:
- Free Content Updates: Delivering massive, high-quality expansions for free to existing owners is unheard of in today’s gaming landscape.
- Quality and Polish: Each campaign is meticulously crafted, offering tight controls, challenging gameplay, charming characters, and a fantastic soundtrack.
- Longevity: The “Treasure Trove” offers hundreds of hours of gameplay across multiple distinct experiences.
- Respect for Players: Yacht Club Games consistently prioritizes the player experience, fostering immense goodwill and brand loyalty.
When you buy “Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove” for around $40 USD, you are essentially getting four full-length games plus additional modes. This makes the cost per hour of entertainment astronomically low compared to many other titles.
Where to Buy Shovel Knight
You can find Shovel Knight on virtually every modern gaming platform. Here are the most common places to look:
- Nintendo eShop (for Switch, 3DS)
- PlayStation Store (for PS4, PS5)
- Microsoft Store (for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
- Steam (for PC)
- GOG.com (for DRM-free PC versions)
- Epic Games Store (for PC)
- Physical retailers (for console versions, look for “Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove” on Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One)
- Specialty retailers like Fangamer and Limited Run Games (for limited physical editions and collector’s items)
When searching, look for “Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove” to ensure you’re getting all the main campaigns. If you’re interested in the newer titles, search for “Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon” or keep an eye out for news on “Shovel Knight: Dig.”
Considering the Value of Physical vs. Digital
Deciding between a digital and physical copy often comes down to personal preference and budget. Digital is convenient and usually the most affordable option for the standard “Treasure Trove” package. Physical copies, especially collector’s editions, offer tangible value with extra goodies and can become valuable assets for collectors over time. However, they come with a significantly higher price tag and are often produced in limited quantities, making them harder to acquire. (See Also: how to keep snow from sticking to your shovel)
For most players simply looking to experience the incredible Shovel Knight journey, the digital “Treasure Trove” is the way to go. It’s readily available, offers all the content, and frequently goes on sale, making it an even better deal. If you’re a dedicated fan or collector, then exploring the limited physical releases and amiibo can be a rewarding, albeit more expensive, pursuit.
The Future of Shovel Knight Pricing
Yacht Club Games has a strong reputation for supporting their games long-term. While the core “Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove” is unlikely to see significant price drops on its base MSRP, you can almost always count on digital storefronts to offer frequent sales. This means you can often snag the entire “Treasure Trove” for 50% off or even more during major sales events.
As for new titles like “Shovel Knight: Dig,” their initial pricing will reflect current market standards for premium indie games. Bundles or special editions might appear later, but the base game will likely remain accessible. The ongoing commitment to quality and content ensures that Shovel Knight, in whatever form you acquire it, will always represent excellent value for your gaming dollar.
Key Takeaways on Pricing:
- Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove (Digital): The best value, typically $39.99 USD, but frequently on sale for $10-$20 USD.
- Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove (Physical): Standard editions can be found for around $40 USD, but collector’s editions and amiibo packs are significantly more expensive ($75 – $200+ USD).
- Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon: Typically $19.99 USD.
- Shovel Knight: Dig: Expected to be in the $20-$40 USD range upon release.
Ultimately, the question of ‘how much is Shovel Knight’ is answered by the immense amount of quality content you receive. Whether you’re paying the standard digital price or hunting for a rare physical edition, you’re investing in one of the most beloved and well-supported indie franchises of all time.
Verdict on Shovel Knight’s Cost
So, how much is Shovel Knight? The comprehensive “Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove” package, offering four full campaigns and more, typically retails for $39.99 USD digitally. However, thanks to frequent sales, you can often acquire this incredible value for much less. Beyond the core digital offering, limited physical editions and collector’s items, like the amiibo 3-pack, can command significantly higher prices due to their rarity.
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