So, you’ve conquered the treacherous lands of the main Shovel Knight campaign and are itching for more knightly action? You’re in luck! The developers at Yacht Club Games have blessed us with a treasure trove of downloadable content, each offering a fresh perspective and a whole new adventure.
But with multiple DLC campaigns to choose from, you might be wondering: how exactly do you dive into them? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start playing each Shovel Knight DLC, from unlocking them to understanding their unique mechanics.
Unveiling the Shovel Knight Dlc Expansions
Yacht Club Games has consistently delivered exceptional value with their Shovel Knight expansions. These aren’t just minor additions; they are fully fleshed-out campaigns, each starring a different knight with their own distinct playstyle, story, and challenges. Think of them as entirely new games built within the beloved Shovel Knight universe. Currently, there are three major DLC campaigns available: Plague of Shadows, Specter of Torment, and King of Cards, with the Showdown multiplayer mode also being a significant addition. All of these are included for free with the base game, which is fantastic!
How to Access and Play Each Shovel Knight Dlc
The beauty of the Shovel Knight DLCs is their seamless integration into the game. You don’t need to download separate titles or jump through hoops. Once you own Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove (which is the definitive edition containing all the DLC), the campaigns are readily accessible from the main menu.
1. Plague of Shadows: The Alchemist’s Revenge
This was the first major DLC released, and it puts you in control of the bomb-wielding villain, Plague Knight. It’s a fantastic twist on the core gameplay, offering a completely different experience.
- How to Start: From the main menu of Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, select “New Game”. You’ll be presented with the option to choose your knight. Select “Plague Knight”.
Plague Knight’s Playstyle: (See Also: how much to shovel a driveway)
- Movement: Plague Knight doesn’t have the shovel bounce. Instead, he has a double jump and a unique “pogo-bomb”. This allows him to bounce off his own bombs mid-air, creating incredible mobility and new ways to traverse levels. Mastering this bounce is crucial and adds a significant skill ceiling.
- Attacks: His primary attack is throwing bombs. You can customize your bomb types and their trajectories using a “Brewery” system. This is where the strategic depth comes in. Experiment with different bomb combinations to find what works best for each stage and boss.
- Health & Upgrades: Plague Knight has a different health system and unique upgrades that focus on enhancing his bombs and mobility.
What to Expect: Plague of Shadows reimagines the original Shovel Knight stages with new enemy placements and obstacles designed specifically for Plague Knight’s abilities. The boss fights are also often reconfigured to challenge your new skillset. It’s a test of precision and creative bomb usage.
2. Specter of Torment: The Phantom’s Path
This campaign stars the spectral knight, Specter Knight, and offers a darker, more methodical approach to combat and platforming.
- How to Start: Similar to Plague of Shadows, select “New Game” from the main menu and choose “Specter Knight”.
Specter Knight’s Playstyle:
- Movement: Specter Knight can dash and has a unique “Soul Shard” ability. He can also “phase” through certain obstacles and enemies.
- Attacks: His primary attack is a swift scythe strike. The key mechanic here is the “Soul Orb”. When you defeat enemies, they drop soul orbs. Collecting these orbs powers up your special abilities and allows you to unleash devastating attacks.
- New Mechanics: Specter Knight’s campaign introduces “Relics” that are not just power-ups but integral to his progression. You’ll also encounter “Tower of Fate” challenges, which are gauntlets of enemies and platforming sections that test your mastery.
What to Expect: Specter of Torment features entirely new stages and a distinct narrative that delves into his past. The emphasis is on fluid combat, chaining together attacks and soul orb collection to maintain momentum. It feels more like a stylish action-platformer at times.
3. King of Cards: The Royal Rumble
This is the final and arguably most expansive DLC campaign, starring the flamboyant King Knight. It introduces a whole new gameplay loop with its own unique mechanics and a world map. (See Also: how to get flimsy shovel recipe)
- How to Start: Select “New Game” from the main menu and choose “King Knight”.
King Knight’s Playstyle:
- Movement: King Knight’s signature move is the “Charge”. He can charge forward, damaging enemies and breaking certain blocks. He can also perform a “Royal Bounce” by slamming his scepter downwards, similar to Shovel Knight’s shovel, but with a wider area of effect.
- Attacks: His primary attack is a scepter swing. The Charge and Royal Bounce are also offensive tools.
- New Mechanics: The most significant addition is the “Jousting” mini-game. You’ll engage in strategic card-based battles against various opponents throughout the world. Winning these battles is crucial for progression and unlocking new abilities and items. The world map also allows for more non-linear exploration.
What to Expect: King of Cards offers a vibrant and often humorous adventure. The blend of platforming, combat, and the strategic card game creates a unique experience. It feels like a grander, more epic journey with a distinct RPG-lite feel due to the card battles.
4. Showdown: The Multiplayer Mayhem
While not a story campaign in the traditional sense, Showdown is a fantastic addition for those who love competitive play. It’s a free-for-all battle mode where up to four players can duke it out.
- How to Start: From the main menu, select “Showdown”.
Showdown Gameplay:
- Characters: You can choose from all the playable knights: Shovel Knight, Plague Knight, Specter Knight, King Knight, and even some secret characters you can unlock.
- Modes: It features various game modes, including standard deathmatch, gem collection, and more.
- Arenas: Battles take place in unique arenas inspired by the Shovel Knight universe.
- Power-ups: Power-ups spawn throughout the arena, adding an extra layer of chaos and strategy.
What to Expect: Showdown is pure chaotic fun. It’s perfect for playing with friends locally or online. Each character has their unique moveset, leading to diverse and exciting matches. It’s a great way to test your mastery of the different knights in a competitive environment. (See Also: how to change a shovel handle)
Tips for Playing the Shovel Knight Dlcs
Regardless of which campaign you choose, here are some general tips to help you succeed:
- Experiment with Abilities: Don’t be afraid to try out all the different bomb types, relics, or charge attacks. Finding the right tool for the job is key.
- Master the Movement: Each knight has unique movement mechanics. Spend time getting comfortable with their jumps, dashes, and special bounces. This is often the difference between success and failure.
- Explore Thoroughly: The Shovel Knight games are packed with secrets. Look for hidden passages, breakable walls, and optional challenges. These often lead to valuable upgrades or lore.
- Learn Enemy Patterns: Just like in the original game, enemies have predictable attack patterns. Observe them and react accordingly.
- Don’t Underestimate the Bosses: Bosses are the ultimate test of your skills. Study their attack phases and weaknesses. Sometimes, changing your loadout or approach can make a huge difference.
- Play the Original First (Optional but Recommended): While each DLC is self-contained, playing the original Shovel Knight campaign first will give you a solid foundation in the game’s core mechanics and world.
Table: Comparing the Shovel Knight DLC Campaigns
| DLC Campaign | Playable Knight | Core Mechanic | Gameplay Focus | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plague of Shadows | Plague Knight | Pogo-bomb Bounce, Bomb Crafting | Precision Platforming, Strategic Bomb Usage | Darkly Humorous, Frenetic |
| Specter of Torment | Specter Knight | Soul Orb Collection, Phasing | Fluid Combat, Momentum-Based Action | Gothic, Melancholic |
| King of Cards | King Knight | Charge, Royal Bounce, Card Battles | Exploration, Strategic Card Game, Platforming | Opulent, Humorous, Grand |
| Showdown | Multiple Knights | Character-Specific Movesets | Competitive Multiplayer, Arena Combat | Chaotic, Fun |
Each DLC offers a distinct flavor, ensuring that even after countless hours, Shovel Knight remains fresh and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the world of the Order of No Quarter, these expansions provide incredible value and hours upon hours of high-quality gameplay.
Conclusion
Playing the Shovel Knight DLCs is a fantastic way to extend your adventures in this beloved world. Each campaign, from Plague Knight’s explosive tactics to Specter Knight’s spectral prowess and King Knight’s regal charm, offers a unique and engaging experience. Simply select ‘New Game’ from the main menu and choose your desired knight to embark on these incredible free expansions. Showdown adds even more fun with its multiplayer battles.
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