How to Play Shovel Knight Co Op Switch: Unlock Fun! How…

Dreaming of battling evil with a friend by your side in the charming world of Shovel Knight on your Nintendo Switch? You’ve come to the right place! The good news is, yes, you absolutely can!

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, the definitive edition of the beloved retro-inspired platformer, offers a fantastic co-op experience that lets you and a buddy embark on epic quests together. Whether you’re a seasoned knight or a brand new adventurer, learning how to set up and enjoy this feature is straightforward and incredibly rewarding.

Get ready to dust off your shovels and prepare for some synchronized smashing, as we guide you through every step of playing Shovel Knight co-op on your Nintendo Switch.

Getting Started with Shovel Knight Co-Op on Switch

Playing Shovel Knight in co-op mode on the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic way to experience its already delightful gameplay. It’s not just about having an extra player; it’s about shared adventures, complementary abilities, and a whole lot of fun. The core game, Shovel of Hope, is where the co-op magic truly begins, allowing you to team up as Shovel Knight and his trusty companion, Shield Knight (or Specter Knight, Plague Knight, etc., depending on which campaign you’re playing).

What You’ll Need for Shovel Knight Co-Op

Before you can dive into the co-op action, there are a few prerequisites:

• A Nintendo Switch Console: This is a given, of course!
• Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove: Ensure you have the complete edition of Shovel Knight, which includes all the expansions. This is crucial because co-op functionality is integrated into the base game and its subsequent campaigns.
• Two Nintendo Switch Controllers: Each player will need their own controller. These can be a pair of Joy-Cons (one detached for each player), a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, or any other compatible controller.
• A Save File: You’ll need to have started a game in the Shovel Knight campaign (or another compatible campaign) to initiate co-op.

Setting Up Co-Op in Shovel Knight

The process of setting up a co-op session in Shovel Knight is refreshingly simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Launch Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove: Start the game on your Nintendo Switch.
2. Select Your Campaign: From the main menu, choose the Shovel of Hope campaign. This is the original campaign and the one that features Shovel Knight and Shield Knight in co-op. Other campaigns might have their own unique co-op characters or modes, but Shovel of Hope is the classic starting point.
3. Load Your Save File: Select the save file you wish to continue or start a new one if you haven’t played before.
4. Enter the “Character Select” Screen: After loading your save, you’ll typically be presented with a character select screen or a prompt to choose your player character.
5. Assign the Second Player: This is the key step! On this screen, you’ll see an option to add a second player. Press the designated button on the second controller (usually the ‘A’ or ‘X’ button, indicated on-screen) to have the second player join.
6. Choose the Second Player’s Character: Once the second player has joined, they will be prompted to select their character. In the Shovel of Hope campaign, this will be Shield Knight. If you’re playing other campaigns like Plague of Shadows or Specter of Torment, different characters will be available as the second player, offering unique gameplay styles. For example, in Plague of Shadows, you can play as Plague Knight and his alchemical sidekick.
7. Start the Game: Once both players have selected their characters, confirm your choices and begin your adventure!

And that’s it! You and your co-op partner will now be controlling your chosen knights as you traverse the treacherous lands, battle the nefarious Enchantress’s forces, and collect glittering treasures.

Understanding Co-Op Gameplay Mechanics

Shovel Knight’s co-op isn’t just two characters running around; it’s a well-integrated system that enhances the gameplay experience. Here’s what you need to know about how it works:

Player Roles and Abilities

Each character in co-op brings their own unique set of abilities to the table, encouraging strategic teamwork: (See Also: how to get flimsy shovel animal crossing)

• Shovel Knight: The primary protagonist. He wields his iconic shovel for both melee attacks and bouncing off enemies and projectiles. His “shovel drop” attack is essential for breaking through certain obstacles and dealing damage from above.
• Shield Knight: (Available in Shovel of Hope co-op). Shield Knight is a formidable ally. She can dash forward, damaging enemies and deflecting projectiles with her shield. Her dash ability can also be used to cross small gaps or break through weak walls. She’s particularly useful for protecting Shovel Knight from ranged attacks and clearing paths.
• Other Co-op Characters: As mentioned, other campaigns offer different co-op partners. For instance, in Plague of Shadows, Plague Knight uses bombs and chemical concoctions, while in Specter of Torment, Specter Knight has a spectral dash and can summon ethereal scythes. These characters drastically alter the co-op dynamic.

Shared Screen and Camera

Shovel Knight on Switch uses a shared screen for its co-op mode. This means both players are always visible on the same screen. The camera will dynamically adjust to keep both players within view. If one player strays too far from the other, the screen will automatically scroll to catch up. This encourages players to stick together and work collaboratively.

Important Note: If one player gets too far ahead or behind, they might be temporarily “pulled” back to the other player’s general vicinity to prevent them from getting lost or being off-screen for too long. This is a common mechanic in shared-screen co-op games to ensure both players remain engaged.

Health and Lives

In Shovel Knight’s co-op, each player has their own individual health bar and lives. If one player loses all their health, they will be temporarily incapacitated and respawn a short distance away after a brief period, or if the other player reaches them. If both players lose all their lives, it’s game over, and you’ll have to restart the level or from your last checkpoint. This shared fate emphasizes the importance of protecting each other.

Collecting and Sharing Loot

The gems and other treasures you collect are generally shared between players. This means that any gems picked up by either player contribute to your overall score and your ability to purchase upgrades from the Blacksmith. This shared economy encourages players to work together to maximize their loot collection.

Reviving and Assisting

While there isn’t a dedicated “revive” button in the traditional sense, players can often assist each other. For example, Shield Knight’s dash can break through barriers that might be blocking Shovel Knight, or vice-versa. The primary form of assistance comes from simply staying alive and helping your partner overcome challenges. If one player is in a precarious situation, the other can try to clear enemies or provide a safe path.

Tips for a Smoother Shovel Knight Co-Op Experience

Playing co-op is inherently more fun when you’re working together effectively. Here are some tips to make your Shovel Knight co-op adventures on Switch even better:

1. Communicate Constantly: This is the golden rule of co-op gaming. Talk to your partner about where you’re going, what you see, and what you need. For example, one player might call out an enemy’s attack pattern while the other prepares to counter.
2. Coordinate Attacks: With different abilities, you can create powerful combos. Shovel Knight can bounce enemies into the air, and Shield Knight can then dash through them for extra damage. Experiment with different attack sequences.
3. Share Responsibilities: One player might focus on clearing enemies while the other navigates platforming challenges or collects items. Adapt to the situation and let each other shine.
4. Watch Each Other’s Backs: Be aware of your partner’s health and position. If they’re in trouble, try to help them out. Don’t leave them to face overwhelming odds alone.
5. Share the Loot: Remember that gems are shared. Work together to ensure no valuable treasures are missed.
6. Explore Together: Shovel Knight’s levels are filled with secrets. Exploring together can help you discover hidden passages and items more efficiently.
7. Embrace the Fun: Co-op is about having a good time! Don’t get too frustrated if you make mistakes. Laugh it off and keep going. The charm and humor of Shovel Knight are amplified when shared.
8. Try Different Campaigns: Once you’ve mastered co-op in Shovel of Hope, explore the other campaigns included in Treasure Trove. Each offers a unique co-op experience with different characters and mechanics, keeping the fun fresh. For example, the “King of Cards” campaign has a unique card-based combat system that can be played with a friend in its own co-op mode.

Co-Op in Other Shovel Knight Campaigns

While Shovel of Hope is the primary campaign for classic Shovel Knight and Shield Knight co-op, the Treasure Trove edition includes other campaigns that also feature co-op elements, albeit sometimes in different forms:

• Plague of Shadows: This campaign can be played with Plague Knight and a secondary character, often referred to as “Mooch” or a similar helper, depending on the exact implementation. It offers a more experimental and bomb-focused co-op experience.
• Specter of Torment: Specter Knight’s campaign also allows for co-op, often with a companion character that complements his spectral abilities.
• King of Cards: This campaign introduces a card-based combat system. While its co-op might differ significantly from the action-platforming of the other campaigns, it still offers ways to team up and conquer challenges.

The specific co-op mechanics and available characters can vary slightly between these campaigns, so it’s worth experimenting with each one to see which partnership you and your friend enjoy the most. The core principle of shared adventure and complementary skills remains consistent. (See Also: how much to shovel a driveway)

Troubleshooting Common Co-Op Issues

While setting up Shovel Knight co-op on Switch is generally smooth, you might occasionally run into minor hiccups. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

Issue: Second Player Controller Not Registering

Solution:

• Check Controller Sync: Ensure the second controller is properly synced with your Nintendo Switch. You can do this by going to the “Controllers” menu on the Switch home screen and selecting “Change Grip/Order.”
• Test the Controller: Try using the second controller for another game or in the Switch’s controller test menu to verify it’s functioning correctly.
• Restart the Game: Sometimes a simple restart of Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove can resolve temporary connection issues.
• Battery Level: For wireless controllers like Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers, ensure they have sufficient battery power.

Issue: Game Crashes or Freezes During Co-Op Setup

Solution:

• Update the Game: Make sure your Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove software is updated to the latest version. Developers often release patches to fix bugs and improve stability. You can check for updates by highlighting the game icon on your Switch home screen, pressing the ‘+’ button, and selecting “Software Update.”
• Check Nintendo Switch System Updates: Ensure your Nintendo Switch console’s system software is also up-to-date.
• Reinstall the Game: As a last resort, you can try deleting and then redownloading Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove from the Nintendo eShop.

Issue: Camera Gets Stuck or Glitches

Solution:

• Player Proximity: The camera is designed to keep both players on screen. If one player is significantly ahead or behind, try to bring them closer together. The camera should reorient itself.
• Restart the Level/Checkpoint: If the camera remains problematic, try restarting the current level or loading from your last checkpoint.
• Report the Bug: If the issue persists and seems like a genuine bug, consider reporting it to Yacht Club Games.

Issue: Performance Drops or Lag

Solution:

• Close Other Applications: Ensure no other demanding applications are running in the background on your Switch.
• Nintendo Switch Docked vs. Handheld: Sometimes, performance can vary between docked and handheld mode. Test both to see if there’s a difference.
• Reduce Screen Clutter (if possible): While Shovel Knight is generally well-optimized, excessive on-screen effects from multiple abilities firing at once could theoretically impact performance. This is rare but worth noting.

Most co-op issues are minor and can be resolved with the steps above. The Shovel Knight team is known for its excellent support, so if you encounter something truly persistent, reaching out to them might be an option.

Why Play Shovel Knight Co-Op?

Beyond the simple joy of playing with a friend, Shovel Knight’s co-op mode offers several unique benefits:

• Enhanced Replayability: If you’ve already beaten the game solo, co-op provides a fresh perspective and a new challenge.
• Shared Accomplishment: Overcoming difficult bosses and tricky platforming sections with a friend feels incredibly rewarding.
• Learning and Teaching: You can learn new strategies from your co-op partner or teach them the ropes, making the experience educational as well as fun.
• Discovering New Strategies: Playing with different character combinations and abilities can reveal entirely new ways to approach the game’s challenges.
• Pure Fun: Ultimately, co-op gaming is about shared experiences and laughter. Shovel Knight, with its vibrant characters and engaging gameplay, is a perfect vehicle for just that.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the Order of No Quarter or a newcomer to the world of retro-inspired platformers, diving into Shovel Knight co-op on the Nintendo Switch is a decision you won’t regret. It transforms an already excellent single-player experience into a memorable shared adventure. (See Also: how to keep snow from sticking to your shovel)

The Treasure Trove Advantage

It’s worth reiterating the importance of having Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove. This complete package ensures you have access to all the campaigns and their respective co-op features. If you only own the original Shovel Knight, you might not have the full co-op experience available across all the game’s expansions. The value proposition of Treasure Trove is immense, offering multiple full games and all their co-op potential for a single purchase.

Controller Options for Co-Op

The Nintendo Switch offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to controllers, and this extends to Shovel Knight co-op:

For the most comfortable experience, especially during longer play sessions, a pair of Pro Controllers or two sets of Joy-Cons (one for each player) are often preferred. However, for a quick pick-up-and-play session, a single pair of detached Joy-Cons works perfectly.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Co-Op Tactics

Once you’ve got the hang of the basics, you can start exploring more advanced co-op tactics:

• Enemy Staggering: Certain attacks, when timed correctly by both players, can stagger tougher enemies, leaving them vulnerable for a prolonged period.
• Projectile Deflection Chains: In some instances, one player can deflect a projectile towards an enemy, and the other player can then deflect that projectile again, creating a chain reaction of damage.
• Platforming Assistance: One player can create a safe landing zone for another, or use their abilities to clear a path that the other player can then traverse more easily.
• Boss Strategy Specialization: For boss fights, divide and conquer. One player might focus on dodging and identifying attack patterns, while the other focuses on dealing damage during opportune moments.

The depth of Shovel Knight’s co-op lies in its simple yet effective mechanics that allow for emergent gameplay. The more you play together, the more you’ll discover unique synergies and strategies that make each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.

Conclusion

Playing Shovel Knight co-op on your Nintendo Switch is a straightforward and incredibly rewarding experience. By ensuring you have the Treasure Trove edition and two controllers, you can easily jump into the beloved Shovel of Hope campaign (or explore co-op in other campaigns) with a friend. Remember to communicate, coordinate your abilities, and most importantly, have fun!

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