Ever found yourself staring at a pile of dirt in Squad, wondering if your humble shovel is more than just a cosmetic item? You’re not alone! Many players underestimate the power and versatility of this seemingly simple tool. But trust us, mastering the shovel can significantly impact your gameplay, from strategic construction to crucial defensive maneuvers. It’s not just about digging holes; it’s about shaping the battlefield to your team’s advantage.
This guide is designed to unlock the full potential of your shovel in Squad. We’ll break down its various uses, offering practical tips and advanced strategies that will make you an indispensable asset to your squad. Get ready to transform your understanding of this essential piece of equipment and elevate your squad’s performance. Let’s get digging!
The Unsung Hero: Mastering the Squad Shovel
In the fast-paced, tactical world of Squad, the shovel often gets overlooked. It’s easy to focus on the roar of engines, the crackle of gunfire, and the strategic placement of larger constructions. However, the humble shovel is a cornerstone of effective squad play, enabling a surprising range of actions that can turn the tide of battle. From reinforcing defenses to creating vital cover, understanding squad how to use shovel is a fundamental skill every player should possess. This isn’t just about digging; it’s about battlefield engineering on a micro-level.
Why Is the Shovel So Important?
The shovel’s importance stems from its ability to manipulate the terrain and construct essential defensive structures. In many combat scenarios, natural cover is scarce, and pre-existing structures can be quickly destroyed. The shovel allows your squad to create or enhance cover on the fly, providing crucial protection for infantry and vehicles alike. It’s also vital for fortifying positions, slowing down enemy advances, and creating tactical advantages that can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Core Shovel Functions in Squad
At its heart, the shovel in Squad serves two primary functions:
- Digging Trenches and Foxholes: Creating immediate, low-profile cover for infantry.
- Constructing Fortifications: Building sandbags, barbed wire, and other defensive emplacements.
Let’s break down each of these in detail.
Digging Trenches and Foxholes: Your Personal Cover
The most basic, yet incredibly effective, use of the shovel is creating personal cover. When you’re caught in the open or need to establish a temporary firing position, digging is your best friend.
How to Dig a Foxhole
- Equip Your Shovel: Select the shovel from your inventory.
- Find Suitable Terrain: Look for relatively flat ground. Avoid steep slopes or areas with excessive rocks, as these can make digging difficult or impossible.
- Initiate Digging: Press and hold the primary action key (usually Left Mouse Button). Your character will begin to dig.
- Create a Depression: Continue digging to create a small depression in the ground. This is your foxhole. The deeper you dig, the more cover you gain.
Tip: Digging near existing terrain features, like small berms or the base of hills, can provide even better concealment and protection.
Creating Trenches for Squads
While foxholes are individual, trenches can provide cover for multiple squad members. These are essentially longer, connected depressions.
- Start Digging: Begin digging a line in the ground.
- Extend the Line: Continue digging in a straight or slightly curved line.
- Connect and Expand: Dig multiple parallel lines to create a wider trench. You can also dig out sections to create small alcoves for individual soldiers or even small vehicles.
Advanced Trench Tactics:
- Zig-zag Trenches: These offer better protection against direct fire from a single direction.
- Connecting to Existing Cover: Link your trenches to buildings, rocks, or other natural cover to create a more robust defensive network.
- Elevated Firing Positions: Digging a trench behind a slight rise allows you to shoot over it while remaining mostly concealed.
What Can You Dig?
The shovel allows you to dig:
- Foxholes: Small, individual depressions.
- Trenches: Longer, connected depressions.
- Bunkers (with Sandbags): By digging a depression and then placing sandbags, you create a more substantial defensive structure.
Terrain Considerations for Digging
Not all ground is created equal when it comes to digging. The shovel works best on:
- Soft Earth: Loamy soil, dirt, and grass are ideal.
- Flat or Gently Sloping Ground: Steep inclines can make it harder to create effective cover.
You will have difficulty or be unable to dig in:
- Rocky Terrain: Large rocks will impede your shovel.
- Paved Surfaces: Roads, concrete, and asphalt are un-diggable.
- Water: You cannot dig in bodies of water.
- Very Steep Slopes: The angle might prevent effective digging.
Constructing Fortifications: Building Your Defenses
Beyond simple excavation, the shovel is the gateway to building crucial fortifications that significantly enhance your squad’s defensive capabilities. These structures require a Construction Point (often marked on the map by a builder icon) and a supply of Supplies.
The Role of the Builder Class
While any player can technically carry a shovel, the Builder class is specifically designed for fortification. They have a larger carrying capacity for supplies and can build structures faster. If your squad needs to establish a strong defensive line, having a dedicated Builder is paramount.
Types of Fortifications You Can Build
Using your shovel in conjunction with a Construction Point and supplies, you can build:
1. Sandbags
Sandbags are the bread and butter of defensive fortifications. They provide excellent cover against small arms fire and can be stacked to create effective barriers.
- How to Build: Approach a Construction Point, open your radial menu (usually ‘Q’), select ‘Fortifications’, and choose ‘Sandbags’. Place them strategically.
- Placement: Place sandbags in front of windows, doorways, or as standalone cover in open areas. They can also be stacked two high for enhanced protection.
- Tactical Use: Create firing lines, block off avenues of approach, or reinforce existing structures.
2. Barbed Wire
Barbed wire is a deterrent. While it doesn’t offer direct cover, it significantly slows down enemy infantry and makes them vulnerable to suppressing fire.
- How to Build: Similar to sandbags, select ‘Barbed Wire’ from the fortification menu at a Construction Point.
- Placement: Place barbed wire in front of your defensive positions, around key objectives, or to funnel enemies into kill zones.
- Effectiveness: Enemies caught in barbed wire are slowed considerably, making them easy targets. It’s also effective against light vehicles.
3. Trenches (constructed)
While you can dig trenches manually, players can also build more robust, pre-fabricated trench systems at Construction Points. These often offer better structural integrity and can be built more quickly by a Builder.
- How to Build: Select ‘Trench’ from the fortification menu.
- Placement: Plan out your trench network to maximize cover and defensive firing positions.
4. Emplacements (hmg/atgm Towers)
These are more advanced structures that require significant supplies and time, but they offer powerful defensive capabilities. The shovel is used to initiate their construction at a Construction Point.
- How to Build: Select the desired emplacement (e.g., HMG Nest, ATGM Tower) from the menu.
- Requirements: These structures require a substantial amount of supplies and are usually built by a dedicated Builder or Engineer.
- Purpose: Provide heavy firepower or anti-vehicle capabilities to a fortified position.
5. Other Structures
Depending on the map and game mode, you might also be able to build other structures like:
- Bunkers: More substantial dug-in positions.
- Vehicle Repair/Refuel Stations: Essential for maintaining armor.
- Forward Operating Bases (FOBs): The core of a team’s forward presence.
Supply Management for Fortifications
Building fortifications consumes Supplies. These are typically found in:
- Supply Caches: Designated areas on the map where supply crates spawn.
- Supply Trucks: Vehicles that can transport supplies to the front lines.
- Main Bases: Where large quantities of supplies are initially available.
A Builder can carry a significant amount of supplies, allowing them to fortify multiple locations. Coordination with your squad and team is key to ensuring supplies are available where and when they are needed.
The Shovel’s Role in Fob Construction
Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) are critical for establishing a forward presence and controlling territory. The shovel is indispensable in their construction.
- Placement of Core Structures: The initial placement of the main FOB structure often requires a Builder and a shovel to clear the area or prepare the ground.
- Reinforcing FOBs: Once the core is placed, Builders use shovels to add sandbags, barbed wire, and other defensive elements around the FOB, making it harder for enemies to assault.
- Repairing Damaged Structures: Sometimes, damaged fortifications can be repaired using the shovel, though this is less common than building new ones.
Advanced Shovel Tactics and Tips
Beyond the basics, there are several advanced techniques and considerations for using your shovel effectively.
Clearing Obstacles
In some instances, the shovel can be used to clear small, destructible obstacles that might be blocking a path or line of sight. This is less common but can be situationally useful. (See Also: how to get flimsy shovel animal crossing)
Creating Concealment
Even without building sandbags, a well-dug foxhole or trench significantly reduces your visibility. This allows you to observe enemy movements or set up ambushes more effectively.
Countering Enemy Fortifications
While the shovel doesn’t directly destroy enemy fortifications, it plays a role in the process. You might need to dig trenches to approach enemy emplacements safely or to establish your own defensive line against their assaults.
Speed and Efficiency
Practice makes perfect. The more you use the shovel, the faster you’ll become at digging and building. Learn the optimal digging patterns and how to quickly place fortifications.
Communication Is Key
Always communicate your intentions with your squad. Let them know if you’re digging a defensive position, reinforcing an area, or building a new FOB. This allows them to coordinate their movements and provide support.
Shovel vs. Other Tools
It’s important to understand the shovel’s limitations. It’s not a demolition tool like explosives, nor is it a rapid construction tool like a dedicated engineer vehicle. Its strength lies in its accessibility and its ability to provide on-the-spot, infantry-level fortifications.
Shovel Meta: When to Dig and When Not To
Knowing when to deploy your shovel is as important as knowing how to use it.
- During an Assault: If your squad is pushing forward, digging forward trenches or foxholes can create safe staging areas.
- When Defending an Objective: This is where the shovel truly shines. Reinforce windows, doors, and open approaches with sandbags and trenches.
- To Create Ambush Points: Digging a shallow trench or foxhole can allow you to lie down and hide, waiting for unsuspecting enemies.
- To Slow Down Enemy Advances: Barbed wire and dug-in positions can force enemies to slow down, giving your team more time to react.
Avoid digging:
- In the Middle of a Firefight (unless absolutely necessary): You’ll be a stationary target.
- In obvious, exposed locations: Make your cover count.
- When your team needs you for a different role: Squad play is about synergy.
Common Shovel Misconceptions and Faqs
Let’s address some common questions players have about the shovel in Squad.
Can I Dig Up Enemy Emplacements?
No, the shovel is for building and terrain manipulation, not for destroying enemy structures. You’ll need explosives or sustained gunfire for that.
How Long Does It Take to Dig a Foxhole?
A basic foxhole typically takes about 5-10 seconds to dig, depending on the terrain and your character’s stamina.
Can I Dig Under Things?
Generally, no. You dig into the existing ground surface. You cannot create tunnels that go under terrain features.
What’s the Difference Between Digging a Trench and Building One?
Digging is done with the shovel directly on the terrain, creating a depression. Building a trench at a Construction Point is a pre-fabricated structure that can be placed more quickly and is often more robust.
Do I Need to Be a Specific Class to Use the Shovel?
No, all classes can equip and use the shovel for basic digging. However, the Builder class is optimized for constructing fortifications due to increased carry capacity and build speed.
Can I Dig Anywhere?
No, you can only dig on suitable terrain. Rocky areas, paved surfaces, and steep inclines will prevent digging.
How Do I Know Where I Can Build Fortifications?
Look for the Construction Point icon on your map (usually a small hammer or wrench). You must be within a certain radius of this point to build.
What Are the Best Fortifications to Build for Defense?
A combination of sandbags for direct cover and barbed wire to slow enemy movement is generally most effective. Trenches can provide excellent long-term defensive positions.
Can I Dig to Hide Vehicles?
You can dig depressions that might offer some concealment for vehicles, but you cannot fully bury them. The main use is for infantry cover.
Does Digging Make Noise?
Yes, digging and construction activities produce sound. Be mindful of this when trying to remain stealthy.
How Much Supply Does a Sandbag Cost?
A single sandbag typically costs 5 supplies. Stacking them increases the supply cost. Other fortifications have different supply costs.
Can I Build Fortifications on Any Map?
Fortification points and the ability to build specific structures can vary by map and game mode. Some maps are designed with more fortification opportunities than others.
How Do I Repair a Damaged Fortification?
Generally, damaged fortifications cannot be repaired with the shovel. You typically need to destroy them and rebuild. However, some specific structures might have limited repair functionality.
What Is the Maximum Number of Sandbags I Can Place?
The number of fortifications you can place is limited by the available supplies and the proximity to a Construction Point. There isn’t a hard limit on sandbags per se, but rather a limit based on resources and placement rules.
Can I Dig a Trench Around an Objective?
Absolutely. Digging trenches around objectives is a primary defensive tactic to protect players holding the point.
Is It Worth It to Carry a Shovel If I’m Not the Builder Class?
Yes, even as a regular infantryman, being able to dig a quick foxhole for yourself or a squadmate in a pinch can be life-saving. It also allows you to contribute to basic fortification efforts if a Builder isn’t available.
Can I Use the Shovel to Flatten Terrain?
The shovel primarily digs depressions. It doesn’t significantly flatten large areas of uneven terrain. (See Also: how to change a shovel handle)
What Is the Optimal Way to Dig a Trench for Squad Defense?
Dig a trench that’s wide enough for 1-2 players to stand side-by-side, with a depth that allows them to crouch and gain cover. Consider zig-zag patterns for better protection against direct fire.
Can I Dig a Trench with Multiple Layers of Cover?
Yes, you can dig a trench and then place sandbags in front of it for an additional layer of protection. This creates a very strong defensive position.
How Do I Contribute to Fob Building If I’m Not a Builder?
You can help by transporting supplies to the FOB location or by defending the Builder while they work.
Does Digging Impact Vehicle Movement?
Deep trenches can impede the movement of wheeled and tracked vehicles. This can be used tactically to slow down enemy armor.
What Is the Best Way to Use Barbed Wire?
Place it in choke points, in front of windows and doors, or to create kill zones where enemies will be funneled and slowed down, making them vulnerable to gunfire.
Can I Build Fortifications on Elevated Positions?
Yes, you can build fortifications on hills and elevated positions to gain a tactical advantage, provided there is a Construction Point nearby and suitable terrain.
How Much Health Do Fortifications Have?
The health of fortifications varies. Sandbags are relatively fragile, while constructed bunkers and emplacements are much more durable. They can be destroyed by explosives, heavy machine gun fire, and anti-tank rounds.
Is There a Limit to How Many Fortifications Can Be Built in an Area?
Yes, there are often limits to the density and number of fortifications that can be built in a specific radius around a Construction Point or FOB to prevent spamming.
Can I Dig a Trench to Create a Ramp?
You can dig a sloped depression that acts as a rudimentary ramp, but it’s not a precise tool for creating smooth inclines. It’s more for creating access points into dug-in positions.
What’s the Fastest Way to Build Sandbags?
As a Builder, focus on placing sandbags in a line or a wall formation. Stacking them two high is a common and effective tactic. Always ensure you have a steady supply of materials.
Does the Shovel Have Any Offensive Capabilities?
No, the shovel is purely a utility and construction tool. It cannot be used as a weapon to damage enemies directly.
Can I Build Fortifications to Block Vehicle Paths?
Yes, strategically placed sandbag walls and barbed wire can significantly slow down or even block the path of lighter vehicles. Heavier vehicles may be able to break through.
How Do I Know If a Fortification Is Being Damaged?
You’ll typically see visual cues like dust, sparks, or visible damage on the fortification. You may also hear the sounds of incoming fire impacting it.
Can I Dig a Trench to Provide Cover for Myself While Building?
Yes, you can dig a foxhole or trench first for personal cover, then begin building fortifications from that protected position.
What Is the Most Effective Way to Use Barbed Wire in Defense?
Create a series of barbed wire obstacles leading up to your main defensive line. This forces enemies to slow down and become exposed to your fire as they try to navigate through it.
Does Digging Affect the Ground Texture?
Yes, digging creates visible depressions and alters the ground texture, making your foxholes and trenches noticeable.
Can I Build Fortifications on Top of Existing Structures?
Generally, you can only build on the ground. However, you can build sandbags or other fortifications adjacent to existing structures to enhance their defense.
What Is the Role of the Shovel in Breaching Enemy Defenses?
While the shovel doesn’t breach directly, it allows you to create cover to approach enemy positions more safely, or to dig in your own defenses to support a breach attempt.
Can I Use the Shovel to Create Cover for Mounted Weapons?
Yes, you can dig a depression and then place sandbags to create a more stable and protected firing position for mounted weapons like HMGs.
How Do I Ensure My Team Has Enough Supplies for Building?
Communicate with your team. Identify supply trucks and caches, and request them to be brought to the front lines. As a Builder, prioritize carrying supplies when you can.
Is There a Specific Command or Order for Digging?
Not a direct command, but you can communicate your intent. For example, say “I’m digging a foxhole here” or “Let’s build sandbags on this window.”.
Can I Dig a Trench That Goes Around a Corner?
Yes, you can dig trenches in any shape you desire, including around corners, to create complex defensive networks.
What Happens If I Run Out of Supplies While Building?
Your building progress will halt. You will need to acquire more supplies from a supply point or truck to continue construction.
How Does the Shovel Interact with Different Ground Types?
The digging animation and speed might slightly vary depending on the ground type, but the core functionality remains the same on diggable surfaces.
Can I Build a Trench That Is Too Deep?
There’s a limit to how deep you can dig. You won’t be able to create excessively deep pits that would be impractical. (See Also: how to shovel without hurting your back)
What Is the Best Way to Use the Shovel for Stealth?
Digging a low foxhole or trench provides concealment. Move slowly and quietly once you’re in your dug-in position.
Can I Build Fortifications to Support Vehicle Emplacements?
Yes, you can build sandbags and trenches around vehicle emplacements to protect them and their crew.
How Do I Know If a Construction Point Is Active?
Construction Points are usually marked on the map. If they are active and have supplies, you will be able to build from them.
Can I Build a Trench That Is Connected to a Building?
Yes, you can dig trenches that lead directly into or out of buildings, creating secure pathways.
What Is the Advantage of a Two-Layer Sandbag Wall?
A double-layer sandbag wall offers significantly more protection against gunfire and can even stop some lighter explosive damage, making it a very robust cover option.
Can I Use the Shovel to Create Cover for Snipers?
Absolutely. Digging a concealed foxhole or trench with a good line of sight is ideal for sniper positions.
How Does the Shovel Contribute to a Successful Defense?
By providing essential cover, slowing enemy advances, and creating fortified positions, the shovel is a force multiplier for any defensive effort.
What Is the Best Time to Use the Shovel When Attacking?
When advancing, use the shovel to create forward cover and staging points for your squad. This allows you to advance under fire more safely.
Can I Build a Trench System for Multiple Squads?
Yes, with enough supplies and coordination, you can build extensive trench networks that benefit multiple squads operating in an area.
How Do I Know If a Fortification Is Vulnerable to Certain Weapons?
Generally, sandbags are weak against explosives and sustained heavy fire. Barbed wire can be destroyed by gunfire. Constructed emplacements are much tougher.
What Is the Most Overlooked Aspect of Shovel Use in Squad?
The sheer speed at which a Builder can deploy critical defenses. Many players underestimate how quickly a well-placed sandbag wall or trench can change the dynamic of a firefight.
Can I Dig a Trench That Acts as a Firing Step?
Yes, by digging a trench and then placing sandbags on the edge, you can create a raised firing step for better visibility and cover.
How Do I Best Coordinate Shovel Use with My Squad Leader?
Inform your squad leader of your building intentions. They can then direct you to build in strategic locations or request supplies for your efforts.
Does the Shovel Have Any Weight or Inventory Impact?
The shovel is a standard inventory item and has minimal to no impact on your carrying capacity for other essential gear.
What’s the Difference Between a Dug Trench and a Built Trench?
A dug trench is a depression in the ground made by the shovel. A built trench is a pre-fabricated structure placed at a construction point, often offering better protection and speed of deployment.
How Can I Use the Shovel to Create Diversions?
By digging a visible trench or foxhole in an unexpected location, you might draw enemy attention away from your main objective.
Can I Build Fortifications to Protect a Downed Teammate?
Yes, if you have the supplies and a Construction Point nearby, you can quickly build sandbags or a foxhole to provide cover for a medic reviving a teammate.
What Is the Role of the Shovel in Urban Combat?
In urban environments, the shovel is less about digging large trenches and more about reinforcing windows, doorways, and creating small, defensive positions within buildings.
How Do I Get Supplies to Build Fortifications?
You need to find supply crates, grab them, and transport them to a Construction Point or FOB. Supply trucks can also ferry large amounts.
Can I Build a Trench That Is Open at the Top?
Yes, the default dug trench is open at the top. You can then add sandbags or other structures to create a roof or more cover.
What Is the Primary Benefit of Using a Shovel Over Other Tools?
Accessibility. The shovel is available to most classes and can be used anywhere there’s diggable terrain, offering immediate defensive options without needing specialized equipment.
How Do I Get My Squad to Prioritize Building Fortifications?
Communicate the need clearly. Explain the tactical advantage of having defenses in a particular area. Leading by example by building yourself can also encourage others.
Can I Build a Trench That Has Multiple Levels or Platforms?
No, the shovel allows for digging into the existing terrain. You cannot create complex, multi-level structures solely with the shovel.
What Is the Most Satisfying Use of the Shovel in Squad?
Successfully holding an objective against overwhelming odds, thanks to the strong defensive positions you helped build. It’s a quiet but crucial contribution.
Final Verdict
The shovel in Squad is far more than just a novelty item; it’s a fundamental tool for tactical advantage. Mastering squad how to use shovel allows you to create vital cover, establish robust defenses, and contribute significantly to your team’s success. Whether you’re digging a quick foxhole or building extensive fortifications with a Builder, this humble tool empowers you to shape the battlefield and outmaneuver your opponents. Embrace the shovel, and become an indispensable part of your squad’s operations.
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