Mastering Shovel Knight: How to Use Relics in Shovel…

So, you’ve picked up the legendary shovel and you’re ready to take on the nefarious Order of No Quarter. But you’ve noticed something… there are these mysterious ‘relics’ scattered throughout Shovel Knight’s world. What are they, and more importantly, how do you actually *use* them to your advantage?

Fear not, aspiring knight! This guide is your ultimate companion to understanding and mastering the incredible arsenal of relics available to you. We’ll break down each one, explain its unique function, and provide practical tips on when and how to deploy them for maximum effect. Get ready to transform your gameplay from simply surviving to absolutely dominating!

Understanding Relics in Shovel Knight

Relics in Shovel Knight are special sub-weapons and abilities that augment Shovel Knight’s core moveset. They aren’t just passive buffs; these are active tools that require strategic deployment. Each relic consumes Ammon (A), which is a limited resource that replenishes over time or by collecting potion bottles. Mastering these relics is key to overcoming the game’s toughest challenges, from platforming puzzles to boss battles.

Acquiring Relics

You’ll find new relics as you progress through the game. Many are given to you by specific characters or found in hidden areas. Once acquired, they are permanently available, though you’ll need to select which ones you want to equip before entering a level or at specific checkpoints. The ability to switch relics on the fly is limited, so choosing wisely is paramount.

The Core Relic: The Shovel Drop

Before we dive into the specialized relics, it’s crucial to understand Shovel Knight’s most fundamental relic: the Shovel Drop. While not a consumable item like others, it’s an integral part of his arsenal. By pressing down while in the air, Shovel Knight can slam his shovel downwards. This attack:

• Breaks certain blocks
• Damages enemies below
• Bounces Shovel Knight back up (essential for extending jumps and reaching new platforms)
• Activates certain environmental elements

The Shovel Drop is the bedrock of your movement and combat. Always be mindful of opportunities to use it for traversal and offense. Its bounce mechanic is particularly vital for navigating complex levels and escaping dangerous situations.

The Arsenal of Relics: A Deep Dive

Let’s explore each of the primary relics you’ll encounter, detailing their function, Ammon cost, and best use cases.

1. The Bomb (cost: 1 A)

The Bomb is one of the first relics you’ll acquire, and its versatility makes it an early game staple. It functions much like a traditional grenade.

• Functionality: Throws a small, explosive bomb forward. It detonates after a short fuse, dealing damage in a small radius.
• Ammon Cost: 1 A
• Best Use Cases:
• Breaking weak walls: Many secrets and pathways are hidden behind destructible walls.
• Attacking enemies from a distance: Useful for safely taking out enemies that are difficult to reach or dangerous up close.
• Triggering switches: Some switches can only be activated by explosive damage.
• Setting up combos: Can be used to damage enemies before closing in with the shovel.

Tip: You can throw bombs in quick succession if you have enough Ammon. Practice throwing them at different arcs to hit enemies or break walls in tricky spots.

2. The Potion (cost: 1 A)

The Potion is a life-saving relic that directly impacts your survivability. It’s a must-have when facing difficult sections or challenging bosses. (See Also: how to get flimsy shovel animal crossing)

• Functionality: Consumes one potion to restore a small amount of health.
• Ammon Cost: 1 A
• Best Use Cases:
• Healing during combat: Crucial for staying alive during tough boss fights or when taking consistent damage.
• Recovering from environmental hazards: If you’ve taken damage from spikes or other traps, a quick potion can save you.
• Conserving health for later: Sometimes it’s better to use a potion than risk dying and losing your progress.

Note: While it restores health, it doesn’t replenish your Ammon. Use it wisely, as Ammon is also needed for other offensive relics.

3. The Dagger (cost: 1 A)

The Dagger offers a rapid, multi-hit attack that can devastate certain enemies and bosses.

• Functionality: Throws a series of three daggers in a spread pattern. Each dagger deals damage.
• Ammon Cost: 1 A
• Best Use Cases:
• High damage output against stationary or slow-moving targets: Excellent for melting bosses when you have a clear shot.
• Clearing swarms of weaker enemies: The spread can hit multiple targets at once.
• Hitting targets from a medium range: Provides a good balance between range and damage.

Tip: The daggers spread out, so aim at chest height for maximum coverage against ground-based enemies. For flying enemies, adjust your aim accordingly.

4. The Anchor (cost: 2 A)

The Anchor is a powerful, albeit slow, offensive tool that excels at dealing massive damage and controlling space.

• Functionality: Throws a heavy anchor that travels a short distance before dropping straight down. It deals significant damage upon impact and can stun enemies.
• Ammon Cost: 2 A
• Best Use Cases:
• Boss damage: Its high damage makes it excellent for quickly reducing boss health.
• Area denial: The anchor’s impact zone can prevent enemies from approaching.
• Breaking tough blocks: Can destroy blocks that regular bombs cannot.
• Dealing with large, grounded enemies: Effective against foes that are difficult to jump over or attack directly.

Caution: The Anchor has a significant wind-up and recovery time, leaving you vulnerable. Use it when you have a safe opening.

5. The Flare Wand (cost: 2 A)

The Flare Wand provides a unique ranged attack that can hit enemies from above.

• Functionality: Shoots a projectile that arcs upwards and then rains down a burst of flames.
• Ammon Cost: 2 A
• Best Use Cases:
• Attacking enemies on platforms above you: Perfect for dealing with threats that are out of shovel reach.
• Clearing groups of enemies: The downward flame burst can hit multiple targets.
• Dealing with flying enemies: Can hit aerial foes effectively.
• Lighting up dark areas: While not its primary function, the flame can provide temporary light.

Tip: Aim the initial shot slightly ahead of where you want the flames to land, considering the arc.

6. The Staff (cost: 2 A)

The Staff offers a piercing projectile that can hit multiple enemies in a line.

• Functionality: Fires a magical projectile that travels in a straight line, passing through enemies to hit multiple targets.
• Ammon Cost: 2 A
• Best Use Cases:
• Dealing with tightly packed groups of enemies: Its piercing nature is ideal for clearing rows of foes.
• Hitting enemies behind cover: Can strike foes that are partially obscured.
• Long-range combat: Provides a consistent damage source from a distance.

Consideration: Unlike the Dagger, the Staff’s damage is applied once per enemy hit. Its strength lies in its linear penetration. (See Also: how to keep snow from sticking to your shovel)

7. The Dust Knuckles (cost: 1 A)

The Dust Knuckles are a short-range, high-impact melee weapon that can stun enemies.

• Functionality: Performs a powerful, short-range punch that deals significant damage and can stun enemies.
• Ammon Cost: 1 A
• Best Use Cases:
• Stunning dangerous enemies: Can interrupt attacks and give you breathing room.
• Close-quarters combat: Excellent for dealing with enemies that you can get right up to.
• Breaking specific obstacles: Can shatter certain types of destructible blocks.

Strategic Use: The stun effect is its most valuable asset. Use it to control the battlefield and prevent being overwhelmed.

8. The Shield (cost: 1 A)

The Shield is a defensive relic that can deflect projectiles and damage enemies.

• Functionality: Creates a temporary shield in front of Shovel Knight. This shield can block most enemy projectiles and reflects them back at the attacker. It also deals damage to enemies that touch it.
• Ammon Cost: 1 A
• Best Use Cases:
• Blocking projectile spam: Essential for navigating levels with heavy projectile-based enemies.
• Reflecting attacks back at bosses: Some bosses can be damaged by their own projectiles.
• Creating a safe zone: Can be used to push through dangerous enemy formations.
• Traversing hazards: Useful for getting past enemies that shoot projectiles in tight spaces.

Timing is Key: The shield is most effective when timed correctly to block and reflect incoming attacks.

9. The Chaos Orb (cost: 3 A)

The Chaos Orb is a powerful, area-of-effect relic that can clear screens of enemies.

• Functionality: Throws a orb that, upon impact, unleashes a chaotic burst of projectiles in all directions.
• Ammon Cost: 3 A
• Best Use Cases:
• Clearing large groups of enemies: Its screen-clearing potential is unmatched.
• Dealing with overwhelming odds: A panic button that can save you when you’re surrounded.
• Boss fights: Can deal massive damage to bosses if you can position yourself correctly for the initial throw.

Resource Management: With the highest Ammon cost, use the Chaos Orb judiciously. It’s best saved for truly desperate situations or critical boss phases.

Advanced Relic Strategies

Combining Relics with Movement

The true mastery of relics comes from integrating them seamlessly with Shovel Knight’s acrobatic movement. For example:

• Bomb + Shovel Jump: Throw a bomb, then immediately Shovel Drop to bounce off an enemy or a strategically placed block. This allows you to attack and reposition simultaneously.
• Dagger + Air Dash (if applicable in sequels/expansions): While not in the base game, in some iterations, combining ranged attacks with precise aerial maneuvers is key.
• Shield + Precise Movement: Use the shield to block incoming fire while carefully navigating platforms or enemy patterns.

Exploiting Enemy Weaknesses

Different enemies and bosses have varying resistances and vulnerabilities. Understanding these can dictate your relic choice:

• Armored enemies: The Anchor or Dust Knuckles might be better for breaking through their defenses than a simple Bomb.
• Flying enemies: The Flare Wand or Dagger can be more effective than ground-based attacks.
• Enemies that shoot projectiles: The Shield is your best friend here.

Environmental Interactions

Certain relics can interact with the environment in unique ways: (See Also: how to change a shovel handle)

• Bombs and Anchor: Can break specific walls, floors, and ceilings, revealing secrets or creating shortcuts.
• Shovel Drop: Essential for activating pressure plates, breaking certain blocks, and bouncing off specific surfaces.

Choosing Your Loadout

Before entering a level, you’ll often have the opportunity to choose which relics you want to carry. This decision should be based on the expected challenges:

General Exploration & Platforming:

• Bomb: For breaking walls and general offense.
• Potion: For survivability.
• Shovel Drop: Always equipped, but consider its utility for reaching secrets.

Boss Battles:

• Dagger: For high, rapid damage.
• Anchor: For single, powerful hits.
• Potion: Essential for healing.
• Shield: If the boss relies heavily on projectiles.

Difficult Combat Sections:

• Chaos Orb: For clearing overwhelming groups.
• Dust Knuckles: For stunning and close-range power.
• Shield: For defensive control.

Specific Puzzle Sections:

Some levels might require a specific relic to progress. For instance, you might need the Bomb to open a path or the Flare Wand to activate a distant switch.

Table of Relic Comparisons

Here’s a quick reference table:

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to learn how to use relics effectively is through practice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and see what works best for you. Replaying levels with new relics can reveal hidden strategies and secrets.

Pay attention to the Ammon meter. If you’re constantly running out, you might be overusing your relics or need to focus on finding more potion bottles. Conversely, if you hoard your Ammon, you’re missing out on powerful offensive and defensive options.

Remember, Shovel Knight is a game that rewards thoughtful play and clever use of your tools. By understanding the nuances of each relic and how they interact with the game’s mechanics, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a true knight of legend.

Conclusion

Mastering how to use relics in Shovel Knight is an essential skill that elevates your gameplay from survival to mastery. Each relic offers a unique tactical advantage, from the simple Bomb for breaking walls to the screen-clearing Chaos Orb. Experimentation is key; pair relics with Shovel Knight’s agile movement and exploit enemy weaknesses to overcome any obstacle. Choose your loadout wisely based on the challenges ahead, and you’ll be well on your way to defeating the Order of No Quarter.

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