Dreaming of a more efficient way to dig up fossils, buried treasure, and those elusive money rocks in Animal Crossing: New Horizons? You’re probably wondering, ‘How do I get a golden shovel in Animal Crossing?’ It’s the ultimate digging tool, and for good reason! This legendary shovel boasts incredible durability, meaning it won’t break after just a few uses like its flimsy counterparts.
Imagine the possibilities: unearthing all your daily treasures without a second thought, or quickly clearing out a whole beach for shell collecting. The golden shovel is a game-changer for any serious island decorator or completionist. But unlike buying a regular shovel from Nook’s Cranny, acquiring this coveted item requires a bit more effort and patience. Don’t worry, though – we’re here to guide you through every step.
The Quest for the Golden Shovel: Your Ultimate Guide
The Golden Shovel in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is more than just a tool; it’s a status symbol and a testament to your dedication to island life. Its primary advantage lies in its exceptional durability, making it the last shovel you’ll ever need to craft or buy (for a very, very long time!). While the exact mechanics of its durability are a bit of a mystery, players generally agree it lasts for hundreds of uses, far surpassing the flimsy 30-use limit of the standard shovel.
Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Can Dig for Gold
Before you can even think about crafting the Golden Shovel, you need to meet a few key requirements. This isn’t something you can achieve on your first day on the island. Patience is key!
- Unlock the DIY Workbench: You’ll need access to a DIY workbench to craft the Golden Shovel. This is typically unlocked early in your island journey when Tom Nook introduces you to crafting.
- Obtain the Standard Shovel DIY: The Golden Shovel is an upgraded version of the standard shovel. You must first learn the DIY recipe for the Shovel. This recipe is usually obtained from a Nook’s Cranny resident or a balloon present early on.
- Reach a Certain Milestone: This is the crucial step. To unlock the Golden Shovel DIY recipe, you need to achieve a specific in-game milestone related to your Nook Miles.
The Golden Ticket: Earning the Golden Shovel Diy Recipe
The method for obtaining the Golden Shovel DIY recipe is directly tied to the Nook Miles system. Specifically, you need to have successfully dug up a significant number of items using a shovel.
The “truly Golden” Nook Miles Achievement
The achievement you’re aiming for is called “Truly Golden.” This achievement is unlocked when you have successfully dug up 100 items using your shovel. These items can include: (See Also: how to shovel car out of snow)
- Fossils: Those tell-tale “X” marks on the ground are your primary targets.
- Money Rocks: The rocks that yield Bells when hit with a shovel (or axe).
- Bell Vouchers: Sometimes these can be buried.
- Star Fragments: These are rarer and usually appear on the beach after a meteor shower.
- Gyroids: The quirky musical items that can be unearthed.
- Special Buried Items: Occasionally, unique items might be buried.
It’s important to note that digging up weeds or flowers does not count towards this achievement. You must be digging up actual buried items that leave a distinct “dig spot” or are revealed upon digging.
How to Track Your Progress
You can easily track your progress towards the “Truly Golden” achievement within the Nook Miles app on your NookPhone. Navigate to the “Achievements” tab, and then find the “Tools” category. You’ll see your shovel usage progress clearly displayed.
When Does the Recipe Appear?
Once you have successfully dug up your 100th item, the Golden Shovel DIY recipe will automatically be added to your Nook Miles achievements. You’ll receive a notification, and the recipe will appear in your Nook Miles section. It’s not something you have to redeem or buy with Nook Miles; it simply becomes available to learn.
Crafting Your Golden Shovel: The Final Step
Now that you have the DIY recipe, it’s time to craft the Golden Shovel!
Required Materials
To craft one Golden Shovel, you will need the following materials: (See Also: how long does it take to shovel a driveway)
- 1 Shovel: This is your standard, regular shovel. It’s recommended to use a flimsy shovel if you have one you’re about to discard, as it will be consumed in the crafting process.
- 1 Gold Nugget: This is the key ingredient that gives the shovel its golden properties.
Crafting Process
- Access a DIY Workbench: Go to your nearest DIY workbench. This could be in your house, resident services, or one you’ve placed around your island.
- Select the Golden Shovel Recipe: Open the DIY menu on the workbench and find the “Golden Shovel” recipe.
- Gather Your Materials: Ensure you have at least one standard shovel and one gold nugget in your inventory.
- Craft: Select the Golden Shovel recipe and proceed with crafting. The standard shovel and the gold nugget will be consumed.
Tips for Obtaining Gold Nuggets
Gold Nuggets are the rarest ore in the game, making them a bit of a challenge to acquire. Here are the best ways to get your hands on them:
- Hitting Rocks: Each day, up to six rocks on your island will respawn. One of these is guaranteed to be a Gold Ore rock, which yields one Gold Nugget when hit repeatedly. The other rocks can yield Iron Nuggets, Stone, or Clay. To maximize your yield from each rock, dig two holes behind you to prevent recoil when hitting the rock, then hit it eight times as quickly as possible.
- Mystery Islands: Some Nook Miles Ticket mystery islands are specifically designed to have multiple Gold Ore rocks. These islands are rare but incredibly rewarding. If you find one, make sure to hit all the rocks!
- Visiting Friends’ Islands: Sometimes, you might find Gold Nuggets on friends’ islands if they haven’t already harvested them.
- Trading: You can also trade with other players for Gold Nuggets if you’re struggling to find them yourself.
The Advantages of the Golden Shovel
Once you’ve crafted your Golden Shovel, you’ll immediately notice its superiority:
- Unmatched Durability: As mentioned, this is its biggest selling point. It lasts for hundreds of uses, significantly reducing the need for constant crafting or purchasing of new shovels.
- Aesthetic Appeal: It looks fantastic! The golden hue adds a touch of luxury to your tool inventory and your character’s appearance.
- Efficiency: Less time spent worrying about your shovel breaking means more time for playing and enjoying your island.
What About the Golden Shovel Diy Recipe From the Balloon?
It’s a common question: can you get the Golden Shovel DIY recipe from a flying balloon present? The answer is no. Unlike many other DIY recipes, the Golden Shovel DIY recipe is exclusively tied to the “Truly Golden” Nook Miles achievement. You cannot find it in message bottles, from villagers, or in balloon presents. This makes the achievement the sole gateway to this coveted recipe.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Players often encounter a few common issues when trying to get their Golden Shovel:
- Not Tracking Progress: Forgetting to check the Nook Miles app can lead to confusion about how close you are to the 100-item milestone. Make it a habit to check your achievements regularly.
- Misunderstanding What Counts: Remember, only digging up actual buried items counts. Weeds and flowers don’t contribute.
- Not Having Gold Nuggets: Gold Nuggets can be scarce. Prioritize hitting your daily rocks and keep an eye out for special mystery islands.
- Using a Shovel That’s Already Low Durability: While any shovel can be used to craft the Golden Shovel, it’s best to use one that’s already close to breaking. This way, you’re not sacrificing a brand-new shovel for the crafting process.
The Golden Tools Set: A Deeper Dive
The Golden Shovel is part of a larger set of Golden Tools in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Each of these tools requires a specific Nook Miles achievement to unlock its DIY recipe: (See Also: how to change a shovel handle)
| Tool | Nook Miles Achievement | Items Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Shovel | Truly Golden (Dig up 100 items) | 1 Shovel, 1 Gold Nugget |
| Golden Axe | Tree Sapling Sensation (Grow 100 trees) | 1 Axe, 3 Wood, 1 Gold Nugget |
| Golden Fishing Rod | Fiddler Crab (Catch 200 fish) | 1 Fishing Rod, 2 Gold Nuggets |
| Golden Net | Bug Catching Master (Catch 200 bugs) | 1 Net, 2 Gold Nuggets |
| Golden Watering Can | Green Thumb (Water 100 flowers) | 1 Watering Can, 1 Gold Nugget |
| Golden Slingshot | Marksman (Shoot down 300 balloons) | 1 Slingshot, 1 Gold Nugget |
While the Golden Shovel is arguably the most frequently used tool for many players due to daily fossil and money rock collection, completing the entire set is a significant achievement and can significantly enhance your island-living experience.
Maximizing Your Shovel Use for the Achievement
To speed up your progress towards the “Truly Golden” achievement, consider these strategies:
- Daily Fossil Hunt: Make it a habit to hunt for fossils every single day. Follow the “X” marks and dig them up.
- Money Rock Routine: Hit all your money rocks daily. Remember the technique: dig two holes behind you, then hit the rock eight times rapidly.
- Beachcombing for Star Fragments: After a meteor shower, check the beach for star fragments. Dig them up as they appear.
- Gyroid Hunting: Keep an eye out for the tell-tale cracks in the ground that indicate a Gyroid. Dig them up!
- Occasional Treasure Hunting: If you see a sparkle on the ground (indicating buried Bells), dig it up.
By consistently engaging in these activities, you’ll reach the 100-item milestone much faster. Remember, every dig counts!
Conclusion
Getting your hands on the Golden Shovel in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a rewarding endeavor that requires dedication to the “Truly Golden” Nook Miles achievement. By consistently digging up 100 items – be it fossils, money rocks, or other buried treasures – you’ll unlock the DIY recipe. Then, simply combine a standard shovel with a single gold nugget at a DIY workbench, and you’ll possess the most durable and stylish digging tool in the game.
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