Lost in the dense, unforgiving wilderness of Sons of the Forest and wondering how to unearth some of the game’s most crucial secrets? You’re not alone. Many survivors find themselves staring at the ground, equipped with nothing but their wits, and a burning question: how to get the shovel in Sons of the Forest?
This seemingly simple tool is far more than just a digging implement; it’s your key to unlocking hidden caches, accessing vital resources, and progressing through the game’s intricate storyline. Without it, you’ll be missing out on a significant portion of what this survival horror experience has to offer.
Fear not, intrepid explorer! We’re here to guide you step-by-step through the process of acquiring this essential item, ensuring you’re well-equipped to face whatever the island throws at you.
Unearthing the Shovel: Your Path to Deeper Exploration
The shovel in Sons of the Forest is a game-changer, allowing you to dig up buried items, including crucial story progression items, valuable resources, and even powerful weapons. It’s not a tool you’ll find lying around near your initial crash site. Instead, it’s strategically placed within the game world, often requiring a bit of exploration and navigation to reach. This guide will break down exactly where and how you can find it.
Locating the Shovel: A Multi-Stage Expedition
The journey to acquiring the shovel involves reaching a specific cave system and navigating its treacherous interior. This cave is known for its challenging layout and the presence of dangerous enemies, so ensure you are adequately prepared before embarking on this quest. We recommend bringing ample supplies, including food, water, medicine, and a reliable weapon.
Step 1: Reaching the Cave Entrance
The shovel is located within the Coastal Cave. To find this cave, you’ll need to make your way to the northwestern part of the island. Here’s a breakdown of how to get there: (See Also: how to get flimsy shovel animal crossing)
- Orientation: Open your map. You’re looking for a cave entrance situated on the coastline, specifically in the northwestern sector.
- Landmarks: Keep an eye out for a rocky shoreline and the distinctive sound of crashing waves. The cave entrance is often partially obscured by foliage and rocks.
- Navigation Tools: If you’ve found a GPS tracker, it can be invaluable for pinpointing your location and navigating towards the target area.
- Visual Cues: The entrance itself is a dark opening in the rock face. It might be easier to spot from the water if you have a raft or from a higher vantage point overlooking the coast.
Pro Tip: It’s highly advisable to establish a base camp near the cave entrance or at a safe distance before you delve in. This provides a safe haven to return to, store loot, and restock if needed.
Step 2: Navigating the Coastal Cave
Once you’ve found the entrance, it’s time to brave the darkness within. The Coastal Cave is a multi-layered environment with distinct sections. Here’s what you need to know to progress and find the shovel:
- Initial Descent: The entrance leads you down a sloping path into the cave. Be cautious of slippery surfaces and potential drops.
- Torch is Your Friend: Darkness is absolute in many parts of this cave. Make sure your torch is fully charged or you have plenty of fuel.
- Enemy Encounters: You will encounter cannibals and mutants within the cave. They can be aggressive and numerous. Stealth, strategic combat, and the use of environmental hazards can be your allies.
- Progression Path: The cave system generally guides you forward. Look for narrow passages, open chambers, and areas where the path seems to continue. Avoid dead ends unless they contain loot.
- The “Sinkhole” Section: A significant part of the cave involves a vertical descent. You’ll need to carefully navigate down using ledges and ropes. This is a critical area where many players can get disoriented.
- Finding the Shovel: After navigating through the main body of the cave, including the challenging descent, you will eventually reach a chamber where the Shovel is lying on the ground. It’s typically in a relatively open area, making it hard to miss once you’re in the correct vicinity.
Important Note: The cave can be disorienting. Pay attention to your surroundings, and if you get lost, try backtracking to a point you recognize. The game’s lighting and enemy placement are designed to create a tense atmosphere, so stay alert.
Step 3: Securing the Shovel and Exiting
Once you’ve spotted the shovel, simply walk over to it and interact. You’ll pick it up automatically, and it will be added to your inventory. Now, the task shifts to safely exiting the cave.
- Retrace Your Steps: The most straightforward way to exit is to backtrack the way you came.
- Be Prepared for Enemies: Enemies may have respawned or might be waiting for you. Be ready for combat.
- Alternative Exits: In some cave systems, there might be alternative exits. However, for the Coastal Cave, retracing your path is generally the most reliable method for exiting with the shovel.
- Mark Your Path (Optional): If you’re particularly worried about getting lost on the way out, you can place small markers (like crafted sticks or stones) along your path as you explore.
Why Is the Shovel So Important?
The shovel’s significance in Sons of the Forest cannot be overstated. It’s not just a tool for convenience; it’s a gateway to content that is essential for survival and progression. Here’s why you need it: (See Also: how much to shovel a driveway)
- Buried Caches: The most prominent use of the shovel is to unearth buried caches scattered across the island. These caches often contain high-tier loot, including advanced tools, weapons, ammunition, and crucial story items.
- Story Progression: Certain key items required to advance the main storyline are found buried. Without the shovel, you’ll hit a narrative roadblock.
- Resource Gathering: While not its primary function, you can sometimes find small amounts of basic resources like scrap metal or bones when digging.
- Exploration Enhancement: The ability to dig up hidden items encourages more thorough exploration of the map, rewarding players who take the time to search every nook and cranny.
Preparing for the Coastal Cave Expedition
The Coastal Cave is not a casual stroll. It’s a challenging environment that requires preparation. Here’s a checklist to ensure you’re ready:
Essential Gear:
- Weapons: A reliable melee weapon (like a machete or axe) and a ranged weapon (like a pistol or bow and arrows) are highly recommended.
- Light Source: A fully charged torch is absolutely critical. Consider bringing extra fuel if possible.
- Food and Water: Stock up on enough to sustain you for an extended period. You don’t want to starve or dehydrate mid-cave.
- Medicine: Bandages and any healing items you have will be vital.
- Inventory Space: Ensure you have enough inventory space to carry the shovel and any loot you find.
Combat Readiness:
- Learn Enemy Patterns: Familiarize yourself with the types of enemies you might encounter in caves – primarily cannibals and various types of mutants.
- Stealth Options: Crouching and moving slowly can help you avoid unnecessary encounters.
- Environmental Awareness: Look for explosive barrels or other hazards you can use to your advantage.
Navigation Aids:
- Map and Compass: If you have found these items, they can be immensely helpful in orienting yourself.
- Save Points: Consider setting up a temporary save point near the cave entrance before you go in.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Many players struggle with the Coastal Cave. Here are some common issues and how to tackle them:
- Getting Lost: The cave’s winding paths and darkness can be disorienting. Always try to remember key landmarks or create your own markers. If you’re truly lost, backtracking is often the safest bet.
- Enemy Overwhelm: Large groups of enemies can be daunting. Use chokepoints to your advantage, prioritize dangerous enemies, and don’t be afraid to retreat if necessary.
- The Vertical Descent: The section with ropes and ledges can be tricky. Take your time, ensure your jumps are precise, and don’t rush.
- Resource Management: Running out of light, food, or ammo mid-cave can be fatal. Plan your route and conserve resources as much as possible.
Alternative Methods (and Why They Don’t Work for the Shovel)
It’s worth mentioning that in Sons of the Forest, there are often multiple ways to acquire certain items or progress. However, for the shovel, the method described above is currently the only reliable way to obtain it. You cannot craft it, and it does not spawn randomly in other locations. Its placement within the Coastal Cave is fixed for story and gameplay progression.
What to Dig Up with Your New Shovel
Once you have the shovel, the world of Sons of the Forest opens up considerably. You’ll be looking for those tell-tale X marks the spot on the ground. These are the indicators of buried loot. Keep an eye out for them in various locations, including:
- Near abandoned camps: Often found near the remains of previous survivor settlements.
- In open fields: Sometimes marked in more exposed areas.
- Around cave entrances: Preceding or following your exploration of a cave.
- Near story-related landmarks: Locations important to the narrative often have buried secrets.
Some of the most exciting finds include: (See Also: how to keep snow from sticking to your shovel)
- Keycards: Essential for accessing secure areas and bunkers.
- Shotgun: A powerful close-range weapon.
- Rebreather: Allows you to explore underwater areas.
- Various tools and survival gear: Enhancing your ability to gather resources and defend yourself.
The Shovel’s Role in the Sons of the Forest Lore
The presence of buried caches and the specific location of the shovel within a cave system suggest a narrative purpose. It implies that previous inhabitants or survivors on the island were hiding valuable resources and information, perhaps in anticipation of trouble or as part of an organized effort. The shovel, therefore, becomes not just a tool, but a link to the island’s past and the stories of those who came before you.
Tips for Efficient Shovel Use
- Prioritize Digging: Always investigate any visible ‘X’ marks on the ground.
- Map Your Finds: Consider noting down the locations of buried caches you’ve found, especially if they contain items you can’t carry immediately or want to return to.
- Combine with Exploration: The shovel encourages a more thorough approach to exploration, rewarding players who venture off the beaten path.
Conclusion
Acquiring the shovel in Sons of the Forest is a critical step in your survival journey. By navigating the challenging Coastal Cave, you unlock access to vital buried caches and essential story progression items. Remember to prepare adequately with weapons, light, and supplies before venturing into the darkness. With the shovel in hand, you’ll be far better equipped to uncover the island’s deepest secrets and survive its many perils.
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