Are you delving into the mysterious and challenging world of Call of Duty: Zombies’ Origins map, and you’ve heard whispers of a legendary item – the Golden Shovel?

This isn’t just any tool; it’s your key to unlocking some of the map’s most powerful secrets and advantages. Many players find themselves wondering exactly how to get their hands on this coveted artifact. The process might seem a bit convoluted at first, but with a clear understanding of the steps involved, you’ll be digging up your own advantages in no time.

This guide is designed to break down the entire quest for the Golden Shovel, ensuring you have all the information you need to succeed. Let’s get started on your path to becoming a master of Origins!

The Quest for the Golden Shovel in Origins

The Golden Shovel in Call of Duty: Zombies’ Origins map is more than just a shiny collectible; it’s a vital tool that significantly enhances your gameplay experience. Its primary function is to dig up rare loot from specific spots scattered across the map. This loot can range from powerful weapons and perks to crucial components for Easter Egg steps or even the highly sought-after Ray Gun. Mastering the acquisition and use of the Golden Shovel is a cornerstone of success for any serious Origins player.

What Is the Golden Shovel and Why Do You Need It?

The Golden Shovel is an interactable item that, once obtained, allows you to dig at designated dig spots. These spots are marked by distinct mounds of dirt or disturbed earth. Each successful dig has a chance to yield valuable rewards. The rarity of the rewards is what makes the Golden Shovel so desirable. While you might get a few hundred points or a basic ammo refill, you could also unearth a Wonder Weapon, a Perk-a-Cola, or a component for a powerful buildable item. For those attempting the main Easter Egg, the Golden Shovel is often a prerequisite for obtaining certain items needed to progress.

The Mechanics of Digging

Once you have the Golden Shovel, simply approach one of the marked dig spots and interact with it. There’s a short animation, and then you’ll see what you’ve unearthed. It’s important to note that dig spots are finite, and once you’ve dug from a particular spot, it will not replenish. Therefore, strategic use of your digs is key, especially in the early rounds when resources are scarce. The game doesn’t explicitly tell you which spots are better than others, so experimentation is often part of the fun.

Benefits of the Golden Shovel

• Access to Rare Weapons: The most exciting potential reward is finding a powerful Wonder Weapon like the Ray Gun, Thundergun, or Staff components.
• Perk Acquisition: You can dig up Perk-a-Cola machines, granting you essential buffs like Juggernog, Speed Cola, and Double Tap.
• Point Generation: Even less exciting digs can provide valuable points, helping you afford upgrades, doors, and perks.
• Easter Egg Progression: Certain Easter Egg steps require items or interactions only accessible through digging.
• Strategic Advantage: Having the Golden Shovel early can give you a significant edge in surviving higher rounds.

Acquiring the Golden Shovel: The Step-by-Step Guide

The process of obtaining the Golden Shovel involves a multi-step quest that requires you to navigate different areas of the map and interact with specific objects. It’s a journey that tests your map knowledge and your ability to manage zombies while completing objectives. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step:

Step 1: Accessing the Excavation Site (starting Area)

Your quest begins in the starting area, also known as the Excavation Site. You’ll need to open a few doors to access the areas where the components for the shovel are located. The first door to open is typically the one leading out of the initial spawn room towards the tank path. This will cost you 1000 points. Once this door is open, you can proceed to the next crucial area.

Step 2: Locating the First Shovel Part – the Crank

The first component you need is the Crank. This part has three possible spawn locations, and you’ll need to find it in one of them. The three locations are:

1. Inside the Generator Room: In the room with the first generator, near the stairs that lead up to the tank path.
2. Near the Muddy Path: On a crate or barrel along the muddy path leading away from the starting area, often near the entrance to the Stamin-Up area.
3. In the Tank Station Area: On a table or shelf within the building that houses the tank station, where the tank can be repaired.

You’ll know you’ve found the Crank because it’s a distinct metallic object that you can pick up. Once you have it, you’ll need to take it to a specific location. (See Also: how to get flimsy shovel animal crossing)

Step 3: Using the Crank at the Excavation Site Workbench

After picking up the Crank, you must return to the Excavation Site. Near the center of this area, there is a workbench. Interact with this workbench while holding the Crank. This action will allow you to use the Crank to retrieve the first part of the Golden Shovel. It’s usually a metallic handle or a similar base component of the shovel.

Step 4: Locating the Second Shovel Part – the Gear

The second component you need is the Gear. Like the Crank, the Gear also has three potential spawn locations. You’ll need to explore the map to find it. The common locations for the Gear are:

1. Near the First Generator: Sometimes it can be found on the ground or on a nearby crate in the vicinity of the first generator.
2. In the Church Area: In the church building, often on a table or a shelf.
3. In the Foot of the Giant Area: In the area where you can activate the Foot of the Giant, sometimes it’s found on the ground or on debris.

Again, keep an eye out for a distinct metallic object that you can interact with to pick up.

Step 5: Using the Gear at the Excavation Site Workbench

Once you have the Gear, you need to return to the same workbench in the Excavation Site where you used the Crank. Interact with the workbench again while carrying the Gear. This will allow you to attach the Gear to the shovel base, bringing you one step closer to the complete Golden Shovel.

Step 6: Locating the Third Shovel Part – the Handle

The final component needed for the Golden Shovel is the Handle. This part also has multiple spawn locations, and you’ll need to be thorough in your search. The typical spawn points for the Handle include:

1. Inside the Church: Often found on a table or shelf within the main church structure.
2. Near the Muddy Path to Stamin-Up: Sometimes it appears on the ground or on crates along this path.
3. In the Tank Station Area: Similar to the Crank, it can be found within the tank station building on various surfaces.

The Handle is usually a long, metallic piece that clearly looks like part of a shovel’s structure.

Step 7: Using the Handle at the Excavation Site Workbench

With the Handle in your possession, make your way back to the Excavation Site workbench for the final time. Interact with the workbench while holding the Handle. This action will complete the assembly of the Golden Shovel. You will see a unique animation, and the Golden Shovel will be added to your inventory.

Step 8: Locating Dig Spots

Now that you have the Golden Shovel, it’s time to put it to use! The dig spots are scattered across the map. They are visually identifiable by mounds of dirt or disturbed earth. Some of the most common and reliable locations for dig spots include:

Tip: It’s a good idea to learn these locations early on. As you play more, you’ll develop an instinct for spotting them, even from a distance. (See Also: how much to shovel a driveway)

Step 9: Digging for Rewards

To dig, simply approach a dig spot and press the interact button. Your character will perform a digging animation, and a reward will appear. The rewards can vary greatly:

• Points: A common reward, ranging from 100 to 500 points.
• Ammo: Replenishes your weapon’s ammunition.
• Perk-a-Cola: You might find a random perk, or even a full Perk machine!
• Weaponry: From basic weapons to powerful Wonder Weapons like the Ray Gun.
• Power-ups: Such as Insta-Kill, Nuke, or Max Ammo.
• Easter Egg Items: Specific items needed for the main Easter Egg quest.

Important Note: Dig spots are limited. Once a spot has been dug, it cannot be used again. Be mindful of which spots you choose to dig, especially if you are saving them for a specific purpose or if you are in the early stages of a game and need valuable resources.

Tips and Strategies for Using the Golden Shovel Effectively

Simply knowing how to get the Golden Shovel is only half the battle. To truly maximize its potential, you need to employ smart strategies:

Prioritize Early Game Digs

In the early rounds, points and weapons are scarce. A lucky dig can provide you with a Wonder Weapon or a significant amount of points, allowing you to open up more of the map, buy perks, or upgrade your weapons much faster than you otherwise could. Prioritize finding the shovel parts and then hitting a few key dig spots as soon as you can.

Learn Dig Spot Locations

As mentioned, memorizing the common dig spot locations is crucial. The more you play, the better you’ll become at spotting them quickly. This saves precious time that could otherwise be spent fighting zombies or opening doors.

Consider Your Needs

If you’re struggling with a particular weapon, or if you’re trying to complete a specific Easter Egg step that requires a certain item, tailor your digging to those needs. If you need points, focus on areas known to have multiple dig spots. If you’re hunting for Wonder Weapons, you might need to dig more frequently.

Manage Your Digs

Remember that dig spots are finite. If you’re playing with others, discuss who is going to dig where. Don’t waste a dig on a spot that has already been used. If you’re playing solo, keep a mental note of the spots you’ve already exploited.

The “digging for the Staff” Strategy

For players aiming to complete the Staff Easter Egg, the Golden Shovel plays a critical role. You will need to dig up the disc parts for the staffs from specific dig locations. These are often marked differently or are part of a specific sequence of events. Knowing where to dig for these parts is essential for progressing through the Easter Egg.

Finding Staff Disc Parts

The locations for the staff disc parts are usually tied to specific dig spots that appear after certain conditions are met, such as completing a round or activating a specific mechanism. These spots are often found in similar areas to general loot digs but might be in slightly different configurations. Keep an eye out for unique mounds or areas that seem more prominent. (See Also: how to keep snow from sticking to your shovel)

Risk vs. Reward

Digging can be risky, especially in the later rounds. You might need to fend off a horde of zombies while you’re performing the digging animation. Always ensure you have a safe space or a plan to deal with zombies before you commit to digging.

Cooperative Play

In a co-op game, communication is key. Decide as a team who will focus on obtaining the shovel and who will cover them. Share information about found shovel parts and available dig spots. This coordinated effort will significantly increase your chances of success.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Players sometimes encounter minor issues or confusion during the Golden Shovel quest. Here are a few common ones:

• Can’t Find a Shovel Part: The parts are randomized in their spawn locations. If you don’t find a part in one location, check the other potential spawn points. Sometimes, you might need to play through a round or two for parts to fully spawn in.
• Dig Spots Not Appearing: Ensure you have the Golden Shovel in your inventory. If you do, and you’re in a known dig spot area, sometimes a brief wait or completing a small objective (like killing a few zombies) can trigger their appearance.
• Digging Animation Interrupted: Zombies can interrupt your digging. Always make sure the area is relatively clear before starting. Using a weapon with crowd control capabilities can help.
• The “No Shovel” Glitch: In very rare instances, a glitch might prevent the shovel from being assembled. If this happens, it’s usually best to restart the game.

The Origins map is designed to be challenging and rewarding. The Golden Shovel is a testament to this design, offering a tangible benefit for players who invest the time to understand its acquisition and use.

The Importance of the Excavation Site Workbench

It’s worth reiterating that the Excavation Site workbench is the central hub for assembling the Golden Shovel. All three parts must be brought back to this specific location to be used. Failing to return here will prevent you from completing the shovel. Ensure you have enough points to open the necessary doors to access this area and the parts.

Understanding Component Spawns

The randomized nature of the component spawns can be frustrating, but it also adds replayability. Each game can present a slightly different challenge in terms of finding the parts. Patience and thorough exploration are your best allies here.

Alternative Strategies for Early Game

If obtaining the Golden Shovel proves too difficult in the very early rounds due to zombie pressure or point limitations, don’t despair. You can still survive by focusing on opening essential doors, getting the Mystery Box, and acquiring basic perks. However, the Golden Shovel remains one of the most impactful early-game advantages you can obtain.

Conclusion

Acquiring the Golden Shovel in Origins is a rewarding quest that significantly boosts your survival and progression capabilities. By systematically finding the Crank, Gear, and Handle, and then assembling them at the Excavation Site workbench, you unlock a powerful tool for digging up valuable loot. Mastering the locations of dig spots and employing smart strategies will ensure you get the most out of this essential item.

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