The shovel is one of the essential tools in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Players use it to dig up fossils, plant trees, and create paths on their islands. However, just like any other tool in the game, the shovel has a limited lifespan. So, how long does a shovel last in New Horizons? Let’s find out!
When you first get a shovel in New Horizons, it has a durability of 100, which means you can use it 100 times before it breaks. Each time you hit a rock, dig up a fossil, or plant a tree, the shovel’s durability decreases by one. So, if you use the shovel frequently, it won’t last very long.
But don’t worry, there is a way to increase the durability of your shovel in New Horizons. By customizing it with a gold nugget at a DIY workbench, you can turn a regular shovel into a golden shovel. The golden shovel has a durability of 200, which is double the durability of the regular shovel. So, if you want your shovel to last longer, consider upgrading it to a golden shovel.
It’s also worth mentioning that in New Horizons, you can find shovels in a variety of colors and designs. While the durability of these shovels is the same as the regular shovel, finding a shovel that matches your style can make the task of digging and landscaping on your island a lot more enjoyable. So, keep an eye out for different shovel designs and choose the one that suits you best!
How Long Does a Shovel Last in New Horizons
In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a shovel is an essential tool that players use to dig up fossils, plant trees, and create new paths on their island. Like other tools in the game, the shovel has durability and will eventually break after repeated use. It is important for players to know how long a shovel lasts and how to obtain a new one.
Shovel Durability
A shovel in New Horizons has a total of 30 uses before it breaks. Each time you dig a hole, hit a rock, or dig up a fossil, the shovel’s durability decreases. The number of uses left is displayed in the corner of the screen when you have the shovel equipped.
If you are using the regular shovel, it will break after 30 uses. However, there is a way to extend the durability of the shovel by crafting a stronger version called the golden shovel. The golden shovel has a durability of 200 uses, making it last much longer than the regular shovel.
Obtaining a New Shovel
If your shovel breaks in New Horizons, don’t worry! You can easily obtain a new one. There are several ways to get a shovel:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Purchasing | You can buy a shovel from the Nook’s Cranny shop for 800 Bells once it is upgraded from a tent to a permanent store. |
| Crafting | You can craft a regular shovel using a DIY recipe. The recipe can be obtained by talking to Blathers after donating your first fossil. |
| Golden Shovel | To obtain a golden shovel, you need to unlock the ability to craft golden tools. This can be done by breaking 100 regular shovels, fishing rods, nets, or axes. Once you have the recipe, you can craft the golden shovel using a regular shovel and 1 gold nugget. |
| Finding | Occasionally, you may find a shovel buried in a glowing spot on your island. To dig it up, stand over the spot and press the “A” button. |
With these methods, you can always ensure that you have a shovel ready for all your digging needs in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Shovel Durability in Animal Crossing
In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the durability of a shovel is an important factor to consider when digging, hitting rocks, or burying items. The shovel is a versatile tool that is used for various purposes throughout the game. However, it is not invincible, and its durability will gradually decrease with use.
The durability of a shovel is measured by the number of uses before it breaks. Each time you use the shovel to dig a hole, hit a rock, or bury an item, its durability will decrease by one. Once the shovel reaches zero durability, it will break and become unusable.
To ensure that your shovel lasts as long as possible, it is important to use it wisely and avoid unnecessary use. You can conserve the durability of your shovel by using it only when necessary and by not hitting rocks or digging holes excessively. It is also recommended to avoid hitting rocks with a shovel equipped with a custom design pattern or hitting with a flimsy shovel, as this can decrease durability more quickly.
If your shovel does break, do not worry. You can easily obtain a new one by purchasing it from Timmy and Tommy’s shop or crafting one using DIY recipes. Additionally, you can also use a golden shovel, which has significantly higher durability and will last much longer compared to regular shovels.
In conclusion, the durability of a shovel in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an important aspect to consider in order to effectively manage your resources and ensure that you can continue to dig, hit rocks, and bury items without any interruptions. By using the shovel wisely and conservatively, you can make it last longer and avoid unnecessary expenses and crafting time.
Factors Affecting Shovel Lifespan
When playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the longevity of your shovel depends on various factors. A shovel’s durability can significantly vary based on how it’s used and maintained. Here are some factors that can affect the lifespan of a shovel:
Quality of Shovel
The quality of the shovel itself plays a crucial role in determining its lifespan. There are different qualities of shovels available in the game, ranging from regular to golden. Higher-quality shovels tend to last longer compared to their lower-quality counterparts.
Frequency of Use
The more you use a shovel, the faster its durability will decrease. Digging up buried fossils, hitting rocks to find resources, and planting trees are some of the activities that can wear out your shovel. It’s advisable to take breaks between shovel usage to prolong its lifespan.
Type of Terrain
The type of terrain you’re digging on also affects the lifespan of your shovel. Digging on regular grass or sand won’t have a significant impact, but digging on harder surfaces like rocks or cliffs can decrease the shovel’s durability at a faster rate.
Maintenance and Upgrades
Taking care of your shovel and making necessary upgrades can help extend its lifespan. You can visit the Resident Services building and speak to Tom Nook or Isabelle to upgrade your shovel using Nook Miles. Upgrading your shovel to a higher durability version can make it last longer.
Other Tools Used
Your shovel’s lifespan can also be influenced by how frequently you use other tools. For example, if you rely heavily on other tools like fishing rods or bug nets, your shovel might not wear out as quickly compared to someone who primarily uses the shovel.
In conclusion, while the exact lifespan of a shovel in Animal Crossing: New Horizons varies, taking into account the quality of the shovel, frequency of use, type of terrain, maintenance, and other tools used can help ensure its longevity. By considering these factors, you can make the most out of your trusty shovel in the game.
How to Make Your Shovel Last Longer
Shovels are essential tools in Animal Crossing: New Horizons for various tasks, including digging up fossils, planting trees, and burying items. To ensure your shovel lasts longer and remains in good condition, follow these tips:
1. Avoid Hitting Rocks
When using your shovel to hit rocks, always be careful not to accidentally hit the shovel against the rock. Hitting the shovel against rocks can quickly wear down its durability. Instead, try to position yourself strategically so that you can hit the rock without hitting the shovel against it.
2. Avoid Using the Shovel as a Weapon
While it may be tempting to use your shovel to whack pesky villagers or insects, doing so will significantly reduce the shovel’s durability. The shovel is not designed to be used as a weapon and can break easily if used improperly. Stick to using the shovel for its intended purposes to maximize its lifespan.
By taking these simple precautions, you can make your shovel last longer in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Remember to check on the shovel’s durability regularly and keep a backup on hand just in case. Happy digging!
What to Do When Your Shovel Breaks
If you’re an avid player of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you know the importance of having a reliable shovel. However, like any tool, shovels have a limited lifespan and will eventually break. When this happens, there are a few steps you can take to remedy the situation and get back to digging up fossils and planting trees.
1. Assess the damage
When your shovel breaks, the first thing you should do is assess the damage. Is it a simple handle breakage or is the blade also damaged? Understanding the extent of the damage will help you decide the best course of action.
2. Gather the necessary materials
If the damage is minor and can be fixed, gather the necessary materials to repair your shovel. You will need a new handle if it broke, or a new blade if it got damaged. Luckily, these materials can usually be purchased from the Nook’s Cranny store on your island.
3. Repair the shovel
If you have the required materials, it’s time to repair your shovel. Head to a DIY workbench and select the option to craft. Choose the shovel from the list of available items and follow the prompts to repair it. Be sure to have the correct materials in your inventory.
4. Consider upgrading to a stronger shovel
If your shovel keeps breaking frequently, it might be a good idea to consider upgrading to a stronger version. As you progress in the game, you’ll unlock the ability to craft golden shovels, which have a longer lifespan and can perform special actions like growing money trees.
5. Take care of your shovel
Lastly, to prolong the lifespan of your shovel, make sure you take proper care of it. Avoid using it for unnecessary tasks that could cause damage, such as hitting rocks or trees. Additionally, keep an eye out for DIY recipes that can enhance your shovel’s durability and efficiency.
Remember, having a broken shovel is just a temporary setback in your New Horizons journey. By following these steps, you’ll be able to quickly repair or upgrade your shovel and get back to enjoying all the wonders that the game has to offer.
