Animal Crossing is a popular video game where players can create their own virtual world and interact with anthropomorphic animal villagers. One of the key features of the game is the ability to dig holes and uncover buried items. To do this, players need a shovel. But when can you get a shovel in Animal Crossing?
In the beginning of the game, players are only given basic tools like a fishing rod and a bug net. These tools are essential for catching fish and bugs, but they can’t be used for digging. In order to get a shovel, players need to progress further in the game and unlock the ability to craft and purchase more advanced tools.
The first opportunity to get a shovel in Animal Crossing is by helping the museum curator, Blathers, set up his tent. Once Blathers arrives on the island, he will request players to gather specific creatures for his museum collection. Upon completing this task, players are rewarded with the DIY recipe for crafting a shovel. From this point on, players can craft their own shovels and use them to dig up fossils, plant trees, and more.
Alternatively, players can also purchase a shovel from the Nook’s Cranny shop. However, this option becomes available only after the shop is upgraded from a tent to a full-fledged store. Once the Nook’s Cranny store is open, players can visit and buy a shovel using the in-game currency, called “bells”. This provides a convenient and quicker way to obtain a shovel in Animal Crossing.
Overall, getting a shovel in Animal Crossing requires some progress in the game, either by completing tasks for Blathers or by unlocking the upgraded Nook’s Cranny store. Once obtained, the shovel opens up new possibilities for players to interact with their virtual world and discover hidden treasures.
When to Find a Shovel in Animal Crossing
In the popular video game Animal Crossing, players have the opportunity to explore and customize their own virtual island. One essential tool for island life is the shovel, which allows players to dig up fossils, plant trees, and discover buried treasure. So, when can you find a shovel in Animal Crossing?
In the early stages of the game, players will receive a DIY recipe for a flimsy shovel. This basic version of the shovel allows players to dig up small holes and unearth fossils. To craft a flimsy shovel, players will need five tree branches, which can easily be found by shaking trees on the island. Players can also purchase a flimsy shovel recipe from Blathers, the owl who runs the island’s museum, once they have donated three unique creatures to him.
As players progress, they will soon unlock the recipe for an upgraded version of the shovel called the regular shovel. The regular shovel will allow players to dig larger holes and unearth larger fossils, as well as plant trees. To craft a regular shovel, players will need one flimsy shovel and one iron nugget. Iron nuggets can be obtained by hitting rocks on the island with a tool, such as a shovel or an axe.
For players who don’t want to craft a shovel, they also have the option to purchase one from the Nook’s Cranny store once it has been upgraded to the second level. The upgraded store will sell a variety of tools, including the regular shovel, for players to purchase with in-game currency.
Overall, players can obtain a shovel in Animal Crossing relatively early in the game through crafting or purchasing it. Once they have a shovel, players can start digging up fossils, planting trees, and uncovering buried treasure to enhance their virtual island life.
Starting the Game
When you first start playing Animal Crossing, you will find yourself in a beautiful virtual world filled with cute animal characters. Before you can get a shovel, you must first complete a few tasks to set up your new island life.
Choosing Your Character
The first thing you need to do is create your character. You can choose your gender, face style, hair color, and more to customize your appearance. Take your time to create a character that you love and connect with.
Meeting Tom Nook
After creating your character, you will meet Tom Nook, a friendly raccoon who will guide you through the game. He will give you your first task: finding a place to set up your tent. Follow his instructions and find a suitable spot for your tent.
Daily Routine
Once you have set up your tent, the real game begins. Animal Crossing works in real-time, following the same calendar as the real world. This means each day brings new surprises and activities to enjoy. Make sure to check in with your animal neighbors and explore your island every day.
As you progress through the game and complete tasks, you will eventually gain access to new tools and abilities. The shovel is one of these tools, allowing you to dig up buried items and fossils. Keep playing, and soon enough, you will find yourself with a trusty shovel in hand!
Progressing through the Game
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a game that progresses over time as you complete various tasks and goals. Here are some tips to help you progress through the game:
1. Build and Upgrade Your House
One of the main objectives in the game is to build and upgrade your house. You can do this by paying off your initial loan and then working towards larger loans to expand and upgrade your home. This allows you to unlock more features and customize your living space.
2. Explore Your Island
Take the time to explore your island and discover everything it has to offer. From fishing and bug catching to digging up fossils and diving, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. You can also collect resources like wood, stone, and fruit to use for crafting and building.
3. Complete Nook Miles and Achievements
Nook Miles are a form of in-game currency that you can earn by completing various tasks and achievements. These can be used to purchase special items and upgrades. Keep an eye on your Nook Phone for new challenges and goals to work towards.
4. Interact with Villagers
The villagers in Animal Crossing: New Horizons play a big role in the overall experience. Take the time to interact with them, learn about their likes and dislikes, and help them out whenever possible. Building relationships with your villagers can lead to special events and rewards.
5. Unlock the Shovel
The shovel is a handy tool that allows you to dig up buried items, plant trees and flowers, and create new paths. To unlock the shovel, you will need to progress through the game and complete certain tasks. Once you have the shovel, you can start digging up fossils and other buried treasures.
Remember, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a game meant to be enjoyed at your own pace. Take the time to relax, explore, and interact with the world around you. There’s no rush to complete everything in one day, so enjoy the journey and have fun!
Unlocking Activities
In Animal Crossing, players can enjoy a range of activities and tasks as they progress through the game. Some activities are available from the start, while others need to be unlocked by completing certain objectives or reaching specific milestones.
Exploring the Island
One of the main activities in Animal Crossing is exploring the island. As a player, you can collect various resources like fruits, flowers, and bugs. However, the ability to explore the entire island is not available right away. Players need to upgrade their home to get access to the NookPhone, which then allows them to visit new areas and embark on different adventures.
Unlocking the Shovel
The shovel is an essential tool in Animal Crossing as it allows you to dig up fossils, plant trees, and create new pathways. To unlock the shovel, players need to progress through the game and complete a few tasks.
Here are the steps to unlock the shovel in Animal Crossing:
- Upgrade Resident Services: Initially, players start with a tent as their home. To get the shovel, they need to upgrade their home to a house and then also upgrade the Resident Services building. This can be done by completing various tasks and goals given by Tom Nook.
- Complete Tom Nook’s Requests: Once the Resident Services building is upgraded, players need to complete a series of tasks given by Tom Nook. These tasks involve gathering resources, catching bugs, and fishing. By fulfilling these requests, players will eventually be rewarded with the shovel.
Once the shovel is obtained, players can start enjoying all the activities that require digging and landscaping. They can uncover fossils, plant trees, and even create their own customized paths on the island.
Note: The process of unlocking activities may vary depending on the version of Animal Crossing you are playing. The above steps are based on the general gameplay mechanics of the series.
Crafting and Upgrading Tools
In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you can obtain a shovel by crafting it yourself. To do this, you’ll need to have unlocked the DIY Recipes app on your NookPhone first. Once you have access to DIY recipes, follow these steps to craft a shovel:
- Gather the necessary materials. To craft a shovel, you’ll need 5 hardwood.
- Open your NookPhone and select the DIY Recipes app.
- Scroll through the available recipes until you find the shovel icon.
- Select the shovel recipe and choose “Craft.”
- Confirm the crafting process and wait for your character to complete the shovel.
Once you have crafted a shovel, you can use it to dig up fossils, plant trees, and perform various other tasks on your island. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Just like other tools in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you can also upgrade your shovel to make it even more durable and efficient.
Upgrading Your Shovel
To upgrade your shovel, you’ll need to unlock the ability to customize your tools. This feature becomes available after you’ve upgraded Resident Services to a building. Once you have the customization option, follow these steps to upgrade your shovel:
- Gather the necessary materials. To upgrade your shovel, you’ll need a regular shovel and a gold nugget.
- Open your inventory and select the shovel you want to upgrade.
- Select the “Customize” option.
- Choose the desired customization option for your shovel.
- Confirm the customization process and wait for your character to upgrade the shovel.
Upgrading your shovel will increase its durability, making it last longer before it eventually breaks. It will also enhance its appearance, allowing you to show off your unique style while gardening or exploring the island.
| Upgrade | Materials Required |
|---|---|
| Flimsy Shovel | 5 hardwood |
| Regular Shovel | 1 flimsy shovel + 1 iron nugget |
| Golden Shovel | 1 regular shovel + 1 gold nugget |
By upgrading your shovel, you’ll be able to dig up rare items and create stunning gardens with ease. So get crafting and start exploring!
