Digging up buried treasure, customizing your island’s landscape, and unearthing fossils are essential parts of the Animal Crossing: New Horizons experience. To embark on these rewarding activities, acquiring a shovel is paramount. If you’re eager to unearth the secrets hidden beneath your island’s surface, obtaining this indispensable tool is the first step. Continue reading to uncover the secrets of acquiring a shovel in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, unlocking a world of possibilities for your island paradise.
As you embark on your journey as a budding islander in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Tom Nook, the beloved raccoon entrepreneur, will provide you with the necessary guidance and resources to establish your island home. Among the initial tasks he entrusts you with is collecting five Nook Miles Tickets. These tickets serve as gateways to mystery islands, where you can gather resources, meet new villagers, and potentially discover hidden treasures. Once you’ve acquired five Nook Miles Tickets, return to Tom Nook and he will reward you with the coveted shovel, empowering you to begin shaping your island’s destiny.
With your newly acquired shovel in hand, the world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons opens up before you. The ability to dig holes allows you to customize your island’s landscape, creating pathways, ponds, and other features to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Additionally, digging up hidden treasure becomes a thrilling pastime, with the potential to unearth valuable items such as bells, furniture, and rare fossils. As you continue to explore your island, you’ll discover buried fossils, remnants of ancient creatures that once roamed the land. Unearthing these fossils and donating them to the museum not only contributes to the scientific knowledge of your island but also rewards you with valuable items. Embrace the power of the shovel and unlock the endless possibilities that await you in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Unlocking the Shovel Tool
To obtain the shovel tool in Animal Crossing, you must first progress through a series of in-game events and meet certain criteria. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps involved in unlocking the shovel:
1. Completing the Tutorial
Upon starting the game, you’ll be guided through a tutorial that introduces you to the basics of gameplay. During this tutorial, you’ll meet Tom Nook, the raccoon who serves as the main character and guide throughout your Animal Crossing adventure. Tom Nook will provide you with essential tools, including an axe, fishing rod, and net. The shovel tool, however, is not included in the initial toolset.
To unlock the shovel, you must complete the tutorial tasks set by Tom Nook. These tasks typically involve gathering resources, constructing basic items, and interacting with other villagers. Once you have completed the tutorial and demonstrated your understanding of the game’s mechanics, Tom Nook will reward you with the shovel.
2. Progressing through the Plot
After completing the tutorial, you’ll need to progress through the main plot of Animal Crossing to obtain the shovel. As you interact with villagers, explore the island, and complete various quests, you’ll encounter new characters and unlock new features in the game. Eventually, you’ll receive a letter from Blathers, the curator of the museum, inviting you to donate fossils and insects to his collection.
Donating fossils and insects to the museum is crucial for unlocking the shovel. Once you have donated a sufficient number of these items, Blathers will express his gratitude and reward you with a shovel. The shovel is an essential tool that allows you to dig up buried treasure on your island. This buried treasure can include bells, fossils, and other valuable items that are not easily obtainable through other means.
Locating the Buried Shovel
Once you’ve received your shoveling permit, it’s time to dig up that elusive shovel. Here’s a detailed guide to finding the buried shovel:
- Examine the message in a bottle: The message in a bottle will give you a clue about the location of the buried shovel. It will mention a specific location on your island, such as “near the beach” or “behind the museum.”
- Inspect the glowing spot: Once you have a general idea of where the shovel is buried, start searching for a glowing spot on the ground. The glowing spot will be faint and difficult to see, so be sure to look closely.
- Dig up the shovel: Once you have found the glowing spot, use your shovel to dig it up. You will find the buried shovel inside.
Here is a table summarizing the steps involved in locating the buried shovel:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Examine the message in a bottle to get a clue about the shovel’s location. |
| 2 | Inspect the ground for a faint glowing spot. |
| 3 | Dig up the glowing spot to find the buried shovel. |
Excavating the Shovel
Using the Nook Miles Achievement System
Begin by interacting with the Nook Stop in the Resident Services Building. Purchase the Nook Miles Achievements guide and scroll down to the “Tools” section. You will find the “Digging Tool” achievement, which rewards you with the Shovel DIY recipe upon completion.
Visiting Timmy and Tommy’s Shop
Once you obtain the DIY recipe, head to Nook’s Cranny, run by Timmy and Tommy. Check the rotating daily selection of items for sale. If you’re lucky, you may find the Shovel DIY recipe in stock. Additionally, you can ask Timmy or Tommy if they have it and they may reserve it for you to purchase the next day.
Communicating with Villagers
Interact with the villagers residing on your island and engage in conversations. Occasionally, villagers may offer to gift you the Shovel DIY recipe. The likelihood of this happening increases if you have established a strong friendship with the villager through regular interactions and gift-giving.
| Villager | Gift Preference |
|---|---|
| Goldie | Dog-themed items |
| Twiggy | Music-related items |
| Diva | Elegant furniture and clothing |
By following these steps, you can successfully acquire the Shovel in Animal Crossing.
Using the Shovel Effectively
Digging Up Buried Items
One of the shovel’s most important uses is digging up buried items. These items can include fossils, furniture, and even bells. To dig up a buried item, simply equip your shovel and select “Dig” from the tool menu when you’re standing on top of the mound where the item is buried.
Clearing Obstacles
The shovel can also be used to clear obstacles from your path. This can include rocks, trees, and even fences. To clear an obstacle, simply equip your shovel and select “Chop Down” from the tool menu when you’re standing next to it.
Terraforming Your Island
Finally, the shovel can be used to terraform your island by creating rivers and ponds. To do this, simply equip your shovel and select “Create a Water Body” from the tool menu when you’re standing on the ground where you want to create the water body.
Advanced Digging Techniques
Creating Custom Designs
The shovel can be used to create custom designs on your island. To do this, simply equip your shovel and select “Create a Path” from the tool menu when you’re standing on the ground where you want to create the path. You can then use the shovel to draw any shape you want.
Digging Up Money Trees
Money trees are a special type of tree that can be dug up to yield a large sum of bells. To dig up a money tree, simply equip your shovel and select “Dig Up a Tree” from the tool menu when you’re standing in front of the tree.
Creating Secret Passages
The shovel can be used to create secret passages on your island. To do this, simply equip your shovel and select “Create a Water Body” from the tool menu when you’re standing on the ground where you want to create the passage. You can then use the shovel to carve out a path underwater, allowing you to travel between different parts of your island without being seen.
Upgrading the Shovel
Unlike other tools in Animal Crossing, the shovel cannot be purchased in the upgraded form. The only way to get a better shovel is to upgrade your existing one.
To upgrade your shovel, you must visit the Nook’s Cranny shop on your island and speak to Timmy or Tommy. They will offer to upgrade your shovel for a fee. The cost of the upgrade will depend on the type of shovel you have. The following table shows the cost of upgrading each type of shovel:
| Shovel Type | Upgrade Cost |
|---|---|
| Flimsy Shovel | 3,000 Bells |
| Shovel | 6,000 Bells |
| Golden Shovel | Not upgradeable |
Once you have paid the upgrade fee, Timmy or Tommy will give you a new shovel. The new shovel will have increased durability and will be able to dig up more types of items. The Golden Shovel has the highest durability and can dig up the most types of items. It cannot be upgraded further, but it is not necessary for most tasks in the game.
Customizing the Shovel
Once you’ve acquired a shovel, you can customize its appearance at Harv’s Island. Visit the Customization Workshop and select your shovel from the inventory. A wide range of designs are available, including patterns, colors, and special effects.
To customize your shovel’s design:
- Select the “Customize Patterns” option.
- Choose a design from the available options.
- Select “Custom Design” to use your own pattern.
- Adjust the color and effects as desired.
- Confirm your changes to apply the customization.
Custom Design Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Color Customization | Change the primary and secondary colors of the shovel. |
| Pattern Application | Apply custom patterns or premade designs to the shovel’s surface. |
| Metallic Effects | Add gold, silver, or bronze effects to give the shovel a special shine. |
| Unique Designs | Unlock exclusive designs through special events or by completing specific tasks. |
| Seasonal Patterns | Customize your shovel with seasonal patterns to match the current time of year. |
| Personalization Options | Add your initials or other personal touches to make the shovel truly unique. |
By customizing your shovel, you can personalize it to match your style and make it a functional yet stylish tool for your daily adventures in Animal Crossing.
Ancient Dig Site
Head to the museum and speak to Blathers to initiate the excavation site.
Once you have donated at least 15 fossils to Blathers, he will grant you access to the dig site.
Digging up fossils with the shovel can further expand your museum collection and earn you rewards.
Landscape Design
Use the shovel to shape the terrain of your island.
Create paths, hills, and water features to customize the layout of your living space.
Digging holes can also create unique decorations for your island.
Treasure Hunting
The shovel is essential for finding buried treasure.
Use clues from villagers or dig randomly to uncover hidden Bells or rare items.
Gyroids, fossils, and other valuable treasures can be discovered with a well-placed shovel strike.
Pest Removal
Use the shovel to remove weeds and stumps from your island.
Keeping your island clean not only improves its aesthetic appeal but also prevents the spread of unwanted plants.
Digging up weeds can also earn you Bells, which you can use to purchase items or expand your home.
Planting Trees and Flowers
Use the shovel to create holes for planting trees and flowers.
Cultivating a diverse plant life on your island adds beauty and charm to its environment.
You can also sell flowers and fruits grown on your island for additional income.
Customizing Your Island
Use the shovel to move furniture and decorations around your island.
This allows you to create unique and personalized living spaces that reflect your style.
Experiment with different arrangements and find the perfect layout for your dream island.
Utilizing the Shovel for Gardening
The shovel is a versatile tool that can elevate your experience in Animal Crossing. From digging for fossils to customizing your island, the shovel is an indispensable companion in shaping your virtual world. As you explore the possibilities of gardening, remember to use the shovel wisely and unleash your creativity to cultivate a thriving and beautiful island paradise.
Digging Up Treasure
To dig up treasure in Animal Crossing, you’ll need a shovel. You can purchase a shovel from Tom Nook’s store for 2,500 Bells. Once you have a shovel, simply find a spot on the ground where there is a sparkling spot. Stand in front of the sparkling spot and press the A button to dig. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a piece of treasure. But keep in mind, after you dig up the treasure , the sparkling spot will disappear, so if you see one, immediately dig it up!
Fossils
Fossils are another type of item that you can dig up in Animal Crossing. Fossils are buried in the ground, and you can find them by using your shovel to dig in the ground. When you find a fossil, it will be added to your museum collection. There are 120 fossils to collect in Animal Crossing, so be sure to keep digging until you’ve found them all.
Different Types of Fossils
| Fossil Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Body Fossil | A fossil of an entire animal’s body. |
| Head Fossil | A fossil of an animal’s head. |
| Torso Fossil | A fossil of an animal’s torso. |
| Tail Fossil | A fossil of an animal’s tail. |
| Trilobite Fossil | A fossil of a trilobite, an extinct marine animal. |
| Amber Fossil | A fossil of an insect or other small animal trapped in amber. |
Removing Weeds and Obstacles
In Animal Crossing, you can use a shovel to remove weeds and obstacles from your island. This will help to keep your island looking tidy and make it easier to get around.
Using a Shovel to Remove Weeds
To remove weeds, simply equip your shovel and then press “A” while standing next to a weed. The weed will be removed and you will receive a small amount of money.
Using a Shovel to Remove Obstacles
To remove obstacles, you will need to first upgrade your shovel to a Golden Shovel. This can be done by burying 10,000 Bells in a hole in the ground.
Once you have a Golden Shovel, you can use it to remove any obstacle on your island, including rocks, trees, and stumps.
Other Uses for a Shovel
In addition to removing weeds and obstacles, you can also use a shovel to:
- Dig up buried items
- Plant flowers and trees
- Create paths and waterways
| Obstacle | How to Remove |
|---|---|
| Weeds | Equip a shovel and press “A” while standing next to a weed. |
| Rocks | Upgrade your shovel to a Golden Shovel and then press “A” while standing next to a rock. |
| Trees | Upgrade your shovel to a Golden Shovel and then press “A” while standing next to a tree. |
| Stumps | Upgrade your shovel to a Golden Shovel and then press “A” while standing next to a stump. |
Maximizing the Shovel’s Utility
The shovel in Animal Crossing is a versatile tool with various applications. By maximizing its utility, players can enhance their gameplay experience and progress in the game more efficiently.
1. Digging Holes
The shovel’s primary function is to dig holes. Players can use it to bury items, create paths, or lay down patterns. Digging holes can also reveal buried treasures like fossils or messages in bottles.
2. Expanding the Museum
Donating fossils to the museum requires excavating them with a shovel. By digging up fossils, players can expand their museum collection and earn rewards from Blathers.
3. Removing Bushes and Rocks
Shovels can remove bushes and rocks that obstruct players’ paths or construction areas. Removing rocks can potentially reveal hidden money or rare minerals.
4. Planting Flowers
Players can use a shovel to plant flowers to beautify their island. Different flowers bloom in different seasons, allowing players to create vibrant and seasonal arrangements.
5. Planting Money Trees
Shovels are essential for planting money trees. Players can bury 10,000 bells in a hole using a shovel, and a money tree will grow, producing 3 bags of bells three days later.
6. Removing Snow
During winter, shovels can be used to remove snow from pathways and around buildings. Clearing snow improves accessibility and prevents players from slipping and falling.
7. Using the Happy Home Designer App
In the Happy Home Designer app, players can use shovels to create landscapes and gardens. This feature allows players to design dream homes with customized outdoor spaces.
8. Participating in Events
Certain Animal Crossing events require the use of a shovel. For example, the Bug-Off Tournament involves digging up bugs with a shovel.
9. Creating Custom Patterns
Players can design custom ground patterns and use a shovel to lay them down on the ground. This feature allows for creative and personalized island designs.
10. Upgrading the Shovel
Players can upgrade their shovel from a flimsy shovel to a sturdy shovel and a golden shovel. Each upgrade increases the durability and efficiency of the shovel, making it more resistant to breakage and allowing for faster digging.
| Shovel Type | Durability |
|---|---|
| Flimsy Shovel | 40 |
| Shovel | 80 |
| Golden Shovel | 120 |
How to Get Shovel in Animal Crossing
To obtain a shovel in Animal Crossing, follow these steps:
- Start the game: Launch Animal Crossing on your device.
- Complete the introduction: Follow the instructions to create your character and move into your new home.
- Visit Tom Nook: Go to the Resident Services building, which is located in the central plaza. Speak to Tom Nook, the tanuki raccoon.
- Request the shovel: Ask Tom Nook for a tool to dig. He will initially provide you with a flimsy shovel.
- Dig for fossils: Use the shovel to dig in brown spots on the ground marked with an X. You may find fossils, which can be donated to the museum.
With the shovel, you can now dig up fossils, create paths, and decorate your island.
People Also Ask
How to Get Golden Shovel?
To get a golden shovel, which has more durability than the flimsy shovel, upgrade the flimsy shovel to the regular shovel. Then, bury the regular shovel in a sparkling spot on the ground, mark the location with a custom design, and dig it up the next day to receive the golden shovel.
How to Use Shovel?
To use the shovel, simply select it from your inventory and equip it. You can then press the A button to dig. Aim the cursor at the desired spot and press A to dig a hole.
How to Repair Shovel?
Shovels can be repaired by visiting the crafting table at Tom Nook’s workshop or the resident services building. Select the shovel you wish to repair from your inventory and interact with the crafting table. The table will repair the shovel using materials in your inventory, if available.
