Getting Started

Getting Started

Character Creation (None)

Shovel Knight offers no character creation. You play as the titular Shovel Knight – a blue-armored knight wielding a shovel. All campaigns have fixed protagonists (Shovel Knight, Plague Knight, Specter Knight, King Knight), but for your first playthrough, you will start with Shovel of Hope.

Controls (All Platforms)

The game uses identical core controls across platforms. Here's a breakdown for each input method:

Important: Shovel Drop is your most versatile move. Press down + attack while in mid-air to pogo on enemies and objects. Master this early.

First Hour Walkthrough

1. Open the game and select "New Game" from the main menu. You begin in the village square. A short cutscene introduces Shield Knight and the Enchantress.
2. Explore the village: Talk to the villagers. None are essential, but they provide lore, hints, and a few items. The most important: the Hub (Town Map) allows you to select levels. The Healing Screen on the left restores health for free. The Armor Shop sells upgrades. The Wandering Merchant sells relics.
3. Enter the first level: Pridemoor Keep (selected from the map). You cannot skip this.
4. Pridemoor Keep basics: The level introduces enemies, spikes, and collectible gems (gold). Your primary goal is to reach the boss room at the end. Along the way:
- Collect every red gem you see – gold is your currency.
- Find the Checkpoint Gate (blue flag with a shovel). Activate it to respawn there if you die.
- Destroy crates, lanterns, and pots for additional gems.
- The first special item you encounter is a Pharos Beam – a relic that lights dark areas. Pick it up but you don't need to equip it yet.
5. Boss: King Knight. Simple fight: avoid his charging dash and shoulder bash. Use your shovel slash when he lands from a jump. After defeating him, you get his shield as a relic (usable later).
6. Return to the village: Talk to the Wandering Merchant. Buy Health Upgrade (if you have enough gold) or save for the Shovel Blade upgrade (increases damage). The merchant also sells relics – ignore them for now; focus on health and damage.

UI Overview

• Health Bar: Top-left. Yellow hearts = full health; gray = damage taken. You start with 5 hearts.


• Gold Counter: Top-center. Your current gem count. Gold is lost on death (see below).


• Relic Icon: Top-right. Shows equipped relic. Press the relic button to use it (costs magic meter).


• Magic Meter: Small blue bar below health. Each relic use drains it. Recharge by collecting blue magic jars.


• Pause Screen: Shows map (levels unlocked), progress, and options to quit.


• Sub-menu: Press Tab / RB / R / R1 to open relic/equipment screen. Here you can equip relics, check items, and see your collection.




Essential Early Objectives



1. Defeat King Knight – unlocks the second level (Pridemoor Keep is mandatory).
2. Collect 400 gold for Health Upgrade – sold by the Wandering Merchant for 400. This gives you an extra heart.
3. Purchase the Shovel Blade upgrade – costs 500 gold. Increases damage by 1 heart per hit.
4. Find and activate Checkpoint Gates in every level – they are crucial for reducing backtracking.
5. Learn the Shovel Drop – practice pogo-ing on enemies and hazards. It’s essential for reaching hidden areas and defeating tougher foes.



What to Do First & What to Avoid



Do First:

• Talk to the villagers – one gives you a free Health upgrade (a hidden heart piece) if you talk to her before fighting any boss. Look for a woman near the right side of the village.


• Visit the Armor Shop – buy the Phase Locket (costs 200 gold) if you can afford it. It makes you invincible for a short time, great for surviving mistakes.


• Explore each level thoroughly for secrets: breakable walls, hidden corridors, and bonus rooms containing extra gold or items.


Avoid:

• Hoard gold unnecessarily – dying costs you gold. Spend it at merchants or upgrade shops whenever possible.


• Ignoring the Wandering Merchant – he appears in each level near the midpoint. Buy relics from him only if they are useful (Phase Locket, Throwing Anchor, etc.).


• Rushing through levels – careful exploration yields more gold and upgrades.


• Using relics too often – magic meter is limited. Save it for emergencies or specific obstacles.


• Skipping checkpoints – always activate them. If you die, you respawn at the last checkpoint, not the start.

Early Resource Priorities

Common Beginner Mistakes

• Not using the Shovel Drop – many new players ignore the down+attack pogo. It lets you bounce on spikes, break certain blocks, and attack enemies from above. Practice it in the first level.


• Dying with lots of gold – when you die, you lose a portion of your gold (the exact amount depends on the checkpoint). Always spend gold before entering dangerous areas.


• Trying to fight all enemies – you can run past many foes. Focus on reaching the boss with health intact.


• Ignoring the map – the pause screen shows level layouts. Use it to spot hidden rooms or shortcuts.


• Not talking to NPCs – the blacksmith and others offer valuable upgrades. Don't skip them.




Day-One Checklist




• [ ] Complete the tutorial village (talk to at least 3 villagers).


• [ ] Complete Pridemoor Keep – defeat King Knight.


• [ ] Collect at least 200 gold from the level (easy to do).


• [ ] Return to village and buy the Health Upgrade (400 gold) if possible. If not, save until you can.


• [ ] Purchase the Phase Locket relic for 200 gold (if you have leftover gold).


• [ ] Explore the village thoroughly: find the hidden health piece (talk to the woman near the right edge of town).


• [ ] Save the game (automatic when you exit a level or use a checkpoint).


• [ ] Attempt the next level (Lich Yard or Plains of Passage – choose based on your comfort).


• [ ] Remember to practice the Shovel Drop on an enemy for 30 seconds.

Tip: The first hour is forgiving. Don't stress about dying; you'll quickly learn enemy patterns. Focus on collecting gold and spending it wisely. The game becomes easier once you have key upgrades.