Sons Of The Forest – How To Get The Shovel

Sons of the Forest contains exactly one shovel across the entire island, making this tool both rare and strategically vital for progression. Obtaining it demands careful preparation and specific equipment that cannot be bypassed.

While exploring the vast cannibal-infested wilderness, players quickly realize the shovel’s importance when encountering multiple GPS-marked dig sites that remain inaccessible without this essential excavation tool. The frustration of reaching these locations only to discover you lack the necessary equipment underscores the need for proper planning.

Acquiring the shovel represents a significant multi-stage challenge that cannot be approached casually. The tool resides deep within a dangerous cave system requiring specialized gear to navigate its environmental hazards and hostile inhabitants.

Two critical pieces of equipment are absolutely non-negotiable for shovel retrieval: the rebreather for extended underwater exploration and the rope gun for traversing vertical spaces and creating ziplines. Attempting the cave without these items will result in immediate failure, as both underwater sections and rope-accessible areas block progression. Supplementary requirements include an air tank for the rebreather and explosives for clearing exit obstacles, though these can typically be found within the cave itself if not already acquired.

Our specialized guide for obtaining the rebreather provides detailed navigation instructions, while the rope gun acquisition walkthrough covers essential traversal techniques. Explosives prove valuable for specific barrier removal near the conclusion, with grenades available inside the cave if you arrive unprepared—just conserve them for their designated purpose rather than wasting them on standard enemies.

Once properly equipped, navigate to the central island cave marker indicated on your GPS. This location serves as the entry point for your shovel retrieval mission.

Your GPS display will clearly mark the spelunking destination when prepared to undertake this challenging expedition.

GPS navigation to the shovel cave entrance in central island location.

Before descending into the cave, absolutely save your game—this expedition represents arguably the most demanding challenge encountered in Sons of the Forest thus far. The cavern teems with formidable Finger creatures and exceptionally durable conjoined twin mutants, supplemented by swarms of infant cannibals and standard cave dwellers. This intensive dungeon crawl demands serious combat readiness and should not be underestimated.

Similar to other cave systems in the game, this one follows a predominantly linear path. Despite the overwhelming enemy presence, improved lighting compared to less populated caves provides some navigation advantage and visibility benefits.

Upon entering the cavern, you’ll immediately confront an apparent dead end. However, glancing upward reveals a deployable rope suitable for zipline traversal. Before activating this transportation method, proceed completely to the dead end, descend carefully, and retrieve the essential air tank positioned beside several skeletal remains. Then engage the zipline mechanism.

The coveted shovel tool essential for excavation and progression throughout the island.

Advanced players should prioritize stealth approaches when possible, as direct confrontation with multiple Finger creatures simultaneously often proves fatal. The conjoined twins require concentrated fire on their weak points—typically the larger, more animated portion of their combined form. Conserving medical supplies for emergency situations becomes crucial given the limited resources available underground.

Environmental navigation presents unique challenges beyond mere combat. The cave features alternating sections of dry passages and submerged tunnels, requiring quick equipment switches between rebreather and weapons. Mastering this transition under pressure separates successful expeditions from failed attempts.

Successfully navigating the shovel cave requires understanding enemy behavior patterns and environmental exploitation. The Finger creatures exhibit predictable patrol routes that can be mapped with careful observation, allowing for strategic ambush opportunities or avoidance. Their limited vision in darker sections enables clever players to bypass unnecessary confrontations.

The underwater segments demand efficient oxygen management. Always surface with at least 10-15% air remaining to account for unexpected delays or combat situations. The rebreather significantly extends underwater exploration time but doesn’t eliminate the need for air pocket awareness.

When encountering the conjoined twin mutants, employ hit-and-run tactics rather than sustained engagements. Their slow movement speed allows for strategic repositioning, while their devastating close-range attacks make stationary combat extremely dangerous. Shotguns prove particularly effective against these resilient foes when aiming for their more vulnerable upper body regions.

Exit strategy planning begins immediately upon retrieving the shovel. The return route contains at least one obstacle requiring explosives for clearance—this is the designated purpose for conserving grenades throughout the cave. Using them prematurely against standard enemies creates potentially insurmountable barriers later.

Resource scavenging within the cave becomes essential for sustained survival. Additional air tanks, medical supplies, and crafting materials are strategically placed throughout the environment. Thorough exploration before exiting ensures adequate preparation for the journey back to surface safety.

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