How to get the Shovel in Sons of the Forest – Guide

Sons of the Forest has several tools that you need to obtain if you wish to progress further in its survival sandbox campaign. One of these is Shovel. Currently, it’s the only item that will allow you to reach a secret area on this mysterious island. Here’s our guide to help you get the Shovel in Sons of the Forest.

Note: For more information, check out our Sons of the Forest guides and features hub.

How to get the Shovel in Sons of the Forest

To get the Shovel in Sons of the Forest, you’re going to need a few things:

• Flashlight – You can still use the UV Lighter, but the Flashlight’s beam is brighter and it should help you see more clearly in the dark.
• Rope Gun – This is absolutely necessary since it lets you use Ziplines.
• Rebreather – When equipped, this lets you dive underwater and see your surroundings.
• Decent weapons, grenades, and medicine – The very basic Crafted Spear might be okay for one-on-one engagements, but you might need some bombs and grenades. There are several packs of mutants in this cave system, and they will maul you to death if you’re not careful.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

In any case, if you feel you’re ready to get the Shovel in Sons of the Forest, make your way to the cave where you got the Slingshot earlier in your run (as seen in the image above). If you forgot where it is, it’s the cave that’s closest to the helicopter crash site, aside from the one next to the mountains/frozen lake base camp. Use the Crafted Spear to demolish the wooden barricades and enter the dungeon. Next, interact with the Zipline to cross the gap. You’ll see a large body of water, so just dive right in and follow the underwater tunnel.

In the first section, you’ll see a bunch of mutants waiting for you. Deal with them as you see fit and make your way up the sloping path. While doing that, check the right-hand side for a little nook that has an Oxygen Tank and the Wetsuit, which can be worn by your character.

As you continue forward, you’ll slip and fall deeper down a pit. You’ll have to follow several glowing lamps all the way to the end. Watch out because numerous mutants are patrolling these sections.

The goal is to reach the end of this area, where you’ll see a corpse that’s holding the Shovel. You’ll likely end up fighting the remaining enemies here, so make sure you’ve got the right weapons and explosives.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Once every creature has been dealt with, go ahead and pick up the Shovel in Sons of the Forest. To leave this area, go back the way you came and you’ll notice a Sluggy emerge from a wall. Blow it up so you can pass through.

Continue onward past the little Tiyanak mutants until you reach the exit. Up next, you’ll put that Shovel to good use by entering the maintenance tunnels to get the Maintenance Keycard.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Sons of the Forest is available via Steam.