Sons of the Forest presents players with a vast island full of mysteries, hidden bunkers, and essential survival tools. Among the most crucial tools you will need to acquire during your playthrough is the shovel, which unlocks access to key progression items and underground facilities. Learning how to properly locate and utilize this equipment is essential for anyone looking to uncover the secrets of the island and survive its tough conditions.
Prerequisites Needed Before Finding the Shovel
Before you can venture into the cave system where the shovel is hidden, you must collect two other key tools. You will need both the Rebreather and the Rope Gun to navigate the flooded tunnels and steep drops within the shovel cave. Attempting to enter the cave without these items will prevent you from reaching the deeper sections where the shovel resides.
The Rebreather is located in a coastal cave on the northern edge of the island, allowing you to dive underwater safely. The Rope Gun can be found in a cave system further inland, which grants you zipline capability for crossing wide chasms. Collecting both tools first ensures that your journey to acquire the shovel goes smoothly and without unnecessary backtracking.
Navigating the Shovel Cave Location
The cave containing the shovel is situated near the center of the map, close to the base of the snowy mountain region. Look for a cave entrance surrounded by three corpses sitting on stakes in a body of water. Equipping a strong light source and weapons before entering is recommended, as the interior is filled with aggressive mutants.
Once inside, use your Rope Gun to cross the deep pit and dive into the underwater section using your Rebreather. Navigate through the submerged passageways until you reach land on the other side. Follow the linear path through several chambers until you find a dead worker lying near the edge of a ledge holding the shovel.
How to Equip and Use the Shovel for Digging
Once you have added the shovel to your inventory, equip it directly from your bag or set it to a quick-select key. To begin digging, look down at loose dirt or specific dirt mounds marked with white dirt icons on your HUD. An animated outline of a shovel will appear on the ground to indicate an active dig site.
Click the primary action button to thrust the shovel into the ground and remove dirt piece by piece. You must continue digging out the dirt until the hatch or hidden object underneath is fully exposed. This straightforward mechanic allows you to open underground bunkers and retrieve buried items across the island.
Important Locations to Dig on the Island
Digging is required at several critical locations throughout the island to advance the main story line. GPS markers displaying green icons often point directly to buried bunker entrances that contain keycards, story documents, and high-tier gear. Keeping your shovel ready whenever you reach these designated points will help you progress steadily.
In addition to story-related bunkers, you can also use the shovel to dig up buried graves scattered around the wilderness. These graves frequently contain valuable supplies, weapons, and crafting materials left behind by previous inhabitants. Searching for these sites provides excellent rewards that make island survival much easier.
