Can I Get The Shovel Back in Link’s Awakening? The Ultimate Guide

Yes, you can get the Shovel back in Link’s Awakening! Once you use the Shovel to dig up the Slime Key in the Ukuku Prairie, it is not lost forever. The Shovel is a crucial item for navigating Koholint Island, and thankfully, the game allows you to re-obtain it from the Trading Sequence if you somehow manage to lose it.

Understanding the Shovel’s Role in Link’s Awakening

The Shovel in Link’s Awakening is more than just a tool for digging. It’s an integral part of the game’s progression, particularly in the Trading Sequence. While its primary function is uncovering hidden items and pathways buried beneath the soil, it’s also essential for advancing the story. The first time you obtain the Shovel is vital for getting the Slime Key, which unlocks the entrance to the Key Cavern.

Why the Shovel is Important

• Digging for Secrets: The Shovel unearths hidden items, Rupees, and even Heart Pieces buried across Koholint Island.
• Trading Sequence Advancement: It’s a key item that unlocks the next step in the Trading Sequence, which eventually leads to getting a crucial item for beating the game.
• Uncovering Hidden Pathways: Some areas require you to dig to access secret caves or shortcuts.

Retrieving the Shovel: The Trading Sequence

If you’ve lost your Shovel (perhaps due to an accidental glitch or an old save file), don’t worry! You can get it back through the Trading Sequence. Here’s how:

1. Start with the Yoshi Doll: You need to win the Yoshi Doll from the Trendy Game Shop in Mabe Village.

2. Trade with Mamasha: Take the Yoshi Doll to Mamasha, a mother in Mabe Village with a baby, and she will give you the Ribbon.

3. Give the Ribbon to the Dog: Head to Madam MeowMeow’s house, also in Mabe Village, and give the Ribbon to her Chain Chomp, Bowser. In return, you’ll get the Dog Food.

4. Trade the Dog Food for Bananas: Give the Dog Food to Sale, the alligator merchant outside Kanalet Castle. In exchange, he’ll give you the Bananas.

5. Give the Bananas to Kiki the Monkey: Near Kanalet Castle, you’ll find Kiki the Monkey, who needs bananas to help you build a bridge across the moat. Give him the Bananas, and he’ll give you the Stick.

6. Trade the Stick with Tarin: Go to Toronbo Shores, and find Tarin trying to knock down a beehive. Give him the Stick, and he will knock down the hive and receive the Honeycomb.

7. Give the Honeycomb to the Bear Chef: Find the Bear Chef in a house in Koholint Prairie, and give him the Honeycomb. He will give you the Pineapple in return.

8. Trade the Pineapple to the Parrot: Return to Kanalet Castle and find the Parrot (Papahl’s bird). Give him the Pineapple, and he’ll give you the Hibiscus.

9. Give the Hibiscus to Christine: Go to the Animal Village, and find Christine the goat. Give her the Hibiscus, and she’ll give you a Letter.

10. Trade the Letter to Mr. Write: Find Mr. Write in his house in the Mysterious Forest. Give him the Letter, and he’ll give you the Broom.

11. Give the Broom to Grandma Yahoo: Find Grandma Yahoo sweeping outside her house in Mabe Village. Give her the Broom, and she’ll give you the Fishing Hook.

12. Give the Fishing Hook to the Fisherman: Head to Martha’s Bay and find the Fisherman on the bridge. Give him the Fishing Hook, and he’ll give you the Necklace.

13. Give the Necklace to the Mermaid: Find the Mermaid in Martha’s Bay, but she’s missing her necklace. Give her the Necklace, and she’ll give you a Mermaid Scale.

14. Use the Mermaid Scale to access the Angler’s Tunnel: Place the Mermaid Scale in the Mermaid Statue, which is near the Mermaid, to open a secret passage.

    This ultimately gets you closer to completing the game, though it doesn’t directly give you the Shovel. If you’ve already completed this part of the game and used your Shovel, you may be encountering a glitch or simply misunderstanding where you last had the Shovel. The Trading Sequence is still crucial for progression!

Common Misconceptions

A common misconception is that the Trading Sequence directly hands you the shovel. The Trading Sequence is essential for progressing, but the Shovel is typically obtained early on by purchasing it.

Troubleshooting Shovel Problems

If you’re convinced you should have the Shovel but don’t:

• Check Your Inventory Thoroughly: Make absolutely sure it isn’t somewhere in your inventory. Sometimes it’s easy to overlook.
• Review the Trading Sequence: Confirm you’ve completed the Trading Sequence correctly and haven’t missed a step. While it doesn’t directly give you the Shovel, you might be confusing its progress with another required item.
• Consider a Glitch: Although rare, glitches can occur. Restarting the game or loading an earlier save file might resolve the issue.
• Consult a Walkthrough: Use a detailed walkthrough to ensure you haven’t missed a crucial step in obtaining the Shovel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where can I buy the Shovel initially?

The Shovel can be bought in Mabe Village’s shop for 200 Rupees after you complete Tail Cave (the first dungeon).

2. Is the Shovel essential to complete the game?

Yes, the Shovel is essential. You need it to obtain the Slime Key, which is required to enter the Key Cavern dungeon.

3. What happens if I accidentally sell the Shovel?

If you accidentally sell the Shovel back to the shop, you can simply buy it back as long as you have the Rupees.

4. Can the Shovel break or run out of durability?

No, the Shovel in Link’s Awakening does not break or have limited durability. You can use it as much as you need.

5. What are some key locations where I need to use the Shovel?

The most important location is the Ukuku Prairie to find the Slime Key, but there are also hidden items buried throughout the island.

6. Does the Shovel get upgraded at any point in the game?

No, the Shovel does not have any upgrades in Link’s Awakening.

7. What other items can I find by digging with the Shovel?

Besides the Slime Key, you can find Rupees, Heart Pieces, and other secret items by digging in various locations.

8. Is it possible to get stuck if I don’t have the Shovel?

Yes, it is possible to get stuck. You cannot progress past the Key Cavern without the Slime Key, which requires the Shovel.

9. Does the Shovel appear in both the original Game Boy version and the Nintendo Switch remake?

Yes, the Shovel is present in both versions of Link’s Awakening.

10. Does using the Shovel require any special controls or techniques?

Using the Shovel is simple. Just equip it and press the action button (B button by default) when standing on a diggable spot.

11. Are there any enemies that are vulnerable to the Shovel?

No, the Shovel is primarily a digging tool and does not damage enemies.

12. Can I use the Shovel to find secret caves or entrances?

Yes, you can use the Shovel to uncover hidden entrances and pathways to secret caves.

13. How early in the game can I get the Shovel?

You can get the Shovel immediately after completing Tail Cave, the first dungeon, which is relatively early in the game.

14. Is the shovel missable?

The Shovel isn’t missable since you can always buy it back from the shop, provided you have enough Rupees.

15. Does the Trading Sequence have any bearing on getting the Shovel back, or only for advancing in general?

The Trading Sequence is not directly related to obtaining the Shovel back. It focuses on progressing the story and unlocking new areas. The Shovel is simply purchased, and if sold, can be bought back.

In conclusion, while losing your Shovel can seem like a setback, it’s easily remedied. Whether you need to buy it back or are simply ensuring you haven’t missed it, understanding its role in the game and how to re-obtain it is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable playthrough of Link’s Awakening. Enjoy digging up those secrets!