Shovel Cave Location Sons of the Forest and How to Reach It
Finding essential tools in Sons of the Forest is crucial for advancing your survival journey and unlocking key storyline locations. Among the most vital tools available is the shovel, which enables players to excavate buried bunker hatches, unearth grave sites, and gather rare gear. Locating the specific cave system that houses this valuable tool requires proper preparation and a thorough understanding of the surrounding terrain.
Locating the Shovel Cave Entrance
The entrance to the shovel cave is situated near the center of the island, sitting just west of the snow-capped mountain range. Players can identify the site by looking for a stream flowing near the base of the cliffs. Directly outside the cave opening, three deceased workers impaled on wooden spikes serve as a distinct landmark.
Before heading toward the entrance, players should make sure they are well-armed and carrying adequate lighting supplies. Exploring the area right outside the cavern allows you to pick up the Slingshot from one of the bodies. Wooden barricades blocking the entrance must be broken down before venturing into the dark passages.
Required Equipment Before Entering
Attempting to reach the shovel without the necessary exploration gear will quickly result in a dead end inside the cave system. Players must acquire both the Rope Gun and the Rebreather before entering the shovel cave. The Rope Gun allows for zip-line traversal across deep underground chasms, while the Rebreather is required to navigate flooded tunnels.
In addition to movement tools, bringing explosives like grenades or time bombs is highly recommended for a safe exit. The cavern houses hostile mutants that make combat encounters unavoidable. Stocking up on healing items and adequate weaponry ensures you can survive these intense subterranean battles.
Navigating the Cavern and Claiming the Shovel
Once inside, players must use the Rope Gun to cross the initial drop and dive into the water below using the Rebreather. Following the linear pathway requires defeating multiple groups of cave cannibals, twins, and finger mutants. Continuing through the flooded tunnels eventually leads to a large, illuminated underground chamber.
At the far end of this final chamber, a dead maintenance worker sits slumped against the cave wall near a floodlight. The shovel is resting directly across the worker's lap, waiting to be claimed. Interacting with the body adds the tool directly to your inventory.
How to Safely Exit the Cave System
After acquiring the shovel, players must retrace their steps back toward the water slide section of the cave. As you approach the return route, a large mutant known as a Sluggy will burst through a nearby rock wall. Using explosives on this creature clears the blocked opening and opens up the primary escape route.
Following the newly revealed tunnel leads players back up to the surface world safely. With the shovel in hand, you can now return to marked GPS points to dig up keycards and high-tier equipment.