How to Get the Shovel in Sons of the Forest? Location Explained

You might have already come across several mysterious wooden crosses while exploring Sons of the Forest, only to realize you can’t actually dig them up. That’s because the loot underneath is locked behind one key requirement: the shovel. So, where is this shovel, and how do you get it without getting lost or overwhelmed in the caves? Let’s find it. No, actually, let’s dig in and break it down properly.

The Shovel’s Location in Sons of the Forest

To get the shovel, players need to go to the shovel cave. However, before heading into the cave, make sure you’re properly prepared. The shovel is located deep inside a dangerous cave system west of the snowy mountain, and you cannot reach it without two essential tools.

You must first obtain:

• Rebreather: It allows you to survive underwater sections
• Rope Gun: It is needed to cross the cave gaps

Without these, the Shovel Cave is not accessible. Now that you have the tools, follow these steps:

1. Enter the cave system and prepare for enemies inside
2. Then you will come across a huge gap. Use the Rope Gun to cross the initial gap
3. Drop into the water and immediately equip the Rebreather
4. Swim forward through the underwater tunnel (there is only one path)
5. You will surface in a heavily infested cave. Enemies (including blind mutants) patrol tight corridors. The Best strategy is simply to run past them instead of fighting
6. Keep an eye on stamina and stick to lit paths
7. Follow the main tunnel forward until you see lit areas, and then bear slightly right when you spot lights
8. The shovel will be sitting on the ground in an open area. Pick it up immediately and prepare to retreat

After getting your hands on the Shovel, turn back and hug the left wall to retrace your path. Continue through water sections and tunnels, pushing past enemies, and exit the cave near the entrance zone.

What the Shovel Unlocks in the Game

Once you finally escape with the shovel, its real value becomes clear. In Sons of the Forest, this tool is essential for progression and hidden loot discovery. These are the following areas you will discover using the shovel:

Bunkers

The shovel is required to expose hidden entrances to Maintenance Bunkers and underground facilities. A shovel icon shows on your GPS when you are near a dig spot. These bunkers contain key story progression items and high-end equipment

Looting Graves

Across the island, you’ll find burial plots marked with wooden crosses. With the shovel, you can dig them up and loot valuable rewards such as:

1. Shotgun (from a specific grave)
2. Weapon attachments
3. Rope and crafting supplies
4. Cloth
5. Coins

These graves are one of the best early sources of powerful gear.

Scavenging Hidden Stashes

The shovel also allows you to dig random marked soil spots shown on your GPS:

1. Small white dots indicate dig locations
2. You can find:
   • Canned food
   • Skulls and bones
3. Rocks and miscellaneous supplies

It’s a useful way to gather extra survival resources while exploring. While not designed as a weapon, the shovel can still be used in combat, like for a quick jab. It’s useful only if you’re caught without proper weapons

Did you take on the enemies, or just sprint past them to grab the shovel? Comment below to let us know.