Finding the shovel in Sons of the Forest is a major milestone for survivalists looking to uncover hidden bunkers and progression items. However, reaching the tool requires venturing into one of the island's most dangerous subterranean networks. Understanding where the cave is situated and how to prepare for its unique challenges will save you from unnecessary deaths.
Locating the Shovel Cave Entrance
The entrance to the shovel cave is located near the central snow-capped mountain region towards the western side of the map. You can easily identify the cavern opening by three corpses impaled on wooden spikes standing right outside. Before breaking through the wooden barricade at the mouth of the cave, inspect the middle corpse to pick up a free slingshot.
Navigating to this coordinate on your GPS locator is straightforward, but approaching without preparation can be fatal. The surrounding area often spawns roaming cannibal patrols that may ambush unprepared players. Setting up a temporary shelter nearby allows you to save your progress and rest before diving into the darkness.
Required Equipment Before Entering
You cannot fully explore the shovel cave without obtaining two essential traversal tools beforehand. Players must first acquire the rope gun to zip across deep chasms and the rebreather to navigate flooded underwater tunnels. Attempting this cave without both items will result in an early roadblock, forcing you to turn back empty-handed.
In addition to traversal tools, stock up on supplies like molotovs, explosive charges, and bone armor. The cavern contains high numbers of aggressive mutants, including fingers and conjoined twins. Bringing adequate light sources like flares or a torch will help you spot threats in pitch-black corridors.
Navigating the Subterranean Hazards
Once inside, use the rope gun to cross the initial gap and prepare to dive underwater using your rebreather. As you resurface, expect immediate resistance from lurking cave mutants waiting along the narrow ledges. Keep moving through the linear pathways while scavenging supply boxes for extra air tanks, wetsuit gear, and ammunition.
You will eventually encounter a natural water slide that drops you deeper into the subterranean complex. Since you cannot climb back up the slide, pushing forward becomes your only option for survival. Use narrow bottlenecks in the terrain to funnel enemies and deal with them safely.
Claiming the Shovel and Exiting Safely
Deep within the final illuminated chamber, near an underground research site, lies a dead worker holding the coveted shovel. Pick up the tool along with any surrounding loot before planning your escape. With the shovel in hand, you can dig up buried hatches, graves, and GPS locators across the island surface.
To exit the cave, backtrack toward the water slide area until a massive mutant breaks through a stone wall. Use an explosive charge or C4 brick to blast the creature and clear the newly revealed passage. Follow this direct exit tunnel through a few final enemy encounters to emerge safely back into the forest.
