How Do I Get a Shovel in Animal Crossing: And Why Do My Turnips Keep Disappearing?

How Do I Get a Shovel in Animal Crossing: And Why Do My Turnips Keep Disappearing?

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a game that thrives on its simplicity and charm, yet it often leaves players scratching their heads over seemingly straightforward tasks. One such task is acquiring a shovel, a tool that is essential for digging up fossils, planting trees, and even relocating entire plants. But how do you get a shovel in Animal Crossing? And more importantly, why do my turnips keep disappearing? Let’s dive into the details.

The Basics: How to Get a Shovel

Step 1: Unlock the Museum

To get a shovel in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you first need to unlock the museum. This involves donating five different creatures (fish or bugs) to Tom Nook. Once you’ve done this, Blathers the owl will arrive and set up a tent for the museum. After the museum is established, Blathers will give you the recipe for the flimsy shovel.

Step 2: Gather Materials

The flimsy shovel requires five pieces of hardwood to craft. Hardwood can be obtained by hitting trees with an axe or by shaking trees. Once you have the necessary materials, head to a DIY workbench to craft your shovel.

Step 3: Upgrade to a Better Shovel

The flimsy shovel is, as the name suggests, not very durable. To get a more robust shovel, you’ll need to purchase the “Pretty Good Tools” recipe from the Nook’s Cranny store for 3,000 Bells. This recipe allows you to craft a regular shovel, which lasts longer and is more efficient.

Why Do My Turnips Keep Disappearing?

The Turnip Market

Turnips are a unique commodity in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. They are purchased from Daisy Mae on Sunday mornings and can be sold at Nook’s Cranny throughout the week. The price fluctuates daily, so players often try to sell them at the highest possible price.

The Mystery of Disappearing Turnips

One common issue players face is their turnips disappearing. This can happen for several reasons:

  1. Rotting Turnips: Turnips have a shelf life of one week. If you don’t sell them by the following Sunday, they will rot and become useless. Rotting turnips can also attract ants, which can be caught and donated to the museum.

  2. Time Travel: If you time travel backward, even by just one day, your turnips will instantly rot. This is a built-in mechanic to prevent players from exploiting the turnip market.

  3. Storage Issues: If you leave turnips outside, they can be picked up by other players visiting your island. Always store your turnips in your house or another secure location.

Advanced Tips for Shovel and Turnip Management

Maximizing Shovel Efficiency

  • Golden Shovel: The golden shovel is the most durable and efficient shovel in the game. To unlock it, you need to help Gulliver 30 times. Once you have the recipe, you can craft it using one shovel and one gold nugget.
  • Customization: You can customize your shovel at a DIY workbench to change its appearance. This doesn’t affect its durability but allows you to personalize your tools.

Turnip Trading Strategies

  • Turnip Exchange: Use online communities to find islands with high turnip prices. This can be a lucrative way to make Bells quickly.
  • Stalk Market Apps: There are several apps and websites that track turnip prices and predict trends. These can help you decide the best time to sell.
  • Turnip Storage: If you have multiple players on your island, consider designating a specific area for turnip storage. This can help prevent accidental pickups and ensure everyone knows where the turnips are.

Conclusion

Getting a shovel in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a straightforward process once you know the steps. However, the game’s mechanics, especially concerning turnips, can be a bit more complex. By understanding how to acquire and manage your tools and commodities, you can make the most out of your island life. Whether you’re digging up fossils or trading turnips, these tips should help you navigate the game more efficiently.

Q: Can I get a shovel before unlocking the museum?

A: No, you need to unlock the museum and receive the recipe from Blathers before you can craft a shovel.

Q: What happens if I time travel forward with turnips?

A: Time traveling forward does not affect turnips. They will only rot if you time travel backward.

Q: How do I get gold nuggets for the golden shovel?

A: Gold nuggets can be obtained by hitting rocks with a shovel or axe. They are rare, so it may take some time to collect enough.

Q: Can I sell rotten turnips?

A: No, rotten turnips cannot be sold. However, you can use them to attract ants, which can be caught and donated to the museum.

Q: Is there a way to prevent turnips from rotting?

A: The only way to prevent turnips from rotting is to sell them before the following Sunday. Time traveling backward will instantly rot them.