The Surface Camp serves as your hub and sanctuary between runs. After each attempt, successful or not, you'll return here to prepare for your next descent. It's a place for recovery, upgrades, and strategic planning. Don't rush through the camp; take your time to interact with its inhabitants and utilize its facilities.
Key Areas and NPCs:
- Shovel Knight's Tent: This is where you'll respawn. You can also interact with the bed to save your game (though progress is largely run-based).
- Armor Ace: Located near the entrance to the well, Armor Ace sells permanent upgrades for Shovel Knight, such as increased health, magic, and new Relic slots. These upgrades persist across all runs, making them a top priority for your collected Gold.
- Relic Keeper: This enigmatic character allows you to purchase new Relics to add to your pool of potential finds during a run. The more Relics you unlock, the more variety you'll encounter.
- Gear Smith: The Gear Smith offers various pieces of Gear that provide passive bonuses or unique abilities. Like Relics, these are added to the pool of items you can find.
- Chester: Chester is your trusty companion who will store any Relics or Gear you find during a run that you don't wish to equip immediately. You can swap items with him.
- The Well: This is your entry point into the Dig. Interact with it to begin a new run.
Spend your hard-earned Gold wisely at the Surface Camp. Prioritize permanent upgrades from Armor Ace first, then expand your Relic and Gear options to diversify your strategies.