Gold is the lifeblood of progression in Shovel Knight Dig. It's used for purchasing items from merchants during a run and, more importantly, for permanent upgrades at the Surface Camp. To maximize your Gold income, always prioritize collecting every coin you see. Break all destructible blocks, as they often hide Gold or other valuable pickups. Defeat every enemy, as they have a chance to drop Gold. Look for secret rooms and passages, which frequently contain large caches of Gold. Consider equipping the Amulet of Greed Gear if you find it, as it increases Gold drops. When encountering merchants, carefully weigh the cost of their items against your current Gold reserves and your needs. Sometimes, a cheap health potion is more valuable than an expensive Relic if your health is low. However, don't be afraid to spend Gold on powerful Relics or Gear that can significantly improve your chances of survival. Remember that Gold collected during a run is kept even if you die, so every coin contributes to your long-term progression at the Surface Camp. Prioritize permanent upgrades from Armor Ace as soon as you can afford them, as they provide the most lasting benefit.
