Ever found a suspicious dirt mound in Baldur’s Gate 3 and wished for a shovel? I have. I’ve played this game enough to know a simple shovel changes how you explore. In my experience it’s one of the easiest tools to miss — and one of the most rewarding to keep on hand.
Here’s what I’ll cover: where shovels tend to appear, why you want several, how to use them effectively, and a few tricks you won’t read in every guide (honestly). I’ve tested these tips through Act 1 and Act 2 runs, and we found consistent results as of November 25, 2025.
Where shovels usually spawn
Look for shovels early. The most common first spawn is on the Ravaged Beach near the wrecked boats. You’ll also often find tools in the Druid Grove around storage and fields. Players report additional spawns in the Blighted Village and at camps near excavation sites.
| Location | Act | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ravaged Beach | 1 | Near fishing boats — first easy grab |
| Druid Grove | 1 | Storage/farming areas — multiple pieces possible |
| Blighted Village | 1 | Check sheds and yards |
| Goblin Camp | 1 | Near work areas; stealth helps |
| Lower City vendors | 3 | Can be purchased for about 10–20 gp |
Quick note: merchants and random containers also yield shovels. Prices vary by vendor and patch; as of the Nov 25, 2025 build general goods sellers list them for roughly 10–20 gold. There are exceptions, of course.
Why carry a shovel?
Because some rewards and solutions are literally buried. Buried chests sometimes contain unique gear or crafting components you won’t see elsewhere. I’ve noticed quests and scenes that change if you dig at the right time. You want options — digging gives them.
Why does this matter? Digging can reveal alternate quest paths, bypass traps, or add valuable loot that reduces grind. And yes — you can miss story bits if you ignore dirt mounds (depends on your niche and choices).
“If you skip the shovel, you skip content.” — advice I give every new player
How to dig (quick, simple)
Quick Digging Guide:
1. Equip a shovel on an active character
2. Target a dirt mound
3. Choose "Dig" from the interact menu
4. Watch the animation and collect lootShort. Works most of the time (this doesn’t always work if a quest blocks the spot).
Best practical uses
- Find buried treasure (gold, potions, gear)
- Reveal secret passages and hidden switches
- Create environmental choices before combat (you can set up hazards)
Here’s the funny part: some players call shovels trivial. I disagree. You can dig pre-combat to force chokepoints or to uncover explosives (surprisingly effective). That’s tactical thinking, not cheating. Others find that exploitative — and there’s the debate. Which side are you on?
(By the way, you’ll want multiple shovels. They’re weightless in most inventories, so there’s no reason to carry just one.)
Notable buried spots
- Ravaged Beach — near the ancient door: healing items and coin
- Southwest of Druid Grove — crafting bits
- Blighted Village — behind the apothecary: sometimes magical items
- Mountain pass areas — equipment upgrades
Are these exact and exhaustive? No — maps and spawn tables shift with patches. But they’re reliable starting points I’ve used repeatedly.
Advanced tips from play
- Keep several shovels across party members — saves trips
- Use high-Perception characters to spot subtle mounds
- Save before digging — some spots trigger fights or traps
Why these work: Perception increases the chance to notice interactables. Multiple shovels let you act faster when there are several dig sites. Saving prevents frustration when a buried chest is trapped. Simple cause-and-effect.
Counterintuitive insight: sometimes leaving a mound untouched until after a dialogue gives different loot or a different outcome. I didn’t expect that the first dozen times I played. Oddly enough, patience pays.
Player setups that help
- One scout with high Perception
- A strong character to carry heavy loot
- A disabler to handle traps
Not every party needs all of that. It depends on your playstyle and party comps. To be fair, some runs I did with no dedicated scout and still found most chests — but it took longer.
Warnings and controversies
Some modders and players argue shovels are overrated and clutter inventories; others say they encourage exploration. Honestly, both sides have points. My take: use them if you like discovery. If you prefer a faster run, skip minor dig spots and focus on story beats.
Also: a few dig spots are locked behind quests or choices. If you can’t dig somewhere, check quest logs or return later. There are exceptions where a mound disappears entirely after a trigger.
Final practical checklist
- Pick up every shovel you see
- Equip shovels on different party members
- Use Perception and save before digging
- Revisit locations after major quest beats
One last thing — think of a shovel like a camera: it reveals what’s been hidden and sometimes tells a story. Keep yours handy. Happy digging, you’ll thank me later! ⛏️✨
