The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening gives you access to a lot of different items as you try to solve the mystery of and escape from Koholint Island. Many are important and key to your eventual victory, while others are pretty optional. The shovel sits firmly in the former category, acting as a key to continued progress around the halfway mark of the game. It’s even one of the few items that another character specifically ask you to get, but they don’t explain exactly where to dig and what to do with the shovel in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening.
How to Get the Shovel
While you don’t need it for the specific quest or section, Prince Richard will direct you to go get the shovel before you tackle Kanalet Castle and the search for the Five Golden Leaves. Whether you get it first or finish that quest, you’ll need to head to Mabe Village to get the shovel. It’s found in the usual place, the Item Shop to the northeast of the town center. It costs a whopping 200 rupees though, so you might want to take this opportunity to steal from the shop, but be careful cause getting rid of the Thief title is kind of tough. Once you have the shovel it’s time to head back to Ukuku Prairie
What to do with the Shovel
For the next part you’ll need to have found the Five Golden Leaves so check the previously linked guide if you haven’t finished that. Once done Prince Richard will step out of the way and give you access to the field behind his house. This is full of bushes and grass, all of which hide random items. You can wander this field hacking away or digging around to get rupees, hearts, or whatever else you might need. To dig just head into the menu, select the shovel and assign it to either X or Y then hit that button while facing where you want to dig a hole.
Where to Dig
However, you do have a specific quest in here and it’s to get the Slime Key. That guide will fully explain and walk you through where you need to go in this field, including where to dig specifically. Check it out and let us know if you run across any issues or have any further questions beyond where to dig and what to do with the shovel in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening.
