All Shovel Knight Games, Ranked

Shovel Knight Dig is the latest game in the saga, and it utilizes modern graphics tech to keep up with the times. It incorporates high-color pixel graphics, parallax, scaling, rotation, and fluid animation for the most stunning visuals and realistic Shovel Knight world thus far. The fluid animations and sharp graphics also make fights and movements smoother.

Notably, every adventure in the game is different, as each level is unique and meticulously crafted. Moreover, the game uses proprietary generation techniques to stitch the different levels together for infinite replayability.

The first Shovel Knight game launched in 2014 and incorporated some of the most popular aspects of NES classics. It was so popular that Shovel Knight was featured as a guest character in various popular games. Moreover, the developer turned it into a long-running series with seven games so far, the latest released in 2022, and more on the way.

Notably, all Shovel Knight games follow a single timeline, but they have unique features and differences that make them more or less enjoyable than others.

7. Shovel Knight: Pocket Dungeon (2021)

Shovel Knight: Pocket Dungeon focuses more on the game’s puzzle-solving genre than the usual action-adventure genre. Your goal is to escape the mysterious Pocket Dungeon, which involves solving many environmental and falling-block puzzles.

The game also offers a bit of action and adventure on the side. You encounter many old and a few new enemies as you make your way out of the dungeon. Interestingly, it incorporates a new combat system that lets you group multiple enemies to perform massive chain attacks. You can use various items and equipment to mix and match your loadout as you encounter different enemies. The game features various modes, including an adventure mode, a two-player co-op mode, daily challenges, and more.

6. Shovel Knight Showdown (2019)

Shovel Knight Showdown is like a fun clone of Smash Bros. It is based on an intriguing story where the heroes and villains of the Shovel Knight saga scramble to discover the source of a magical catastrophe that unleashes never-ending battles.

The game features 16 playable characters, and you can play as any hero or villain in the saga. It takes you on an action-packed adventure where you battle many enemies as you explore various stages and locales, including new locations. Interestingly, the game also features a four-player local co-op mode where you can play with or against your friends. Moreover, it features a practice mode to help you sharpen your skills and a few mini-games.

5. Shovel Knight Dig (2022)

Shovel Knight Dig is the latest game in the saga, and it utilizes modern graphics tech to keep up with the times. It incorporates high-color pixel graphics, parallax, scaling, rotation, and fluid animation for the most stunning visuals and realistic Shovel Knight world thus far. The fluid animations and sharp graphics also make fights and movements smoother.

Notably, every adventure in the game is different, as each level is unique and meticulously crafted. Moreover, the game uses proprietary generation techniques to stitch the different levels together for infinite replayability.

4. Shovel Knight: Plague of Shadows (2014)

Shovel Knight: Plague of Shadows is the second game in the saga and a satisfying continuation of the original game. While it looks and feels similar to the original game, it comes with a few notable extensions and new features. It follows up on the hero’s original journey by providing the items he needs to complete his experiment. Moreover, it expands the original story by giving side characters important off-screen activities. Most notably, it also features a new playable character.

3. Shovel Knight: King of Cards (2019)

Shovel Knight: King of Cards stands out for its unique card game, introducing an interesting twist into the saga’s gameplay. The card game, called Joustus, features 120 unique cards that you can use to build powerful decks to dominate every house. Notably, the card game requires a strategic approach to optimize the strength of different card combinations. Interestingly, the card game blends flawlessly with the traditional Shovel Knight gameplay.

Besides the card game, Shovel Knight: King of Cards also features lots of adventure and action based on a ridiculous story. It follows the adventures of King Knight as he fights to take his place on the throne at Pridemoor Keep. Notably, King Knight is a formidable fighter who crashes his way through enemies using his iconic shoulder-bash ability.

2. Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope (2014)

Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope is the first game in the popular series. It was renamed Shovel of Hope to differentiate it from secondary campaigns. Unsurprisingly, it still ranks among the best games in the saga despite its older graphics, considering it bridged the gap between classic and modern games and inspired all this.

The original game was based on an intriguing story that revolutionized the classic “princess trapped in a castle” storyline. It features Shovel Knight, a small, compact, and strong warrior armed with his iconic multipurpose shovel, on a quest to find his lost lover and defeat the evil Enchantress. He traverses a beautiful world on his mission and faces many enemies along the way, making the gameplay adventurous and action-packed.

1. Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment (2017)

Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment is an action-packed sequel to the original game and inarguably the best title in the series. it features a remarkable character, Specter Knight, the Enchantress’ servant, on a quest to recruit other knights into the Order of No Quarter. He is a strong and agile fighter with efficient abilities such as quick dash and scythe slashes. Overall, it speeds up the original game’s slow and steady pace and introduces new features to liven things up.

Interestingly, the game also features a few flashback levels to give valuable insights into the original game’s tragic story. The flashback levels also tell Specter Knight’s and Shield Knight’s background stories, making the game feel more engaging.

Interestingly, Yacht Club Games is also working on another Shovel Knight game called Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope DX. The game will be an enhanced edition of the original game, featuring better graphics and new features such as Rewind. Notably, it will feature a stereoscopic 3D design for stunning visuals. Additionally, you can get several Shovel Knight games in one package through the Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove collection.

So, what’s your take on our reviews and ranking of all Shovel Knight games? Which is your favorite Shovel Knight game? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments section below.