Skip to main content

Shovel Knight bounces onto shelves in retail release coming this fall

shovel knight retail release edit 1
No matter how much modern games advance in terms of realistic graphics and physics, there’s always a simple pleasure to be found in the classics. Shovel Knight may not actually be one of those classics, but it sure does look and feel like one.

The game’s attention to detail and pixel-perfect platforming found Shovel Knight drawing more attention than developer Yacht Club Games ever imagined. So far the game has sold over 700,000 copies worldwide, while initially the developers hoped to sell less than a quarter of that amount.

“Shovel Knight’s phenomenal success is something we never dreamed possible,” Yacht Club Games wrote in a blog post yesterday. “Now, we’re ready to take the next step: into the REAL WORLD!!” That’s right — Shovel Knight will soon be coming to store shelves for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, and PC.

Not only will the retail version of Shovel Knight include the original game, but the upcoming Plague of Shadows update will be also be included, as well as 50 challenge levels. If you’ve already bought the digital version of the game, don’t worry, as Yacht Club writes “this free update will definitely hit digital platforms BEFORE the boxed version.”

Shovel Knight Release Trailer!

Both the digital and retail versions of the game have more free content updates to come. Two new campaigns — the Specter Knight’s Campaign and the King Knight’s Campaign — are on the way, as well as a Battle Mode and Body Swap Mode.

There are some extra goodies for those who buy the retail version, however. Every boxed copy of the game “will include a lavish instruction booklet similar to the Kickstarter reward. No 2-page inserts here! You deserve a full manual, to hold in your hot little shaking hands and pore over as you wait to get home!”

Yacht Club Games is publishing the retail version of Shovel Knight itself, with assistance from its distributor U&I Entertainment, who will actually ship the game to stores. While the Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One versions will be available everywhere, the retail PC version will only be available in Europe.

Every version of the game will sell for $20, and will be available starting October 13 in North America and October 16 in Europe. Preorders should be available now at Best Buy, Walmart, Target, GameStop, Amazon, and more.

Editors' Recommendations

Kris Wouk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
Shovel Knight’s retail debut pushed back, Xbox One edition ‘in limbo’
shovel knight delayed at retail canceled on x1 shoveldelay thumb

Indie developer Yacht Club Games has delayed the retail version of its throwback platformer Shovel Knight, pushing its release date to November and raising its price to account for "an unexpected turn of events."

The studio also announced that it has canceled the Xbox One retail launch of Shovel Knight due to undisclosed Microsoft-mandated publishing policies.

Read more
Shovel Knight knighted by Nintendo as first Indie game with its own Amiibo
gdc 2015 idatxbox shovel knight gall

Shovel Knight is the rare type of game that immediately reveals its influences but manages to feel fresh and original at the same type. Gamers noticed, and the game sold well as a result, but now the game is the recipient of an honore no other game has received to date.

Nintendo announced today that the titular main character of Shovel Knight will soon be available as an Amiibo. This makes Shovel Knight the first ever indie game to receive its own Amiibo, showing just how good a job developer Yacht Club Games has done at creating a successor to the retro games that inspired it.

Read more
Shovel Knight’s Plague of Shadows expansion features remixed campaign
shovel knight plague of shadows detailed thumb

Indie developer Yacht Club Games gave an extended look at Shovel Knight's upcoming "Plague of Shadows" expansion at Gamescom this week, revealing that the game's campaign changes drastically when players assume the role of the newly playable Plague Knight.

Originally a boss in Shovel Knight, Plague Knight boasts his own unique attacks and abilities, allowing players to explore familiar territory from an alchemist's perspective.

Read more