Shovel Knight Showdown video previews multiplayer update

Published , by Ozzie Mejia

Shovel Knight still has one more campaign left before Yacht Club Games officially takes a break from shovelry. But beyond the next update centering around King Knight, the game will also add an entirely new way to play the 8-bit throwback.

Shovel Knight Showdown is the long-teased four-player multiplayer mode that sees players clash as any one of the game's multitude of knights. That includes Shovel Knight, Shield Knight, and any one of the Order of No Quarter. On Tuesday, IGN offered up an exclusive look at this new game mode.

The Shovel Knight characters can be seen engaging in four-way free-for-alls and 2v2 team battles. Points are scored by securing gems or by scoring KOs, while each battleground offers its distinct layouts and hazards. Gem Clash will be just one of the game variants offered in multiplayer. There's also a Story Mode available for all 16 of the game's characters.

Shovel Knight Showdown will release a la carte for $9.99 or as a free update for Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove owners. Showdown, alongside the King Knight campaign (Shovel Knight: King of Cards), is estimated for a 2019 release.