Shovel Knight Treasure Trove vs Specter of Torment: Which First

Quick answer

Buy Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove if you want the full and complete edition of the series; it includes Specter of Torment and three other campaigns. Buy Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment only if you specifically want the action-packed prequel and nothing else. For most players, Treasure Trove is the better first purchase because it covers more ground for one price.

What you get in each package

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the full and complete edition of Shovel Knight, a sweeping classic action-adventure game series with awesome gameplay, memorable characters, and an 8-bit retro aesthetic. You run, jump, and battle as Shovel Knight, wielder of the Shovel Blade, in a quest for his lost beloved. Because it is the complete edition, it includes multiple campaigns, including Specter of Torment.

Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment is the action-packed prequel to the main game. The store page carries a clear disclaimer: if you have purchased Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove for your system, you will not need to purchase Specter of Torment separately, because this title is included with all versions of Treasure Trove. In other words, Specter of Torment is a single campaign, while Treasure Trove is the whole collection.

How to choose based on the supplied facts

The catalog prices make the decision concrete. Treasure Trove is listed at USD 23.99, compared with a catalog comparison price of USD 39.99. Specter of Torment is listed at USD 6.69, compared with a catalog comparison price of USD 9.99. The gap is about seventeen dollars, and for that difference Treasure Trove adds the main Shovel Knight quest plus other campaigns beyond Specter of Torment.

If you are new to the series and want the most game for your money, Treasure Trove is the straightforward pick. If you already own Treasure Trove, do not buy Specter of Torment again; the disclaimer says it is already included. If you want a lower-cost, focused sample of the series, Specter of Torment is the cheaper entry point, but you will not get the other campaigns.

Play order and beginner tips for Specter of Torment

Specter of Torment works as a prequel, so playing it first will not spoil the main Shovel Knight story in a way that ruins the experience. Many players start with the main campaign for the classic Shovel Knight feel, then move to Specter of Torment for a faster, more aggressive style. Either order is valid; the key is to pick one and commit rather than bouncing between campaigns.

For Specter of Torment beginners, the character moves differently from Shovel Knight. Use the dash and wall-jump style movement to keep momentum, and treat each room as a short combat puzzle rather than a straight fight. Because the campaign is shorter than the full Treasure Trove package, it is a good place to practice if you want a lower-stakes introduction before the main quest.

Trade-offs at a glance

• Treasure Trove: more content, higher price: At USD 23.99 (catalog comparison price USD 39.99), Treasure Trove includes the full and complete edition with multiple campaigns, including Specter of Torment. Best value if you plan to play more than one campaign.
• Specter of Torment: lower price, single campaign: At USD 6.69 (catalog comparison price USD 9.99), Specter of Torment is the action-packed prequel and is included in Treasure Trove, so it is redundant if you own Treasure Trove. Best if you want a cheaper, focused prequel and do not own Treasure Trove.
• Play order flexibility: Specter of Torment is a prequel, so starting there is safe, but the main Shovel Knight campaign is the classic starting point for many players. Pick one campaign and finish it before switching to avoid losing momentum.

Product facts

• Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove: Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the full and complete edition of Shovel Knight, a sweeping classic action-adventure game series with awesome gameplay, memorable characters, and an 8-bit retro aesthetic. This is the version to choose if you want the whole series in one purchase rather than a single campaign.
• Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment: Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment is the action-packed prequel. The store page states that if you have purchased Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove for your system, you will not need to purchase Specter of Torment separately, because this title is included with all versions of Treasure Trove. Buying Specter of Torment separately only makes sense if you do not already own Treasure Trove; otherwise you would pay twice for the same campaign.

Which should you buy?

Best for

• Players who want the full and complete edition of the series in one purchase
• Fans who plan to play multiple campaigns, including Specter of Torment
• Buyers who prefer a single higher-value package over several small purchases

Not for

• Players who already own Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove and only need Specter of Torment, since it is already included
• Shoppers who want the lowest possible entry price and only care about the prequel campaign