The Mysterious Area is a special stage present only in the Xbox One version of Shovel Knight that appears on the map once the player has obtained the Curious Map. It is here that Shovel Knight encounters and competes with the Battletoads. Notably this level is divided into four main sections two of which have a completely different gameplay style meant to emulate classic Battletoads stages. Shovel Knight starts out in the camp section but if he agrees to the training he is immediately sent to the Rappelling Section.
Rappelling Section
The first section is based upon the Wookie Hole stage and sees Shovel Knight rappelling downward. Firstly he must fight Zitz whilst rappelling. When Zitz has been taken down to half health he retreats. Shovel Knight must then continue rappelling whilst defeating enemies and dodging hazards. After a while Zitz will reappear and Shovel Knight must defeat him whilst also dealing with enemies and hazards. When this is done three Propeller Rats with scissors will cut the rope and send Shovel Knight plummeting into the next section.
Speeder Bike Section
The second section is based on the Turbo Tunnel stage and sees Shovel Knight on a Speeder Bike. Shovel must first fight Pimple as with Zitz once he is brought down to half health Pimple retreats. Shovel Knight must then dodge hazards and enemies until Pimple reappears. Then as with the rappelling Shovel Knight must defeat Pimple whilst dodging hazards. When Pimple is defeated Shovel Knight is flung forward into the next section.
Boss Section
The final section is a boss battle with Rash. This is the only section that plays like a typical Shovel Knight stage. During the fight Rash can gesture to summon Zitz or Pimple to attack to aid him. Once Zitz has been defeated the stage has been beaten and Shovel Knight and the Battletoads will return to the starting area.
Camp Section
In the main area the Battletoads will bequeath Shovel Knight the Toad Gear. From here the player can talk to each of the Battletoads as well as Croaker, Toader, a Rooster Gent, Reize Seatlan and Baz.
Trivia
- When the game is paused in the Mysterious Area Battletoads pause music plays.
- The Camp section of the level uses Plains assets whilst the rest uses assets from the Lost City.
- It is in the same location as The Streetpass Arena.