Treat each board as its own puzzle
A board is an example, not a guaranteed treasure map. Use the outline and revealed parts of each hidden item to choose the next tile. Scattered digs can help locate a shape; once found, follow its likely footprint instead of continuing to open unrelated cells.
Spend tools with a stage target
- Complete free daily shovel missions first and check when they reset.
- Count tools still available against the stage you want to finish. Rewards are attached to completion, not merely spending a certain number of shovels.
- Use the actual board dimensions and revealed shape; do not apply coordinate lists from another layout.
- Check the current reward set before chasing a cosmetic, including whether its duration is temporary.
Do not expect spent tools back
Tools used on a board are not returned just because you abandon it or reach the end of the event. Unused tools have their own resource conversion. Compare that fallback with a stage you can realistically finish before spending the final attempts.