Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the beloved life simulation game developed by Nintendo, has captivated players with its charming graphics, engaging gameplay, and soothing atmosphere. For those who are new to the series or the game itself, starting can feel overwhelming. This detailed Animal Crossing: New Horizons beginner guide aims to provide you with essential tips, strategies, and insights to help you build your dream island and enjoy all the game has to offer.
Getting Started
Setting Up Your Island
Once you start Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you will find yourself on a deserted island with Tom Nook and a few other villagers. Here are the steps to set up your new life:
1. Choose Your Island Layout: After a brief introduction, you’ll be asked to choose from a selection of island layouts. Consider the rivers, cliffs, and other features that will impact your future design.
2. Pick Your Starting Area: You can choose where to set up your tent. Look for a space that is close to resources like trees and rocks, as these will be crucial for crafting and building.
3. Meet Your Neighbors: As you set up your tent, you’ll meet your first neighbors. These villagers will become a part of your island community, so take the time to interact with them.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into more complex gameplay, it’s important to understand the basic mechanics:
- Time and Seasons: The game follows real-time, so the time of day and seasons reflect your local time. This affects the availability of certain bugs, fish, and events.
- Crafting: You will collect materials to craft tools, furniture, and other items. Look for resources like wood, stones, and iron nuggets.
- Currency: The main currency in the game is Bells, which you can earn by selling items to Timmy and Tommy at Nook’s Cranny or through other means like fishing and bug catching.
Daily Activities
Resource Gathering
Every day in Animal Crossing is an opportunity to gather resources. Here are some key activities to focus on:
- Chop Trees and Hit Rocks:
- Trees provide wood, which is essential for crafting.
- Hitting rocks with a shovel can yield stones, clay, iron nuggets, and sometimes even Bells.
- Collecting Fruits and Flowers:
- Each day, shake trees to collect fruits. These can be eaten to gain energy or sold for Bells.
- Flowers can be picked for crafting or decorating your island.
- Fishing and Bug Catching:
- Use a fishing rod to catch various fish. Each fish has its own season and time of day, so keep an eye on the fish guide.
- Use a net to catch bugs. Certain bugs appear at specific times, so explore different areas throughout the day.
Building and Upgrading
As you gather resources, you’ll want to expand and upgrade your island:
1. Crafting Tools: Start with a flimsy fishing rod and net, and gradually upgrade to more durable versions as you collect materials.
2. Building Infrastructure:
- Pay off your initial loan to Tom Nook to unlock the ability to build more structures.
- Build Nook's Cranny, the shop, and the museum to start selling and donating your collected items.
3. House Upgrades: After paying off your initial house loan, you can expand your home to include a second room and eventually a basement.
Island Customization
Designing Your Island
Customization is one of the most exciting aspects of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Here are some tips for designing your dream island:
- Place Buildings Strategically:
- Consider the layout of your island when placing buildings and homes.
- Create paths using fences or custom designs to improve accessibility.
- Landscaping:
- Use flowers, trees, and shrubs to create beautiful landscapes. You can crossbreed flowers for unique colors.
- Utilize the terraforming feature unlocked later in the game to reshape your island’s terrain.
- Personalize with DIY Recipes: Collect DIY recipes to craft unique furniture and decorations to suit your style.
Engaging with Villagers
Your villagers are a crucial part of your experience in Animal Crossing:
- Build Relationships:
- Talk to your villagers daily to strengthen your friendship. They may give you gifts, tasks, or tell you stories.
- Participate in Events: Keep an eye on seasonal events and holidays, as these often involve your villagers. Engage with them to build community spirit.
- Invite New Villagers: As you progress, you can invite new villagers to your island using Nook Miles and amiibo cards.
Utilizing Nook Miles
Nook Miles are a secondary currency that you can earn through various tasks and achievements:
- Daily and Weekly Challenges: Complete challenges to earn Nook Miles, which can be spent on items, tickets to visit other islands, and more.
- Rewards for Activities: Activities such as fishing, bug catching, and exploring will often reward you with Nook Miles.
- Customizable Items: Use your Nook Miles to purchase special items or redeem them for unique features like additional storage.
Exploring Other Islands
One of the fun aspects of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the ability to visit other islands:
- Using Nook Miles Tickets: You can purchase Nook Miles Tickets and use them at the airport to visit random islands.
- Gathering Resources: These islands often have different resources and creatures, allowing you to gather items not available on your home island.
- Meeting New Villagers: You can also find new villagers to invite to your island during these visits.
Tips for Success
As you embark on your new life in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
1. Be Patient: Progress may seem slow at first, but enjoy the journey of developing your island.
2. Check the Shop Daily: New items appear regularly; be sure to check Nook's Cranny and the Able Sisters for new clothing and furniture.
3. Utilize Social Features: Play with friends or visit their islands for inspiration and trading items.
4. Stay Informed: Look for online resources, guides, and communities that can provide tips and events happening in the game.
Final Thoughts
With this Animal Crossing: New Horizons beginner guide, you are now equipped with the knowledge to start your adventure on your deserted island. Embrace the creativity, take your time, and remember that the beauty of the game lies in its relaxing pace and the friendships you build along the way. Whether you’re crafting, exploring, or simply enjoying the beauty of your surroundings, Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers an unforgettable experience for players of all ages. Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I focus on during my first days in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
During your first days, prioritize gathering resources like wood, stones, and fruit. Complete Nook's initial tasks to unlock crafting and set up your island by placing your tent and gathering materials for your first tools.
How do I earn Bells quickly as a beginner?
To earn Bells quickly, sell fruit, catch fish, and collect bugs. Look for seashells on the beach and complete Nook's Cranny tasks. You can also find and sell high-value items like fossils and rare fish.
What are the best tools to craft first in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
The best tools to craft first are the fishing rod, bug net, and shovel. These will help you gather resources, catch fish, and dig up fossils, which are essential for progressing in the game.
How can I increase my island rating in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
To increase your island rating, focus on placing furniture and decorations outdoors, planting trees and flowers, and maintaining a clean environment. Building bridges and inclines also helps improve your island's overall appeal.
What is the significance of Nook Miles and how can I earn them?
Nook Miles are a form of currency that you can earn by completing various tasks and achievements. You can earn them by engaging in activities like catching bugs and fish, selling items, and completing daily objectives. They can be used for purchasing special items, tickets for island visits, and more.
