How to Start a New Island in Animal Crossing and Why Pineapples Don't Belong on Pizza

Starting a new island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an exciting journey that allows players to create their own virtual paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking for a fresh start or a newcomer eager to dive into the world of Animal Crossing, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about building your dream island. Along the way, we’ll also explore some quirky debates, like why pineapples don’t belong on pizza (spoiler: they totally do).

Step 1: Setting Up Your Island

When you first start Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you’ll be prompted to choose an island layout. This is a crucial decision because it determines the overall structure of your island, including the placement of rivers, cliffs, and the Resident Services building. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect layout:

• Consider Accessibility: Choose a layout that allows easy access to different parts of the island. For example, having the Resident Services building near the center can save you time when running errands.
• Think About Future Plans: If you’re planning to create themed areas or elaborate terraforming projects, pick a layout that provides enough space and flexibility.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Go with a layout that resonates with your personal style. Whether you prefer a symmetrical design or a more natural, asymmetrical look, your island should reflect your vision.

Step 2: Customizing Your Character

After selecting your island layout, you’ll get to customize your character. This includes choosing your appearance, name, and even your birthday. While these choices might seem trivial, they play a significant role in shaping your Animal Crossing experience:

• Appearance: Your character’s look can be changed later using a mirror or vanity, so don’t stress too much about getting it perfect right away.
• Name: Your name will appear in dialogues and interactions with villagers, so pick something you like and that fits the vibe of your island.
• Birthday: Villagers will celebrate your birthday with a special event, so choose a date that feels meaningful to you.

Step 3: Building Your First Home

Once you’ve settled on your island and character, Tom Nook will guide you through building your first home. This is where your creativity can start to shine:

• Tent Upgrades: Initially, you’ll live in a tent, but you can upgrade to a house by paying off your loan with Bells. Each upgrade adds more rooms and customization options.
• Furniture Placement: Start decorating your home with furniture and items you collect. Experiment with different layouts to create a cozy and personalized space.
• Storage Expansion: As you progress, you’ll unlock storage expansions, allowing you to hoard more items (because let’s be honest, you’ll need it).

Step 4: Inviting Villagers

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Animal Crossing is interacting with villagers. You can invite up to 10 villagers to live on your island, each with their own unique personalities and quirks:

• Personality Types: Villagers come in eight personality types, such as peppy, lazy, and cranky. Having a mix of personalities can make your island feel more dynamic.
• Recruitment: Use Nook Miles Tickets to visit mystery islands and recruit villagers. You can also invite villagers from other players’ islands or adopt them through online communities.
• Villager Relationships: Build friendships with your villagers by talking to them daily, giving them gifts, and completing tasks for them. Over time, they’ll reward you with items, DIY recipes, and heartfelt letters.

Step 5: Developing Your Island

As you progress, you’ll unlock tools and features that allow you to develop your island further:

• Terraforming: Unlocked after achieving a 3-star island rating, terraforming lets you reshape your island by adding or removing cliffs, rivers, and paths.
• Public Works Projects: Build bridges, inclines, and facilities like the museum, tailor shop, and campsite to enhance your island’s functionality and aesthetics.
• Decorations: Use furniture, fences, and custom designs to create themed areas, such as a cozy café, a bustling marketplace, or a serene zen garden.

Step 6: Participating in Events

Animal Crossing: New Horizons features seasonal events and activities that keep the game fresh and engaging:

• Holidays: Celebrate real-world holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter with special events, decorations, and limited-time items.
• Bug-Offs and Fishing Tourneys: Compete in friendly competitions to catch the most bugs or fish and earn unique rewards.
• Special Visitors: Look out for special visitors like Celeste, who gives out star-themed DIY recipes, or Redd, who sells rare art and furniture.

Step 7: Connecting with Others

Animal Crossing is a social game at its core, and connecting with other players can enhance your experience:

• Local and Online Play: Visit other players’ islands or invite them to yours using local wireless or online play.
• Trading: Trade items, DIY recipes, and villagers with other players to complete your collection.
• Dream Addresses: Share your island’s Dream Address to let others explore your creation, even when you’re offline.

Step 8: Embracing Creativity

One of the most rewarding aspects of Animal Crossing is the ability to express your creativity:

• Custom Designs: Use the Custom Design app to create patterns for clothing, paths, and decorations. Share your designs with others or download designs from the community.
• Themed Islands: Create a themed island based on your favorite movie, book, or real-world location. The possibilities are endless!
• Photography: Use the in-game camera to capture beautiful moments and share them with friends or on social media.

Step 9: Managing Resources

Efficiently managing your resources is key to building a thriving island:

• Bells: Earn Bells by selling items, completing tasks, and participating in events. Use them to pay off loans, buy furniture, and upgrade your island.
• Nook Miles: Earn Nook Miles by completing daily tasks and milestones. Spend them on exclusive items, Nook Miles Tickets, and island upgrades.
• Materials: Collect materials like wood, stone, and iron nuggets to craft furniture and tools. Plant trees and hit rocks daily to ensure a steady supply.

Step 10: Enjoying the Journey

Finally, remember that Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a game meant to be enjoyed at your own pace. There’s no right or wrong way to play, so take your time, experiment, and have fun creating your dream island.

FAQs

Q: Can I change my island’s name after starting the game?
A: Unfortunately, no. Your island’s name is permanent, so choose wisely!

Q: How do I get more DIY recipes?
A: You can find DIY recipes in message bottles on the beach, from villagers, or by popping balloons.

Q: Can I move buildings after placing them?
A: Yes, but it costs Bells. Talk to Tom Nook at Resident Services to relocate buildings.

Q: How do I increase my island’s star rating?
A: Focus on decorating your island, planting flowers, and inviting more villagers. Isabelle at Resident Services will provide feedback on how to improve.

Q: Can I have multiple islands on one Nintendo Switch?
A: No, each Nintendo Switch console can only have one island. However, multiple players can live on the same island.

Starting a new island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a delightful adventure filled with creativity, exploration, and community. Whether you’re building a tropical getaway, a bustling city, or a whimsical wonderland, the possibilities are endless. And remember, while pineapples on pizza might be a divisive topic, there’s no wrong way to enjoy your island—or your pizza!