When you begin in Animal Crossing: New Horizons it can feel overwhelming, especially if you're a newcomer to living in debt to Tom Nook. You'll also notice that you can only access a limited section of your island. Here we take you through the steps to unlock all the items needed to access and grow your entire island.
Gaining The Right Tools
Your first priority needs to be unlocking basic tools. Some of these are accessed as you go along and others require specific actions on your part. Here are the basic tools you'll need and how they are unlocked.
Fishing Rod & Net: Learnt from Tom Nook after taking the DIY workshop.
Axe: Learnt from Tom Nook after donating 2 creatures to him.
Watering Can: Learnt from Tom Nook after donating 5 creatures to him.
Vaulting Pole and Shovel: You can learn both of these recipes from Blathers once he has set up his tent.
The final useful item is the ladder, which will be unlocked several days into your adventure by Tom Nook. Keep following his instructions and chatting to him each day and the tasks involving inviting new island residents will unlock the ladder recipe.
The ladder and pole cannot break, but the other tools will. Help is at hand though as 3000 nook miles will allow you to purchase the Pretty Good Tools recipe from guest services. This enables you to craft upgraded versions that will last a lot longer.
Beautifying The Island
Once you have the tools unlocked you also have the power to fully access and grow your island. Bugs, fish, and fossils can be donated to Blathers to grow the museum. You can also sell them for bells. These will allow you to purchase upgrades for your home and surroundings.
A new feature of New Horizons is the ability to place objects anywhere around the island. This means you can set up a bonfire on the beach, a crafting area near new homes and so much more.
If you keep chopping trees with your axe, they will come down. You can then use the shovel to remove the stumps. You can also collect or dig up plants and weeds. This means the entire island can be leveled and its vegetation recreated in the image you desire.
You'll also have full control over the location of everything, except the guest services and your airport. Use this power carefully and you'll be able to craft your very own perfect island.