Since its launch on March 20, 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has become a defining title for the Nintendo Switch, offering players a tranquil escape to a deserted island teeming with life and creativity.
Developed by Nintendo, this critically acclaimed life-simulation game has achieved over 44 million units in sales worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games in Nintendo history.
With the latest Nintendo Switch 2 Edition now available, a new wave of players is embarking on their own island adventures, eager to customize and build their perfect getaway. A key element of Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ gameplay is the use of tools—essential items such as the Shovel, Net, and Axe enable players to dig fossils, catch bugs, gather resources, and shape their islands.
However, these tools are not immediately available when starting out, which poses an early challenge for newcomers and seasoned fans alike.
Within the first hour of island life, players are introduced to the basics of crafting through a DIY Workshop hosted by Tom Nook at Resident Services.
During this workshop, Tom Nook explains the fundamental process: collect materials, follow a recipe, and craft at a workbench.
The initial DIY recipe—provided by Tom Nook—teaches players how to craft a Flimsy Fishing Rod using just five tree branches.
After this tutorial, a suite of essential DIY recipes is unlocked, including the Flimsy Net, granting immediate access to basic toolmaking.
Following this, Resident Services becomes a central hub for expanding your toolkit.
Here, players can purchase basic tools such as the Flimsy Fishing Rod, Flimsy Net, Flimsy Watering Can, and Slingshot, using Bells—the in-game currency.
Earning Bells is straightforward from the outset: shake the native fruit from your island’s trees and sell them to Timmy at Resident Services to quickly accumulate the funds needed for initial purchases. To progress further and unlock advanced tools, players must begin collecting fish and bugs using their newly crafted implements.
Delivering these specimens to Tom Nook sets in motion a key event—after five unique contributions, Tom Nook will contact Blathers, a knowledgeable owl and returning character from previous Animal Crossing games.
Upon Blathers’ arrival, players select a location for his tent, which will evolve into the island’s Museum.
Once settled, Blathers provides players with the pivotal DIY recipes for the Vaulting Pole and Shovel, enabling river crossings and fossil excavation, respectively. Continuing to contribute new creatures and discoveries accelerates tool acquisition.
Tom Nook rewards persistent collectors by providing DIY recipes for both the Axe and Watering Can prior to Blathers’ full relocation.
These early upgrades allow players to gather wood, water flowers, and further develop their blossoming communities. For players seeking greater efficiency, the Pretty Good Tools Recipes can be purchased at the Nook Stop terminal in Resident Services for 3,000 Nook Miles.
This bundle includes six advanced DIY recipes for tools that offer enhanced durability and longer usage compared to the initial flimsy versions, dramatically improving gameplay flow for dedicated island residents.
After redemption, the recipes are instantly accessible on your NookPhone. From its robust crafting system to its emphasis on creativity and community, Animal Crossing: New Horizons exemplifies Nintendo’s commitment to innovative, player-driven experiences on the Nintendo Switch.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time fan, mastering the use and upgrading of tools is essential for fully enjoying island life.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available now on the Nintendo eShop and remains a highlight in Nintendo Direct showcases for its enduring charm and engaging, ongoing updates.
Developed by Nintendo, this critically acclaimed life-simulation game has achieved over 44 million units in sales worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games in Nintendo history.
With the latest Nintendo Switch 2 Edition now available, a new wave of players is embarking on their own island adventures, eager to customize and build their perfect getaway. A key element of Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ gameplay is the use of tools—essential items such as the Shovel, Net, and Axe enable players to dig fossils, catch bugs, gather resources, and shape their islands.
However, these tools are not immediately available when starting out, which poses an early challenge for newcomers and seasoned fans alike.
Within the first hour of island life, players are introduced to the basics of crafting through a DIY Workshop hosted by Tom Nook at Resident Services.
During this workshop, Tom Nook explains the fundamental process: collect materials, follow a recipe, and craft at a workbench.
The initial DIY recipe—provided by Tom Nook—teaches players how to craft a Flimsy Fishing Rod using just five tree branches.
After this tutorial, a suite of essential DIY recipes is unlocked, including the Flimsy Net, granting immediate access to basic toolmaking.
Following this, Resident Services becomes a central hub for expanding your toolkit.
Here, players can purchase basic tools such as the Flimsy Fishing Rod, Flimsy Net, Flimsy Watering Can, and Slingshot, using Bells—the in-game currency.
Earning Bells is straightforward from the outset: shake the native fruit from your island’s trees and sell them to Timmy at Resident Services to quickly accumulate the funds needed for initial purchases. To progress further and unlock advanced tools, players must begin collecting fish and bugs using their newly crafted implements.
Delivering these specimens to Tom Nook sets in motion a key event—after five unique contributions, Tom Nook will contact Blathers, a knowledgeable owl and returning character from previous Animal Crossing games.
Upon Blathers’ arrival, players select a location for his tent, which will evolve into the island’s Museum.
Once settled, Blathers provides players with the pivotal DIY recipes for the Vaulting Pole and Shovel, enabling river crossings and fossil excavation, respectively. Continuing to contribute new creatures and discoveries accelerates tool acquisition.
Tom Nook rewards persistent collectors by providing DIY recipes for both the Axe and Watering Can prior to Blathers’ full relocation.
These early upgrades allow players to gather wood, water flowers, and further develop their blossoming communities. For players seeking greater efficiency, the Pretty Good Tools Recipes can be purchased at the Nook Stop terminal in Resident Services for 3,000 Nook Miles.
This bundle includes six advanced DIY recipes for tools that offer enhanced durability and longer usage compared to the initial flimsy versions, dramatically improving gameplay flow for dedicated island residents.
After redemption, the recipes are instantly accessible on your NookPhone. From its robust crafting system to its emphasis on creativity and community, Animal Crossing: New Horizons exemplifies Nintendo’s commitment to innovative, player-driven experiences on the Nintendo Switch.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time fan, mastering the use and upgrading of tools is essential for fully enjoying island life.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available now on the Nintendo eShop and remains a highlight in Nintendo Direct showcases for its enduring charm and engaging, ongoing updates.
