Unlike previous Animal Crossing titles, New Horizons places you on a deserted island where you’ll need to construct virtually everything yourself – including essential tools for resource gathering and creature capturing. Fortunately, after learning to craft basic versions of each tool, Timmy and Tommy will begin selling them – either from Resident Services or at Nook’s Cranny once it becomes available. This guide explains how to obtain every tool in New Horizons.
Essential Beginner Tools: Fishing Rod and Bug Net
After completing the tutorial day and beginning your first full day on the island, obtain the Nook Phone and speak with Tom Nook at the Resident Services tent.
When Tom Nook offers to host a DIY Workshop, accept his proposal and gather 5 Wooden Branches. You can then use the workshop to craft a Flimsy Fishing Rod, usable along rivers, ponds, and beaches to catch fish when they pull the lure underwater. Be aware that the flimsy version only endures about 10 catches, so prepare to craft replacements.
Tom Nook will also provide the recipe for the Flimsy Net, which helps catch various insects and floating objects – though it’s not recommended to use it to bother your island residents.
Obtaining the Slingshot
To acquire the Slingshot, you’ll need to purchase the recipe from Timmy for 300 Bells (press R to switch from furniture to miscellaneous items). While it cannot be upgraded, it will eventually break after extensive use. This tool allows you to shoot at presents attached to passing balloons by holding the A button to aim and releasing to fire at airborne targets.
Crafting Stone and Iron Axes
To obtain an Axe, you must first acquire the Flimsy Net and Flimsy Fishing Rod from Tom Nook. When he encourages you to show him any creatures you discover, present at least two specimens, and he will reward you with the Flimsy Axe recipe. An Axe serves multiple purposes: cutting wood, chipping rocks, and felling trees, but you’ll need an upgraded Iron Axe recipe for more durability.
Unlocking the Watering Can
To get a Watering Can, capture at least 4 bugs and/or fish and show them all to Tom Nook. He’ll reward you with the Flimsy Watering Can recipe and several flowers to plant. This tool helps propagate flowers by increasing their blooming rate and can be used to create new flower colors unavailable in stores.
Obtaining the Shovel and Vaulting Pole
To acquire a Shovel, you must first attract museum curator Blathers to your island. After giving Tom Nook a total of 5 bugs and/or fish, Blathers will call – prompting you to designate a location for his tent. Speak with Blathers the following day to receive the Flimsy Shovel recipe. A Shovel can unearth buried items, transplant trees and flowers, and strike rocks.
Along with the Shovel, you’ll receive the Vaulting Pole recipe. Unlike other tools, this item doesn’t break, allowing you to easily cross rivers both on your island and on mystery islands.
Acquiring the Ladder
To obtain the Ladder, progress through Tom Nook’s tasks: pay off your tent, build your home, establish Nook’s Cranny, and construct a bridge to begin work on three villager homes that need furnishing.
After placing the lots, Tom Nook will inform you that one recipe requires flowers from the island’s elevated areas and will provide the Ladder recipe. This tool allows you to climb up or down different elevations without needing ramps or inclines. Like the Vaulting Pole, the Ladder won’t break with use!
Upgrading Your Tools
Most initial tools are flimsy and break quickly. After paying off your first loan with Nook Miles, check the terminal for a recipe book featuring more durable tools. You’ll still need to craft the base flimsy version first, then use it to create improved versions, so continue collecting tree branches.
Once you’ve spent approximately 70,000 Bells at Nook’s Cranny, the shop will upgrade to an improved building featuring an expanded inventory with custom tools. These cost significantly more but showcase stylish designs that can be modified and last much longer than their flimsy counterparts.
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