How to Get the Island Designer App in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

In "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," the Island Designer app is a crucial tool for players who want to customize their islands beyond the basic terraforming options. This app allows you to modify your island's landscape, including adding and removing water, adjusting the terrain, and placing paths. Here’s a comprehensive guide to unlocking and using the Island Designer app to create your dream island.

Unlocking the Island Designer App

1. Complete the Main Storyline: To access the Island Designer app, you must first complete a significant portion of the main storyline. This includes helping Tom Nook set up the island, inviting new villagers, and achieving certain milestones like upgrading your tent to a house.

2. Upgrade to a Resident Services Building: Once you have established a successful island, Tom Nook will offer to upgrade the Resident Services tent to a full-fledged building. This is a key step because the Island Designer app becomes available after this upgrade.

3. Obtain the Nook Miles: The Island Designer app is purchased using Nook Miles, which are a form of in-game currency. Make sure you have accumulated enough Nook Miles by participating in various island activities, such as catching bugs, fishing, and completing daily tasks.

4. Visit the Nook Stop: After upgrading Resident Services, visit the Nook Stop terminal inside the building. This is where you can use your Nook Miles to purchase the Island Designer app. The app costs 6,000 Nook Miles.

5. Purchase the App: Select the Island Designer app from the Nook Stop menu and confirm your purchase. Once you have obtained it, you will receive a DIY recipe for the app's construction.

6. Craft the App: Follow the DIY recipe to craft the Island Designer app. You’ll need specific materials, which can be gathered from various sources around the island. Once crafted, the app will be available for use on your NookPhone.

Using the Island Designer App

1. Accessing the App: Open your NookPhone and select the Island Designer app icon. This will bring up the app's main menu, where you can choose from several terraforming options.

2. Choosing a Design Tool: The app provides various tools for island design, including:

   • Terraforming Tools: Allows you to raise or lower the land, add or remove water, and create cliffs.
   • Pathing Tools: Enables you to lay down paths and customize their appearance.

3. Editing the Terrain: To make significant changes to the island's landscape, use the terraforming tools. You can adjust the height of the land, add rivers and ponds, and create new elevations. Keep in mind that these changes can be undone if needed, so experiment with different designs.

4. Creating Paths: Use the pathing tools to lay down different types of paths on your island. This feature helps in organizing and beautifying your island’s layout, making it more navigable and aesthetically pleasing.

5. Saving and Finalizing Changes: After making changes, you can save your progress and see how your island evolves over time. You might need to make adjustments or refinements to perfect your design.

Tips for Effective Island Design

• Plan Ahead: Before making changes, have a rough plan or vision for how you want your island to look. This can help in making cohesive and aesthetically pleasing modifications.

• Use the Grid: Utilize the grid layout for precision when placing paths and modifying terrain. This ensures that your changes align well with the island’s overall design.

• Experiment and Undo: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different designs. The Island Designer app allows you to undo changes if you decide that a certain design isn’t working out.

• Consult Online Resources: There are many online communities and resources where players share their island designs and tips. Visiting these can provide inspiration and help you learn new techniques.

Conclusion

The Island Designer app is a powerful tool in "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," allowing you to transform your island into a personalized paradise. By following the steps outlined above, you can unlock and master this app, creating a unique and beautiful island experience. Enjoy the creative process and have fun designing your dream island!