Introduction to Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH) has captivated millions of players worldwide since its release on March 20, 2020. As players embark on their journey to build and customize their dream island, one of the most fulfilling aspects of the game is upgrading their homes. In this ultimate house upgrades guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about upgrading your house in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, from the initial upgrades to the more extravagant transformations. So, grab your tools and let's dive into the nitty-gritty of home upgrades!
Understanding the Basics of Home Ownership
Before we explore the various upgrades you can make to your home, it's essential to understand how the house ownership system works in ACNH. Initially, your character starts with a tent, which is a humble abode on the deserted island. As you progress, you'll interact with Tom Nook, the lovable raccoon who serves as the guide to your island experience.
The House Purchase Process
- Starting with a Tent: Your journey begins with a tent, which serves as your temporary home. This tent can be customized but remains limited in functionality.
- Initial Upgrade to a House: Once you have paid off your tent's cost (which is 5,000 Bells), Tom Nook offers you an opportunity to upgrade to a house. The first house upgrade costs 98,000 Bells.
- Subsequent Upgrades: After obtaining your first house, you can continue upgrading your home multiple times, increasing the size and unlocking new features along the way.
The Path of Upgrades: Step by Step
Now that we have a basic understanding of the house system in ACNH, let's explore the step-by-step process of upgrading your house.
1. First Upgrade: From Tent to House
As mentioned earlier, you begin with a tent. Once you have accumulated 5,000 Bells and spoken with Tom Nook, you can upgrade to your first house for 98,000 Bells. This initial upgrade comes with basic features:
- A designated space to store items
- The ability to decorate with furniture
- An interior layout that gives you more freedom than a simple tent
2. Subsequent Upgrades: Expanding Your Space
After the first upgrade, you can continue to enhance your home by unlocking additional rooms. Here's how the process works:
Upgrade 1: Main Room Expansion
- Cost: 198,000 Bells
- Features: Expands your main room, giving you more space to decorate.
Upgrade 2: Left Room Addition
- Cost: 348,000 Bells
- Features: Adds a room to the left of your main space.
Upgrade 3: Right Room Addition
- Cost: 548,000 Bells
- Features: Adds a room to the right of your main space.
Upgrade 4: Upstairs Room Addition
- Cost: 748,000 Bells
- Features: Creates an upstairs room for additional decoration options.
Upgrade 5: Basement Addition
- Cost: 998,000 Bells
- Features: Unlocks a basement, allowing for further creative expression and storage.
Customizing Your Home
With the various upgrades complete, it’s time to turn your house into a reflection of your personality. Customization is a critical aspect of ACNH, and the game offers numerous ways to decorate both the interior and exterior of your home.
Interior Customization Options
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Furniture and Wallpaper: You can acquire furniture through DIY recipes, Nook’s Cranny, or special events. Each piece can be arranged to create the perfect vibe for your rooms. Choose from a variety of wallpaper and flooring options to enhance the overall aesthetic.
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Room Themes: Consider designing each room with a specific theme. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook, a high-tech gaming room, or a lavish dining area, the choices are endless.
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Artwork: Hang artwork on your walls to showcase your style. You can collect art from different sources or trade with friends.
Exterior Customization Options
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House Exterior Design: Change the exterior of your house by customizing its roof color, door design, and overall style through Tom Nook's service.
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Yard Decor: The outside of your house is equally important. Utilize flowers, shrubs, and furniture to create a lovely garden or a whimsical outdoor space.
Special Considerations for House Upgrades
There are a few things you should keep in mind while pursuing home upgrades in Animal Crossing: New Horizons:
1. Time Management
Upgrades take time to process. After you pay for an upgrade, it will typically take a day for the construction to be complete. Utilize this time to gather more resources or work on your island.
2. Financial Planning
Bells are crucial for upgrading and customizing your home. Consider various ways to earn Bells, such as:
- Selling fruit and fish
- Completing tasks for villagers
- Selling turnips during the market days
3. DIY Recipes for Furniture
DIY crafting is an integral part of creating unique furniture pieces. Collect materials from trees, rocks, and sea creatures, and learn DIY recipes from bottles, villagers, and the Nook’s Cranny shop.
Maximizing Your Home’s Functionality
Once you’ve achieved all your upgrades, you may want to consider ways to maximize your home’s functionality.
Utilizing Storage Effectively
Your home has storage options that allow you to keep your island tidy. Utilize your home storage to declutter your inventory, ensuring that only necessary items are in your pockets for daily tasks.
The Workbench and Crafting Station
Crafting stations can be set up within your house, allowing you to create furniture pieces and tools without needing to travel outside. This way, you can seamlessly manage your design projects.
Conclusion
Upgrading your house in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a rewarding and creative process. From the humble beginnings of a tent to a fully upgraded house, each step reflects your personal journey and customization preferences. Use this guide to navigate the various upgrades and ensure your home is a sanctuary that reflects your unique style.
So, gather your resources, plan your designs, and enjoy the fulfilling world of home upgrades in Animal Crossing: New Horizons!
FAQs
Q1: How do I start upgrading my house in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
A1: You can start by paying off your initial tent cost of 5,000 Bells to Tom Nook, who will then offer you an upgrade to a house for 98,000 Bells.
Q2: How many upgrades can I make to my house?
A2: You can make a total of five main upgrades, each unlocking additional rooms and features for your home.
Q3: Can I customize the exterior of my house?
A3: Yes, you can customize the roof, door style, and other elements of your house's exterior through Tom Nook’s services.
Q4: What materials do I need for DIY crafting?
A4: Materials include wood, stone, iron nuggets, and various natural items you can collect from trees, rocks, and the ocean.
Q5: How long does it take for a house upgrade to complete?
A5: House upgrades typically take one full day to complete after you've paid for them. Utilize this time for other activities on your island.