Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a delightful life-simulation game that offers endless customization, creativity, and opportunities to connect with your in-game neighbors. As you build and personalize your island, you’ll come across a variety of items that can help improve your experience. From essential tools to special items, some things are absolutely crucial for making the most of your island life. Here are the top 5 must-have items in Animal Crossing: New Horizons that every player should consider having in their inventory.
1. Fishing Rod
The fishing rod is an essential tool for anyone looking to gather resources or complete their Critterpedia. Fishing is one of the core activities in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and the fishing rod allows you to catch a variety of fish that you can sell, donate, or display in your museum. Not only does it provide a steady source of income, but some fish are required for seasonal events and special goals.
- Why It’s a Must-Have: It’s versatile and necessary for progressing in the game. It’s also a great way to relax and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of your island while reaping rewards.
2. Shovel
The shovel is another indispensable item in your Animal Crossing toolkit. It’s used for digging up fossils, planting trees, and creating paths across your island. Fossils are important for completing the museum and can be sold for Bells or given to Blathers for display. In addition, the shovel allows you to dig up special items like gyroids or even hidden money rocks, which can help you earn extra Bells.
- Why It’s a Must-Have: It’s perfect for gathering fossils, which are essential for progressing in your museum. Plus, the ability to plant and dig trees will help you shape and personalize your island.
3. Vaulting Pole
The vaulting pole is a game-changer when it comes to exploring your island. Early on in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, your island may have rivers that separate different areas, and you won’t be able to easily access parts of the island until you acquire the vaulting pole. This item allows you to vault over rivers, making navigation and island exploration much easier. It’s a must-have for fully unlocking the potential of your island. The best strategies for survival in Fortnite, read at this link.
- Why It’s a Must-Have: The vaulting pole gives you greater mobility, allowing you to cross rivers and reach more areas on your island without having to build bridges early on. It’s essential for completing your island’s layout and designs.
4. Nook Miles Ticket
Nook Miles Tickets are used to visit mystery islands, which are randomly generated islands that you can explore in search of resources, rare items, and new villagers. These tickets are a vital tool for expanding your horizons, as they give you access to new resources, flowers, and unique island layouts. They’re also helpful for finding rare villagers, especially if you’re looking to invite new animals to live on your island.
- Why It’s a Must-Have: Nook Miles Tickets are a great way to gather unique items and resources that might not be available on your main island. They are also invaluable for finding new villagers and diversifying your island’s population.
5. Slingshot
The slingshot is one of the more unique tools in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It allows you to shoot down balloons that float across your island, dropping valuable gifts such as furniture, recipes, or even Bells. These balloons appear at regular intervals, and having a slingshot in your inventory ensures you don’t miss out on these rare opportunities.
- Why It’s a Must-Have: The slingshot provides a great way to collect unique items and furniture that may not be available in your store. It also adds an element of excitement and challenge as you aim for balloons drifting by.
Bonus: DIY Workbench
While not a tool you carry around in your inventory, a DIY workbench is an item you’ll want to place somewhere on your island. It allows you to craft new items and furniture using materials that you gather. Having a workbench on your island ensures that you’re always ready to craft and customize without having to run back to your house every time.
- Why It’s a Must-Have: DIY crafting is a huge part of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The workbench provides you with the means to personalize your island with furniture, fences, and other decorative elements.
These five items—fishing rod, shovel, vaulting pole, Nook Miles ticket, and slingshot—are absolutely essential for every player in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Each item serves a specific purpose that can help you gather resources, expand your island, and connect with your virtual neighbors. Make sure to keep them in your inventory to enhance your gameplay experience and unlock all the possibilities the game has to offer.
For more information on the game and item features, check out Fandom’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons page.
