What to Do on Your First Day of Animal Crossing: A Guide
You’ve finally received your letter and moved to your new home in Animal Crossing: New Horizons! As a new island resident, you might be feeling excited and a bit overwhelmed on your first day. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll take you through the essential steps to get started in your new life on the island.
Arrival and Setup (Morning)
- Arrive at the airport and pick up your ticket for the deserted island.
- Transfer to the island on the plane (Note: The gameplay may stutter a bit on your first try, but it’s just the developers’ way of ensuring a smoother experience. Don’t worry, it will fix itself!).
- Upon arriving on the island, start by familiarizing yourself with your surroundings. Take note of the island’s layout, warp pipes (), and access points () for the bridge.
- Your friendly assistant, Tom Nook, will greet you on the island and welcome you to Animal Crossing: New Horizons!
Getting to Know Your New Neighbors
- Tom Nook will introduce you to Isabelle (), a helpful resident of the island.
- Take some time to talk to Tom Nook, Sable, K.K. Slider, Blathers, and Rowan, who are waiting for you.
- You’ll receive invitations to their island activities from the get-go!
Your Initial Tasks and Options
Here’s what you can focus on for your first few hours of gameplay:
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Home Expansion
⋅ Upgrades your tent home for living space and furniture
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| > |
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Fishing and Bug Catching
- Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in fishing and bug-catching at the beginning, as there are exclusive and rare spawns available only on this particular day (your Birthday Island Invite).
- Keep track of these catches for some unique trophies and achievements in the Museum!
Merry-Go-Round Rewards
- Participate in the Merry-Go-Round‘s rewards. Spin to win prizes, clothing, and other essentials ().
End Your First Day Feeling Accomplished
As your first day comes to an end, your island will grow and settle into a rhythm, complete with island residents and daily island activities.
Wrap up your day feeling accomplished! You’ve started settling into island life, built up your knowledge of the environment and introduced yourself to neighbors. It’s not just getting started – the fun will only grow in the weeks to come!
Eight FAQs and their Answers
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What do I need to do first after arriving in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
**You must pay 5,000 bells to Tom Nook for your home** -
Can I skip the tutorial on the first day and start exploring on my own?
**Yes**, you can exit the tutorial, but consider finishing the in-game instructions as they prepare you for your stay on the island. -
Can I upgrade my home on my first day?
**No, upgradable options** become accessible as you progress throughout the game! -
What should I do while fishing at the beginning of the game?
**Fishing provides resources like fish and shells and serves** as a great means of discovering specific island resources like the fish, shells. -
What happens on my birthday?
**Your neighbors will throw you a Birthday Party to celebrate**, full of **exclusive gifts**, and special deals at Tom Nook’s!