Can Leif Open a Shop on My Island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
The short answer is both yes and no. Leif cannot permanently set up shop directly on your main island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. He will, however, visit periodically and he does have a permanent shop location on Harv’s Island. This article will delve into the specifics of how to encounter Leif, what he sells, and how to access his shop on Harv’s Island. This information aims to give players a comprehensive understanding of Leif’s presence and role in the game.
Leif’s Island Visits
The Wandering Botanist
Before the 2.0 update, Leif was a special visitor who would randomly appear on your island. He would set up a stall outside Residential Services and offer a selection of plants, shrubs, and seeds. He would typically stay until 5:00 AM, coinciding with the island’s daily reset.
Triggers for Leif’s Initial Appearance
Leif won’t just wander onto any deserted island, though. It is believed that you will have to first help Timmy open Nook’s Cranny, before Leif will start showing up as a visitor on your island.
Leif’s Stock on Your Island
Leif’s inventory when he visits your island changes with each visit. He typically sells plants that are relevant to the current season, so keep an eye out for seasonal favorites! This is a great way to diversify your landscaping efforts.
Leif’s Permanent Shop on Harv’s Island
Unlocking Harv’s Island Plaza
The game-changing 2.0 update introduced a permanent plaza on Harv’s Island. After completing a few initial tasks on the main island, such as having at least three villagers move in, Harvey will visit and invite you to his island.
Funding Leif’s Shop
Once you’ve unlocked the plaza, you’ll find several Lloids (Gyroids). Each Lloid corresponds to a potential shop. To invite Leif, you need to donate 100,000 Bells to the Lloid associated with him. Once funded, Leif will permanently set up shop there.
What Leif Sells at Harv’s Island
At his permanent shop on Harv’s Island, Leif continues to sell shrubs, flower seeds, and now also offers crops. The selection rotates, so it’s worth checking back regularly. This is a reliable way to obtain specific plants for your island.
Leif and Nook’s Cranny
Unique Offerings
Although Nook’s Cranny also sells flowers and saplings, Leif is your go-to guy for shrubs, which are unavailable at Nook’s. He also sells varieties of flowers and crops that you might not find anywhere else!
Buying and Selling to Leif
Leif not only sells unique items, but he’ll also buy your weeds at a higher price than Nook’s Cranny! So save up those pesky weeds and sell them to Leif for a quick profit.
Related FAQs
Q1: How often does Leif visit my island?
Leif typically visits your island about every two weeks, but his appearances are random. There’s no fixed schedule, so keep an eye out for him outside Residential Services!
Q2: Can I influence when Leif visits my island?
Unfortunately, no. The special visitors are all on random schedules.
Q3: Does Leif sell anything different on my island compared to Harv’s Island?
The fundamental inventory is similar, but the specific varieties can vary between Leif’s island visits and his Harv’s Island shop. Check both regularly to find what you need!
Q4: What kind of crops does Leif sell?
Leif sells a rotating selection of crops, including tomatoes, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, and carrots. He usually offers two types at a time.
Q5: What happens if Leif visits my island on the same day as another special visitor?
If another special visitor is already present, Leif will not appear. The game prioritizes one special visitor per day.
Q6: Is there any advantage to buying from Leif on my island vs. Harv’s Island?
The advantage of Leif visiting your island is the convenience. You don’t have to travel to Harv’s Island, but the selections are comparable. The convenience of on-island purchasing and selling is worthwhile.
Q7: Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to access Leif’s shop on Harv’s Island?
No, you do not need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to access Harv’s Island and Leif’s shop. It is a feature available for local play.
Q8: What happens if I don’t have enough Bells to fund Leif’s shop on Harv’s Island?
The construction of the shops on Harv’s Island Plaza will happen slowly over time if players make small anonymous donations toward the funding.
Q9: Can I customize anything that Leif sells?
While you can’t customize the base plants and shrubs themselves, you can customize the pots they are planted in, or the areas around them to create unique and beautiful landscaping!
Q10: How do I get a 3-star rating for my island to unlock Harv?
To achieve a 3-star island rating and unlock Harv’s Island, focus on attracting at least seven villagers, placing a variety of outdoor furniture (at least 27 different types), adding 50 pieces of fencing, and building two bridges and two inclines. These improvements all lead to more stars.
Q11: What is Photopia on Harv’s Island?
Photopia is a special mode where you can design rooms and import characters to create custom scenes and take pictures. It’s a fun way to express your creativity and capture memorable moments in the game.
Q12: Can I invite Mabel to open a shop on my island?
You can’t directly invite Mabel to open a permanent shop on your island, but after she visits a few times, she will eventually ask to build the Able Sisters shop. This requires placing a plot of land for the shop.
Q13: What is the purpose of Harv’s Island?
Harv’s Island primarily serves as a creative space. It offers Photopia for custom photoshoots and the Shopping Plaza with various vendors, providing access to unique items and services. You can also help Reese and Cyrus with their wedding photoshoot during the wedding season.
Q14: How do I customize furniture in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
You can customize furniture using customization kits at a workbench. Some items can also be customized by Cyrus on Harv’s Island for a fee. Customization allows you to personalize your island to fit your unique style.
Q15: Can I get a bigger island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
No, the size of your island cannot be changed. However, you can alter the landscape by moving cliffs and rivers to create the illusion of a larger space.
Conclusion
While Leif can’t open a permanent shop on your main island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, his frequent visits and the permanent shop on Harv’s Island make him an invaluable resource for all things botanical. From purchasing rare shrubs and seeds to selling unwanted weeds, Leif plays a vital role in helping you create the island of your dreams. Check the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) for resources that help you learn more about different games and concepts! Hopefully, you now have a deeper understanding of how Leif can assist you in your island adventures.