Can You Get Unbreakable Tools in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

The dream of an eternally reliable shovel or an axe that never dulls is a common one for many Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH) players. The constant cycle of crafting or purchasing new tools can become tedious, so the question arises: Can you get unbreakable tools in ACNH? The straightforward answer is no, there are no truly unbreakable tools in the game. While the game does offer tools with higher durability, they will eventually break with enough use. However, there are strategies and exceptions that can significantly reduce the frequency of tool replacement. Let’s delve into the nuances of tool durability in ACNH and what options players have to manage tool breakage.

Understanding Tool Durability in ACNH

The core game mechanics of ACNH require players to engage with a variety of tools, each with its own lifespan. Flimsy tools, readily available at the start of the game, are the most fragile and break very quickly. As players progress, they gain access to more durable standard tools and eventually to the highly sought-after Golden Tools. Although Golden Tools boast superior durability, they are not invincible. They simply last much longer compared to their lower-tier counterparts.

Tool Tiers and Lifespans

Tool durability in ACNH can be broken down into several tiers:

• Flimsy Tools: These tools, like the Flimsy Axe, Flimsy Shovel, and Flimsy Watering Can, have the lowest durability and break after just a few uses. They are the first tools a player obtains in the game.
• Standard Tools: Crafted using iron nuggets, these tools offer better durability than their flimsy counterparts. They include the Axe, Shovel, Watering Can, Fishing Rod, and Net.
• Customized Tools: Using customization kits, you can change the color of your tools. The core durability of the tool remains the same, however.
• Pretty Good Tools: These tools are slightly better than the standard ones. You can obtain the recipes at the Nook Stop by exchanging Nook Miles.
• Golden Tools: These are the most durable tools obtainable in the game. They are earned by completing specific achievements and are crafted using gold nuggets.

The “Follower” Glitch: A Tool-Breaking Exception

While the majority of tools break, there is an exception when playing with multiple players on one island. If one player uses their Joy-con to act as a “follower”, their tools will not break, even as they take damage. This technique involves having one player, the “leader”, control the main character while a second player joins using another Joy-con. The player who joins as a follower can freely use tools, such as shovels and axes, without ever seeing them break. While this might seem like a workaround for unbreakable tools, it’s only applicable in this specific multiplayer scenario.

Tools That Never Break

Not all tools in Animal Crossing: New Horizons are breakable. The following tools do not break no matter how much they are used:

• Ladders: Necessary for climbing cliffs, ladders are designed for indefinite use.
• Vaulting Poles: Crucial for crossing rivers, vaulting poles are another tool that does not break.
• Wands: Used to change outfits, Wands remain perpetually functional.

These tools are designed for permanent use, removing the frustration of constant replacement when exploring your island or venturing on mystery island tours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tool Durability in ACNH

Here are 15 frequently asked questions that further clarify the nuances of tool durability and other related elements in Animal Crossing: New Horizons:

1. What is the strongest tool in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

The Golden Tools are the strongest tools available in ACNH. They have the highest durability, though they are not completely indestructible.

2. How do you get Golden Tools?

You can get Golden Tools by completing specific in-game achievements, which will then unlock their DIY recipes. For example, the Golden Axe recipe is obtained after breaking 100 axes, and the Golden Shovel is earned after assisting Gulliver 30 times.

3. Do Golden Tools last longer?

Yes, Golden Tools last significantly longer than standard and flimsy tools. However, even they will eventually break with enough use.

4. Are there any other exceptions to breakable tools?

Yes, while not directly tools, ladders, vaulting poles, and wands do not break. They are items for exploration and dressing up.

5. Does the “follower” glitch mean you can have infinite tools in multiplayer?

When one player acts as the “follower” in a multiplayer session, their tools will not break. This does not make them infinite tools but rather an exception in multiplayer usage.

6. What are “Pretty Good Tools”?

Pretty Good Tools are slightly more durable than standard tools and are available by redeeming Nook Miles at the Nook Stop.

7. Can you repair tools in ACNH?

No, you cannot repair tools in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Once a tool breaks, it needs to be replaced.

8. Does tool customization affect durability?

No, customizing tools with kits does not impact their durability. Customization only changes the visual appearance of the tool.

9. Is there a cheat to get unbreakable tools?

There is no official cheat to obtain unbreakable tools. The “follower” glitch is an exploit, not an intended game feature.

10. Do flimsy tools break faster than regular tools?

Yes, flimsy tools break much faster than regular tools made with iron nuggets. They are designed for early-game use.

11. How many times can the Golden Axe break trees?

While the Golden Axe has higher durability, it can still break after extensive use. It is not an infinite use tool and can only chop a certain number of trees before breaking. The specific number of uses is not always exact, as certain actions may impact the total durability count.

12. Do fishing rods have different durabilities?

Yes, different fishing rods have different durabilities. The Colorful Fishing Rod and Fish Fishing Rod have a specific durability of 30 uses. The Golden Fishing Rod has the highest durability of all fishing rods.

13. How many times do you need to help Gulliver to get the Golden Shovel?

You need to help Gulliver 30 times to receive the DIY recipe for the Golden Shovel in the mail.

14. Can other players steal my tools?

No, except for those you have designated as Best Friends. Nobody else has access to your tools. Visitors to your island are not able to use them.

15. Can I skip days in Animal Crossing to get tools faster?

Yes, you can skip days in Animal Crossing by changing the time settings on your Nintendo Switch. However, remember to time travel responsibly, as you may miss out on some daily rewards and events.

Final Thoughts

While the quest for truly unbreakable tools in Animal Crossing: New Horizons remains unfulfilled, understanding tool mechanics and utilizing available exceptions can greatly minimize the hassle of frequent replacements. Focusing on upgrading to Golden Tools and leveraging the “follower” glitch where applicable are the best available approaches to managing tool durability. With these strategies in mind, players can focus more on enjoying their island life and less on constantly crafting new tools.