Do I Have To Wait For The Plot To Be Done Being Built Before A Villager Can Show Up On Islands?
The short answer is: yes, you absolutely need an empty, designated plot of land before villagers will start appearing on mystery islands in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Villagers won’t just wander onto your island randomly; they need a place to potentially call home. So, get that land prepped and ready, and the prospective residents will soon follow! Let’s dive deeper into how this all works.
Understanding the Villager Arrival Process
The process of getting new villagers in Animal Crossing: New Horizons involves several steps, and understanding each one is crucial for maximizing your island’s population and character diversity. Initially, Tom Nook tasks you with placing three housing plots for new residents. Once these plots are set, you’re obligated to craft furniture for each of the homes, according to Tom Nook’s specifications. Only after these initial steps are completed, and the first three villagers are set to move in, can you expand your island further.
Setting Up New Housing Plots
After the initial three, you gain the ability to purchase more plots of land from Tom Nook. This is where things get interesting for those hoping to scout villagers on mystery island tours. You must purchase a plot from Tom Nook for 10,000 Bells and designate its location on your island. Once this is done, the plot is considered “open,” meaning it’s ready for a new resident.
The Mystery Island Connection
The magic of mystery island tours lies in their potential to introduce you to a wide array of villagers. However, the game only triggers the appearance of villagers on these islands if you have an open plot back home. This means that if all your existing plots are occupied or haven’t been designated with Tom Nook, you’ll find yourself wandering deserted islands, no matter how many Nook Miles Tickets you use.
The “Sold” Sign Illusion
It’s important to note that the plot doesn’t need to display the “SOLD” sign for villagers to appear on mystery islands. The key is that you have an available and designated plot of land. The “SOLD” sign only appears after you’ve successfully invited a villager to move to your island, confirming their future residency.
Avoiding Tom Nook’s Random Fill-Ins
If you leave an open plot unattended for too long (usually one to three days), Tom Nook will automatically assign a random villager to move in. While this can be a surprise, it’s often not the villager you were hoping for. Therefore, it’s always best to scout mystery islands as soon as you have an open plot to ensure you get a villager of your choosing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I invite a villager when my island is full?
If your island is already at its maximum capacity of ten villagers, you won’t be able to invite a new one unless you convince an existing resident to move out. At the campsite, a camper will offer to replace a villager already living on the island. However, on a mystery island, the villagers will not spawn at all. There is also the option to use an amiibo card to invite a villager to your campsite.
2. How long does it take for a villager to move in after I invite them?
Once you invite a villager from a mystery island or your campsite, they will typically begin moving in the next day. Make sure you have the open plot ready and waiting for them!
3. Can I invite two villagers in one day?
No, you can only invite one villager per day from a mystery island or another player’s island. You’re also limited by the number of open plots you have, so plan accordingly.
4. What are the chances of finding a specific villager, like Raymond, on a mystery island?
Finding a specific villager is a matter of probability. The odds depend on the total number of villagers in the game and the number of villagers within that villager’s species. For example, Raymond, being a cat, has a lower chance of appearing compared to more common species. Generally, the odds are very low, around 0.12% for Raymond.
5. Will Tom Nook always fill empty plots if I don’t invite anyone?
Yes, if you leave a plot open for too long, Tom Nook will eventually assign a random villager to move in. This usually happens within one to three days.
6. Why aren’t villagers showing up on mystery islands, even though I have an empty plot?
Double-check that you have actually purchased and designated the plot of land from Tom Nook. If you’ve done that and still aren’t seeing villagers, try restarting your game. Sometimes a quick reset can resolve these kinds of glitches. Also, be absolutely sure you do not already have ten villagers.
7. Do I need a Nintendo Online subscription to visit mystery islands and invite villagers?
Yes, a Nintendo Online subscription is required to access mystery islands using Nook Miles Tickets. This subscription allows you to connect to the internet and travel to these randomly generated islands.
8. Can I get the same villager multiple times on mystery islands?
While theoretically possible, it’s highly unlikely. The game prioritizes villagers you don’t already have on your island, making repeat encounters rare.
9. What happens if I don’t like the villager Tom Nook assigns to my island?
Unfortunately, once a villager moves in, you’re stuck with them unless they decide to move out on their own, or you use amiibo cards to replace them. You can try ignoring them or complaining to Isabelle, but there’s no guarantee they’ll leave.
10. How do I get villagers to move out of my island?
There are several methods, but none are foolproof. Ignoring a villager, complaining about them to Isabelle, or waiting for them to have a thought bubble indicating they want to leave are common strategies. You can also use amiibo cards to invite a new villager, which will allow you to choose which current resident to replace.
11. Can villagers fall in love or have relationships with each other?
While villagers interact with each other, they cannot “fall in love” in the traditional sense. The closest relationship they can have is a strong friendship. Fan theories are fun, though!
12. Does my island’s layout affect the types of villagers I attract?
No, your island’s layout does not influence the types of villagers that appear. Villager selection is primarily random, although certain personality types may be more inclined to interact with specific furniture or island features.
13. Can I use Amiibo cards to invite villagers even if I don’t have an open plot?
No, you need an open plot for the Amiibo card to work to invite the villager. If your island is full, the villager at the campsite will ask to replace one of your villagers currently living on the island. You will need to choose which one to leave.
14. What is the rarest villager personality type in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
This is not about personality type, rather, it is about species. Octopus villagers are the rarest, as there are only a few in the entire game.
15. Where can I learn more about game mechanics and educational aspects of gaming?
For more insights into game mechanics and the educational potential of gaming, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. You can learn about GamesLearningSociety.org‘s research and events.
Hopefully, this comprehensive guide clarifies the villager-hunting process in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Remember, patience and a bit of luck are key to finding your dream island residents! Happy hunting!