Do Weeds Count as Clutter in Animal Crossing? The Definitive Guide
The question of whether weeds contribute to island clutter in Animal Crossing is a common source of confusion for many players. The simple answer is: not directly, but they can contribute to a larger clutter problem. While weeds themselves aren’t considered “clutter” in the way that dropped items are, they can indirectly affect your island rating, especially if they become excessive. This guide will delve into the nuances of how weeds interact with your island’s aesthetic and rating, and provide practical advice on how to maintain a balanced island environment.
Understanding Clutter in Animal Crossing
Before we delve into weeds, it’s important to understand what the game considers clutter. Clutter, in the context of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, primarily refers to the excessive accumulation of items on the ground. These items generally fall into two main categories: dropped items and over-dense decoration.
- Dropped Items: These are items that you “drop” instead of “place” using the placement feature. These include things like DIY recipes, clothing, furniture, food items, and even materials that you’ve dropped from your inventory onto the ground. Think of them as anything that’s not actively placed, but sitting as an icon on the ground.
- Over-Dense Decoration: This refers to having too many furniture items, trees, or flowers within a small area, specifically an 8×8 tile section. If more than 45 out of the 64 tiles within such a section are covered by these items, it’s considered cluttered.
Weeds and Island Rating
So, where do weeds fit into this picture? Weeds do not directly count against your island’s evaluation in the same way that dropped items or an over-saturated furniture layout does. You won’t be penalized for having a few weeds scattered around your island, and it’s unlikely to directly cause Isabelle to complain about clutter. However, weeds can contribute to an overall sense of untidiness that can negatively influence your island’s rating.
How Weeds Impact Your Island
- Aesthetic Impact: A large number of weeds can make your island look unkempt and less appealing. This is mostly a subjective feeling but the game has some measure of this to assess your island overall, and the general “look and feel” of your island affects its overall rating.
- Indirect Clutter: While weeds themselves are not “clutter”, overgrown weed patches can cause other problems, especially if they occupy large areas of your island. When this happens, it can be hard to place other items and move around the island, especially if there are many weeds close together. This indirect clutter could lead to issues as you are trying to decorate.
- Limited Space: When weeds take up a lot of space on your island, you might find it difficult to add additional features, such as buildings, decorations, or areas that you are trying to terraform or landscape.
Weeds and Five-Star Islands
While a few weeds won’t prevent you from reaching a five-star rating, a huge abundance of weeds will reduce your island’s rating. Players often prioritize clearing weeds to reach this milestone, not because weeds are explicitly scored down, but because of the overall “tidy” look the game prefers. A five-star island is an achievement of balance, not absolute sterility. A small amount of weeds here and there can even contribute to a “natural look”.
Managing Weeds Effectively
The key is balance. A few weeds will not hurt your rating, but excessive weeds can. If you are seeing Isabelle say the island is cluttered, then you need to investigate. You might be surprised at the true culprit.
Strategies for Weed Control
- Regular Removal: Make it a habit to regularly pull weeds from your island. Even a few minutes of weeding daily can keep them under control.
- Leif’s Services: Leif will visit your island from time to time. He will buy weeds from you, but more importantly he will offer a service to remove all the weeds on your island for 100,000 Bells.
- Utilize the “Clean Up” Feature: In the Island Designer app, the “Request Cleanup” option will collect most ground items on your island and place them in the recycling bin at Resident Services. While this is not aimed at weeding specifically, if the weeds are around dropped items, this could help remove both. This won’t remove weeds that are not near dropped items.
- Strategic Placement: If you like the look of a few weeds, place them strategically to enhance the natural beauty of your island.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about weeds and clutter in Animal Crossing to help you better manage your island.
1. Do tree branches affect my island rating?
No. Tree branches, stones, sea shells, star fragments, mushrooms, and message bottles that are lying on the ground do not affect your island rating score.
2. What items do count as clutter?
Dropped items like turnips, DIY recipes, clothing, and furniture that are not placed, all count towards the clutter total. Also, having more than 45 out of 64 tiles within an 8×8 section covered with furniture or trees is considered cluttered.
3. Can I get a five-star island with weeds?
Yes, you can get a five-star rating with a few weeds. However, an excessive amount of weeds will negatively impact your island’s overall appearance and the game will likely not give you a 5 star rating if they are uncontrolled. It’s about balance.
4. How many weeds are too many?
There isn’t a precise number, but if they are overwhelming your island and making it look unkempt, then you likely have too many. Think in terms of having areas with multiple weeds close together. If you’re seeing the weeds more than anything else, then you might want to remove some.
5. Will rocks spawn on weeds?
Yes, rocks can spawn adjacent to flowers and weeds, so be mindful of where you place things. If you’re trying to control rock placement, try to not leave many weeds on the areas you would like rocks to spawn in.
6. Can Isabelle kick a villager out?
No, Isabelle cannot directly kick out villagers. However, repeatedly complaining about a specific villager may prompt them to leave, although this is not guaranteed and may take time.
7. Does complaining to Isabelle about a villager move them out?
No, complaining to Isabelle about a villager only resets their catchphrases and clothing choices; it does not make them leave.
8. What is the rarest item in Animal Crossing?
The Royal Crown is considered the rarest and most expensive item in the game.
9. Do Gyroids count as furniture?
Yes, Gyroids, fossils, bugs, and fish can be placed like furniture, but they also follow the same clutter rules if you place too many in a small area.
10. How many neighbors can I have on my island?
The maximum number of villagers you can have living on your island is 10.
11. How do I get a 3-star island quickly?
Plant flowers, remove weeds, build fences, and move in more villagers. You also need to have built Nook’s Cranny for your island to reach 3 stars.
12. Is it hard to get a 5-star island?
It is certainly a challenge. Achieving a five-star island rating requires dedication to keeping your island clean, decorated, and balanced. However, with persistence and effort, most players are able to achieve it.
13. How many flowers do I need for a 3-star island?
You need at least 100 plants and about 200 flowers to achieve a three-star island rating.
14. Can I sell weeds on Harv’s Island?
No, you cannot sell weeds on Harv’s island, but Leif will buy weeds from you when he visits your island. He will also sell flowers and shrubs that you can plant.
15. Does Wisp clear my weeds?
Wisp does not clear weeds. He will remove all weeds in your town if he has 8 or more, or he might give you an item you don’t have in your catalog, but he is not a reliable way to remove weeds on your island.
Conclusion
While weeds in themselves are not considered “clutter,” an overabundance of them can negatively impact your island’s aesthetic and indirectly influence its rating. Maintaining a balance and practicing regular weed control is essential for creating a beautiful and thriving island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. By understanding the nuances of how the game perceives “clutter” and utilizing the tools available, you can create the island of your dreams while ensuring you have a highly rated island.