How to Reset Your Island Layout in Animal Crossing: New Horizons: A Comprehensive Guide
The desire for a fresh start in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH) is a feeling many players know well. Whether you’re unhappy with your island’s current state, longing for a different starting layout, or simply craving a complete do-over, resetting your island is a significant decision. This guide will walk you through the process and answer all your questions about starting anew.
How to Completely Reset Your Island in ACNH
The only way to truly reset your island and get a fresh start with a new layout is by deleting your save data. This is a permanent action, so it’s crucial to ensure you’re absolutely sure before proceeding. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Enter System Settings: From your Nintendo Switch Home Menu, select the “System Settings” icon. This is typically represented by a gear icon.
- Navigate to Data Management: Scroll down the menu options until you find “Data Management” and select it.
- Locate Delete Save Data: Within the Data Management menu, scroll down to the very bottom, where you’ll find the “Delete Save Data” option.
- Choose Animal Crossing: New Horizons: A list of your games with saved data will appear. Select “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” from this list.
- Confirm Deletion: You’ll be prompted to confirm that you want to delete all save data for the game. Read the warning carefully, as this action is irreversible. Select “Delete Save Data” to proceed.
Once completed, your island will be completely reset. When you start the game again, you’ll begin with the initial tutorial, select a new island layout from the options available, and have a brand new experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Resetting Your ACNH Island
1. Can I change my island layout in ACNH without resetting?
Yes, to a certain extent. The Island Designer app, unlocked after achieving a 3-star island rating, allows you to modify cliffs, rivers, and place paths, dramatically altering the look and feel of your island. You can smooth edges, lay down different terrains like sand and paths. To access these tools, speak to Tom Nook inside Resident Services and select “let’s talk infrastructure,” then “want layout changes.” However, the core layout of your island, including the placement of the Resident Services building, river mouths, and beach rocks, is unchangeable without a reset.
2. Can I move my Resident Services building?
No, you cannot move the Resident Services building. Its placement is permanent. It’s a core component of your island’s layout, and cannot be altered, making it a primary factor when considering a reset.
3. What is the Island Designer app and how do I get it?
The Island Designer app is a powerful tool that lets you sculpt your island. You unlock it on your NookPhone the day after your island reaches a 3-star rating, upon talking with Tom Nook. It allows you to build and destroy cliffs and water, as well as lay paths to customize your island.
4. Can I change the layout of my beaches?
Unfortunately, beach layouts cannot be altered using the Island Designer app. You can dig holes, plant trees, and hide items, but the landscape of the beach itself remains fixed. This is one of the limitations to consider when deciding to start fresh.
5. What happens when you start a new island?
When you reset your island, all of your progress is erased. This includes items, DIY recipes, Bells (the game’s currency), your house upgrades, and friendships with villagers. While you can store some personal items on a friend’s island to retrieve later, you will lose the vast majority of your progress.
6. How do I choose the best island layout at the beginning?
While the terraforming tool (Island Designer app) ultimately gives you a lot of control over your island, your starting layout is a significant factor. Take a moment to inspect the available layouts carefully when starting your game. Pay attention to the locations of the river mouths, the placement of the Resident Services, and the shape of the main landmass. Remember that your starting choice will influence how much you will have to adjust later if you want the ideal setup.
7. Is it worth it to restart my Animal Crossing island?
Whether it’s worth it is entirely a personal decision. If you’re unhappy with your current island or looking for a fresh start, then it may be worth the sacrifice. If you’re attached to your collected items and progress and can find creative ways to improve your island with the available tools, you might think twice before resetting.
8. Can I have two islands on the same Nintendo Switch?
No, you can only have one island per Nintendo Switch system. The save data is linked to the console, not the game card. If you want a second island, you’ll need a second Nintendo Switch console and a separate copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
9. How do I get a 3-star rating for my island?
To unlock terraforming, your island must achieve a 3-star rating. This is usually done by:
- Having at least 7 villagers move onto your island.
- Placing at least 27 different types of furniture items outside.
- Placing at least 50 pieces of fencing.
- Building 2 bridges and 2 inclines on the main island area.
10. What can I do with my items before resetting?
If you’re considering a reset, consider entrusting your valuable items to a friend. This means using an online multiplayer feature or visiting a friend with your inventory filled. They can hold onto these items until you’re ready to retrieve them after you restart your game.
11. Is there an auto-save function that could mess up a reset attempt?
Yes, Animal Crossing: New Horizons uses an auto-save feature, but this won’t kick in until after you’ve completed the first-day tutorial and woken up in your tent. This means you can easily restart from the beginning before your progress has been saved to the game, if you don’t like the start island that you got.
12. Can I visit another island while considering a reset?
Yes! The Dreaming feature allows you to visit other players’ islands even when they aren’t online. You won’t be able to make any changes there, but it can provide inspiration for your own island design if you need it. The process is very straightforward and requires the Dream Address of another island.
13. Can I change the starting hemisphere?
Yes, during the initial setup, you get to choose between the Northern or Southern hemisphere. This will influence the seasons you experience in the game. Remember that the hemisphere can’t be changed once the island is established.
14. What are some fun names for my new island?
Island names are a creative aspect of the game! Some amusing ideas, depending on your sense of humor, might be puns like “Eggs Isle,” “Miss Isle,” or “Eye Land.” Try to find one that reflects your unique style and island theme.
15. Who are the nicest villagers to have on my island?
Villager personalities vary, but there are a few known for their kindness and overall appeal. Some popular “nice” villagers include Ione, Marina, Fauna, and Diana, just to name a few. When getting a new island, these can be some great villagers to look for.
Conclusion
Resetting your island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a significant step but can be rewarding. By understanding the process, what you will lose, and what options you have to customize your island, you can make an informed decision. Use the information above to determine the best path for you. Whether you’re aiming for a complete fresh start or planning to tweak your current layout, remember that in ACNH, the most important thing is to enjoy your own unique island paradise!