How to Upgrade Nook’s Cranny in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
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Upgrading Nook’s Cranny in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a crucial step in expanding your island’s commercial offerings and unlocking more items for purchase. This beloved shop, run by the adorable raccoon duo Timmy and Tommy, is initially quite modest. However, with some effort, you can transform it into a larger, more vibrant store. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to accomplish this upgrade.
The Key to Upgrading: Meeting Specific Criteria
To upgrade Nook’s Cranny, you must fulfill a specific set of criteria that goes beyond simply playing for a long time. Here’s what you need to achieve:
1. Time Since Initial Construction
The first and foremost requirement is time. You need to have waited at least 30 days since the initial Nook’s Cranny building was constructed on your island. It’s important to remember that this is 30 in-game days from when the building first opened, not your total play time. For many players, Nook’s Cranny is built around their third or fourth day on the island, so patience is key.
2. Bell Spending Threshold
The second criteria is related to your spending habits at the shop. You need to have a combined total of 200,000 Bells worth of transactions at Nook’s Cranny. This includes both buying and selling items. It’s not just about how much you spend; selling goods to Timmy and Tommy contributes to this total as well. Keep in mind that even though Nook Mileage tracks bells spent for the Bell Ringer achievement, spending at other shops does count toward this particular objective. The crucial factor here is the overall volume of buying and selling at Nook’s Cranny itself.
3. Mabel’s Visit
Finally, Mabel, the hedgehog who runs the Able Sisters’ clothing shop, must have visited your island at least once before the upgrade can occur. She typically shows up as a traveling vendor in the town square before establishing her own permanent shop, so you may need to be patient until you see her wandering around. This interaction will trigger an event leading up to her setting up the Able Sisters’ shop. Just her initial visit, not the establishment of her shop, counts towards the Nook’s Cranny upgrade trigger.
The Upgrade Process
Once you’ve met all of these requirements, the day after the final condition is met, Nook’s Cranny will be closed for a day of construction. The following day, the upgraded Nook’s Cranny will be open. The change won’t be dramatic in terms of the building’s physical size, as it does not get bigger in size, but you’ll notice more items on sale and a slightly different interior layout. The shop itself keeps the name “Nook’s Cranny” after the upgrade and is the only upgrade available for the store.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nook’s Cranny Upgrades
Here are some frequently asked questions about upgrading Nook’s Cranny, to further help you through the process:
1. How do you unlock Nook’s Cranny initially?
To get the original Nook’s Cranny shop, you first need to pay off your initial island getaway package using 5,000 Nook Miles. Once that’s done, talk to Tom Nook to upgrade your tent to a house. Then, speak to Timmy inside Resident Services and give him the materials he asks for, which will trigger the construction of Nook’s Cranny.
2. Can I move Nook’s Cranny after it’s built?
Yes, you can move Nook’s Cranny after it has been built. Simply talk to Tom Nook, select “Let’s talk infrastructure,” and then choose “Layout Changes.” Moving any structure, including Nook’s Cranny, costs 50,000 Bells.
3. Does Nook’s Cranny get any bigger with the upgrade?
No, the exterior of Nook’s Cranny does not get physically bigger with the upgrade. The upgrade mainly adds more items to the stock and alters the interior layout. The building’s footprint and size remains the same after the upgrade as it was before.
4. Does Nook’s Cranny upgrade automatically?
Yes, the Nook’s Cranny upgrade is triggered automatically when you meet all three requirements: 30 days after construction, 200,000 Bells spent, and Mabel’s visit. Once all conditions are met, you do not need to manually trigger it; construction will begin the next in-game day.
5. What happens if I am in Nook’s Cranny when it closes?
Nook’s Cranny is open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM. If you happen to be inside the store at closing time, Timmy and Tommy will politely ask you to leave, with no other repercussions.
6. Do the DIY recipes at Nook’s Cranny change?
The selection of DIY recipes at Nook’s Cranny does not expand significantly. The store offers a very limited set of recipes. Most of your DIY recipes will come from other sources like seasonal events, balloons, bottles washed up on the beach, and your villagers.
7. How can I buy items when Nook’s Cranny is closed?
The majority of the stock in Nook’s Cranny changes daily. You can visit other players’ islands, which often have different items for sale, allowing you to purchase items you may not find on your own island.
8. Where should I build Nook’s Cranny initially?
A good location for Nook’s Cranny is typically near the location of the player’s house. This allows for convenient access. However, you can move the building later if needed.
9. How do I get Mabel to visit my island?
Mabel appears randomly in the town square. To increase the chances of her visiting, you should consistently buy items from her when she does appear. After spending at least 5,000 Bells, she will discuss the possibility of setting up a permanent shop on your island.
10. How much money do I need to spend for Mabel to establish her shop?
After spending at least 5,000 Bells, Mabel will discuss her plans to open a permanent shop. She will ask you to find a spot for her shop. The Able Sisters shop will then open for business two days after the building site is chosen.
11. Can I build other facilities like a hospital?
While you can’t build a full hospital, you can design and decorate facilities like a school and a hospital within the Happy Home Paradise DLC. These buildings come with multiple rooms for designing.
12. What are some of the most expensive items to sell at Nook’s Cranny?
Some of the most expensive items to sell at Nook’s Cranny include the Throne (800,000 Bells), Grand Piano (260,000 Bells), and Elaborate Kimono Stand (220,000 Bells). These items can be purchased for resale or are obtained through other means in the game.
13. Will Animal Crossing: New Horizons get more updates in 2023?
Unfortunately, Nintendo has announced there will be no further major updates for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The game did receive many updates over the first two years, but this cycle has ceased.
14. Does Mabel come every day?
No, Mabel does not come to your island every day. She appears randomly, and you will usually find her at the town square or plaza on Saturdays and Sundays.
15. How many squares does Nook’s Cranny occupy?
Nook’s Cranny measures 7 squares wide by 4 squares long. This helps with planning your island layout and if you intend to move the building later.
By meeting these requirements and taking advantage of all the features of Nook’s Cranny, you will be well on your way to a thriving and vibrant island community in Animal Crossing: New Horizons!