How to Unlock Leif in Animal Crossing: New Horizons – A Comprehensive Guide
Unlocking Leif, the lovable sloth who sells plants, in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a rewarding step in beautifying your island. Leif’s presence provides access to unique shrubs and flowers, essential for creating stunning landscapes. Getting Leif to regularly visit your island and ultimately establishing his shop at Harv’s Island requires a few key steps. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know.
Initial Steps to Encounter Leif
Nook’s Cranny is Key
Before Leif will even consider setting up shop on your island, you must first help Timmy and Tommy build Nook’s Cranny. This is one of the foundational buildings that unlocks many of the game’s features. Leif’s arrival is directly linked to your island’s progression and this establishment. It signifies the beginning of a more developed island.
The First Encounters
Once Nook’s Cranny is open, Leif will begin to visit your island randomly. He arrives with his charming little cart full of shrubs and flower seeds. You’ll find him set up near Residential Services. These random visits are the first phase of your journey to securing his services on a more consistent basis. He will typically stay until 5 AM, which is also the reset time for your island.
Establishing Leif at Harv’s Island
Discovering Harv’s Island and Photopia
The first critical step to unlocking Leif’s permanent presence is to journey to Harv’s Island. You won’t be able to go there until Harvey visits your island and invites you over. This usually happens after having at least three villagers move to your island. Once you have Harvey’s invite, head to your airport and take the trip. The first visit will center around Photopia, where you’ll learn about taking pictures with villagers and furniture.
Unlocking the Plaza
After your initial visit to Harv’s Island and the Photopia tutorial, Harvey will send you a letter encouraging you to return. Upon returning, you’ll be introduced to Harriet, who is instrumental in upgrading the plaza. After a short conversation with both of them, you’ll get the option to donate 100,000 bells to set up a vendor space in the plaza for Leif.
Welcoming Leif to the Plaza
Once you’ve donated the bells, Leif will set up his permanent shop at the plaza at Harv’s Island. This makes him accessible at any time, not just on random island visits. Leif’s shop at Harv’s Island is open from 5 AM to 11 PM. Now, you can explore his plant offerings regularly without waiting for him to randomly visit your island.
Island Visits Continue
Even with his permanent presence on Harv’s Island, Leif will still randomly visit your island roughly every two weeks. These island visits give you another opportunity to browse his wares and purchase seasonal items for your landscape. This ensures that even without visiting Harv’s Island, there is a chance for Leif’s items to find their way to you.
Understanding Leif’s Shop
Shrubs and Flowers
Leif’s main focus is selling an array of plants. His shop offers various shrubs, flower seeds, and sometimes produce. The selection of flowers often reflects the current season and their specific bloom timing. Shrubs are the cornerstone for creating beautiful hedges and pathways.
Island-Specific Variations
The types of items offered on Leif’s visit to your island can be different than what he has at Harv’s Island. This allows players to collect a more diverse selection of plants and is worth keeping an eye on. You might find that he has a unique selection on your island that he does not have at his permanent shop.
Seasonal Offers
Leif always has seasonal items. So, be sure to take note of when your season changes to see if he has any new items to offer. This makes his shop very important for players who like to keep their islands updated and seasonal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How Often Does Leif Visit My Island?
Leif will randomly visit your island about once every two weeks, even after establishing his shop on Harv’s Island. He will stay until 5 AM.
2. What Time Does Leif Close on Harv’s Island?
Leif’s shop on Harv’s Island is open from 5 AM to 11 PM.
3. Why Isn’t Leif Visiting My Island?
Ensure you’ve opened Nook’s Cranny. Leif will not appear before this has been done.
4. Can I Change Leif’s Stock by Time Traveling?
Time traveling can affect Leif’s stock, but it is not a guaranteed way to get specific items. The best way to find new items is to visit him regularly.
5. Does Leif Only Sell Plants?
Leif primarily sells shrubs and flower seeds, but he can occasionally have other produce items like pumpkin starts during certain times of the year.
6. How Do I Get Leif to Set Up Shop at Harv’s Island?
You need to first visit Harv’s Island after being invited, do the Photopia tutorial and then return to donate 100,000 bells at the plaza for his space.
7. Can I Have Multiple Islands?
No, you can only have one island per Nintendo Switch console. If you want a new island, you will need to use a different console.
8. What Are the Benefits of Upgrading Harv’s Island?
Upgrading Harv’s Island gives you access to a variety of vendors including Leif, Saharah, Redd, and others, all in one convenient location.
9. What Other Shops are at Harv’s Island?
Besides Leif, other shops include: Reese & Cyrus, Saharah, Katrina, Redd, and Tortimer’s storage.
10. How Do I Upgrade My Island Rating?
Focus on planting flowers, removing weeds, building fences, and moving in more villagers. Aim for a three-star rating to unlock further island development.
11. Is Mabel from the Able Sisters?
Yes, Mabel is one of the Able sisters. She co-owns the Able Sisters’ tailor shop and is known for assisting customers.
12. Can You Change the Size of Your Island?
No, the size of your island is fixed. You can modify the landscape, but not the island’s overall size.
13. How Often Can I Visit Harv’s Island?
You can visit Harv’s Island as often as you want once you have unlocked it. There are no daily restrictions.
14. Do the Items Sold by Leif at Harv’s Island Change?
Yes, the items at Leif’s shop on Harv’s Island do change over time. This allows you to purchase a variety of plants and seeds.
15. Does Leif Have a Relationship with Any Characters?
Leif doesn’t have a romantic relationship with any specific character in Animal Crossing. The Viking lore reference you might see is unrelated to this game.
Unlocking Leif is a crucial part of developing your island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. By following these steps, you’ll have consistent access to his unique plants and seeds, helping you create a beautiful and personalized island. Remember to be patient and enjoy the journey!