How Much Do I Owe Tom Nook? A Comprehensive Guide to Animal Crossing Debt
The question of how much you owe Tom Nook is a central one for any Animal Crossing player, especially in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. While the concept of a raccoon landlord might seem daunting, understanding your debt and how it functions is key to enjoying your island life. Let’s break down exactly what you owe and why.
Initial Island Getaway Package Debt
Your journey in New Horizons begins with a seemingly idyllic relocation to a deserted island. However, this dream comes with a price tag. Upon your arrival, Tom Nook, the mastermind behind Nook Inc., presents you with your initial bill, typically 49,800 bells. This sum covers the essentials for your new life: a basic tent and the indispensable NookPhone.
It’s crucial to understand that this is not the end of your financial obligations to Mr. Nook. This is merely the entry point into the ongoing cycle of loans and home upgrades that are a hallmark of the Animal Crossing experience.
Mortgage Debts: Expanding Your Island Home
As you progress in the game, you’ll inevitably want to upgrade your initial tent to a house, marking the start of your mortgage journey. Each time you expand your home, Tom Nook will provide the construction and present you with another loan. These mortgage debts rapidly escalate, meaning that your initial 49,800 bells is just a drop in the bucket compared to future expenses.
These are some of the upgrades and associated costs:
- First House Upgrade: This typically involves turning your tent into a proper house, and it comes with a loan of 98,000 Bells.
- Room Expansion: Subsequent expansions to your house involve adding more rooms, with increasing loan amounts. The first room expansion loan comes in at 198,000 Bells.
- Larger Rooms and Additional Space: Every expansion adds rooms or more space, each requiring higher payments.
- The Final Loan: The final and largest loan occurs when you add a basement to your home. This substantial upgrade requires a payment of 2,498,000 Bells.
Therefore, the total amount you owe Tom Nook throughout your Animal Crossing: New Horizons journey can run into millions of bells. It isn’t one lump sum but a series of individual mortgages for each upgrade you choose to make.
The Nature of Nook Loans: No Due Dates, No Pressure
One of the more forgiving aspects of Animal Crossing loans is the lack of any formal due date. Unlike real-world loans, Tom Nook does not have a set due date or interest rate. He will patiently wait indefinitely for players to repay the money, without pressure or penalty. This laid-back approach allows players to focus on enjoying the game and paying back their loans at their own pace, making it a low-stress game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tom Nook’s Debt
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of owing money to Tom Nook in Animal Crossing:
1. Do I have to pay off my Tom Nook loan?
While there isn’t a game-enforced requirement to repay Nook, paying off your loan is necessary to unlock further upgrades to your house. You cannot unlock all the features of the game without paying them off.
2. What happens if I don’t pay my loan in Animal Crossing?
Absolutely nothing happens if you don’t pay! The game doesn’t penalize players for holding onto debt. Tom Nook will continue to run his business as if everything is normal. You can go about your island life, but certain upgrades and features of the game won’t become available.
3. How do I pay off my Tom Nook loan?
You can repay your loans through the ABD (Automatic Bell Dispenser) machine located in the Resident Services building. You can pay your loan with bells you’ve earned through various activities.
4. Can you ever fully pay off Tom Nook?
Yes, absolutely! You can pay off all of Tom Nook’s loans, and once you’ve paid for all the house upgrades, you are no longer in debt. This achievement allows you to make exterior renovations to your house for free.
5. What are the best ways to earn Bells to pay off my loan?
Several effective methods include selling at Nook’s Cranny, selling fossils and paintings, collecting and selling shells, and selling fruit, especially if it’s a non-native variety to your island. Additionally, crafting and selling the “Hot Item” of the day can be a lucrative option.
6. Is Tom Nook a crook?
Despite popular fan theories, Tom Nook is not a crook. He’s an entrepreneur who offers valuable services and upgrades in exchange for bells. The fact that he doesn’t impose deadlines or interest demonstrates his rather lenient and relaxed approach to business.
7. Can I pay off my loan with Nook Miles?
No. You cannot use Nook Miles to pay for your house loans. Nook Miles are only accepted as payment for the tent when you begin your journey to the island. However, you can use Nook Miles to purchase items that you can later sell to earn bells for your loan payments.
8. How many storage slots do I get with the final house upgrade?
The final house upgrade, which includes a basement, brings your total storage slots up to 1,600.
9. What happens when I fully upgrade my home?
Once fully upgraded, you are no longer indebted to Tom Nook for further house expansions. You can then make exterior renovations free of charge. You are effectively finished with the Tom Nook loan system.
10. What are exterior renovations after paying off the final loan?
After paying your final home loan, you can approach Tom Nook to renovate your house’s exterior. You can change the roof, door, and other details of your house without any further cost.
11. What happens if I sell my town to Tom Nook?
Selling your town is a permanent action. It will completely delete all data and allows you to start the game from the beginning. It can be a good way to reset the game if you don’t like where you ended up on your first playthrough.
12. Should I give Tom Nook my fish and bugs?
Early in the game, Tom Nook will ask for your first five fish or bugs. Providing them to him helps progress the storyline. These are not used for loan repayments, but are used to progress the game and help the Museum in the early game.
13. Why do I owe Tom Nook money?
You owe Tom Nook money because he provides you with your initial tent (and later house), NookPhone, and other essential services upon your arrival at the deserted island. These essential services are treated as “getaway packages” and are paid off through bells as the game progresses.
14. Is Tom Nook the richest character in Animal Crossing?
Yes! Many believe, based on the sheer volume of transactions in the game, that Tom Nook could be one of the richest characters across all video games and that his net worth is estimated to be in the trillions.
15. What happens if I leave Animal Crossing for too long?
If you leave the game for a long time, you’ll find the island overgrown with weeds. Additionally, villagers might mention your absence and some could move away. However, there are no severe consequences for extended inactivity.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much you owe Tom Nook in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an essential part of the game’s experience. While the debt might seem large, it’s a manageable goal that encourages players to explore the game’s numerous activities. Whether you are diligent about paying off your loans or prefer to take a more relaxed approach, Animal Crossing provides a charming, low-stress environment for everyone. The key thing is that you’re having fun and enjoying your island life.