What Triggers Nook’s Cranny Upgrade in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
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The coveted Nook’s Cranny upgrade is a significant milestone for any Animal Crossing: New Horizons player. It signifies progression, access to a wider variety of goods, and a generally more robust shopping experience. Unlike previous titles in the series, the upgrade doesn’t simply happen by spending a certain amount of Bells at the store. Instead, a combination of factors, particularly time and other pre-requisites, plays a crucial role. Simply put, the upgrade is triggered by three main conditions:
- At least 30 days must have passed since the initial construction of Nook’s Cranny. This is the biggest determining factor and cannot be rushed. Simply playing the game for 30 days, however, is not enough. It must specifically be 30 days of being an active resident on your island after the initial Nook’s Cranny build.
- A cumulative total of 200,000 Bells must have been transacted at Nook’s Cranny. This includes both buying and selling of items combined.
- Mabel must have visited your island at least once. This typically happens after you build the Able Sisters shop, but she has to have appeared as a visitor to your island first, and this visit must occur before the Nook’s Cranny upgrade.
Once all these criteria are met, Nook’s Cranny will automatically close down for a day and be replaced by a larger version the following day. You do not need to manually trigger this. This is the only upgrade the Nook’s Cranny store gets in New Horizons.
The Time Factor: Why Patience is Key
The 30-day time requirement is perhaps the most crucial and often the most frustrating element for players eager to upgrade. This aspect makes Nook’s Cranny’s growth an organic part of the gameplay, and the focus is not to spend or sell as much as you can. Rather the game encourages a slow and steady journey. Unlike some past games, simply spending money doesn’t force an upgrade; patience is vital, as a steady experience is the key to progression.
Transaction Threshold: The 200,000 Bell Mark
The 200,000 Bells spending threshold includes all transactions, both buying from and selling to Nook’s Cranny. It’s designed to be a naturally achievable goal as you progress through the game. You don’t need to stress over keeping meticulous track of all your sales and purchases. Instead just continue selling goods that you have on your island. The ‘Bell Ringer’ milestone in the Nook Miles app allows you to check how much money you have spent or received at Nook’s Cranny, so you can monitor your progress with this requirement.
Mabel’s Visit: A Prerequisite for Progress
Mabel’s visit is not only about establishing the Able Sisters tailor shop on your island but also a necessary step for Nook’s Cranny to upgrade. Players may encounter Mabel wandering their island before the Able Sisters’ store is built, this visit is a necessary step. She must visit before Nook’s Cranny will upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nook’s Cranny Upgrade
What happens when Nook’s Cranny upgrades?
When Nook’s Cranny upgrades, the store closes down for one day. You cannot buy or sell items during the renovation. The next day, a larger version of Nook’s Cranny will appear, offering a wider selection of items, including more furniture, tools, and seasonal goods.
Does Nook’s Cranny upgrade automatically?
Yes, the upgrade is automatic once all conditions are met. There’s no manual trigger or action you need to take. The store will simply close and renovate, reopening as a larger space.
Does Nook’s Cranny get any bigger beyond the first upgrade?
No, in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Nook’s Cranny only has one upgrade. It doesn’t get any larger beyond that initial transformation. All buildings, including your house and the museum, do not increase in physical size after they upgrade.
Can I move Nook’s Cranny before upgrading?
Yes, you can move Nook’s Cranny before or after the upgrade by speaking to Tom Nook at the Resident Services building. Moving it costs 50,000 Bells. This option is only available after Resident Services has upgraded to a Town Hall.
Can I sell turnips when Nook’s Cranny is closed for an upgrade?
No, you cannot sell turnips when Nook’s Cranny is closed for an upgrade. You can use the Drop-Off Box outside the store to sell items, but be aware that you will get a reduced price compared to selling at the counter.
How long does it take to build Nook’s Cranny initially?
After giving Timmy all the required resources, Nook’s Cranny is built on the following day, so it takes just one day to build initially.
How can I fast-track the building of Nook’s Cranny initially?
By collecting the required resources quickly and handing them to Timmy, you can get Nook’s Cranny built by day 3 of your island life.
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 the Elaborate Kimono Stand (220,000 Bells).
What are some of the best items to craft and sell at Nook’s Cranny?
Items that sell for a large amount include crafted items such as the Trophy Case (33,690 Bells), Street Piano (26,775 Bells), and Iron Frame (15,000 Bells).
What happens if I’m in Nook’s Cranny when it closes?
If you’re in Nook’s Cranny when closing time at 10:00 PM arrives, Timmy and Tommy will politely ask you to leave.
Does Resident Services need to upgrade for Nook’s Cranny to upgrade?
Yes, the Nook’s Cranny upgrade is tied to the Resident Services building upgrades. It will need to be upgraded to a Town Hall, however, by playing for at least 30 days, you will most likely have upgraded your Town Hall anyway.
What happens if I sell my town to Tom Nook?
Selling your town to Tom Nook deletes your island and all associated data. You will then be able to create a new island if you sell your town.
How do I get a 3-star island?
To get a 3-star rating for your island, you need to invite at least 7 villagers to move in, place 27 furniture items outdoors, place 50 pieces of fencing, and build 2 bridges and 2 inclines.
How often do the flowers at Nook’s Cranny change?
The first two flower types at Nook’s Cranny are permanent. The third flower type changes depending on the current month, corresponding with the season’s blooms.
Are there any major updates coming to Animal Crossing New Horizons in 2023?
No, Nintendo has confirmed that there will be no more major updates for Animal Crossing: New Horizons in 2023.
Understanding these factors and FAQs can help you navigate the Nook’s Cranny upgrade process with ease and ensure you’re making the most of your island life!