Stuck on Your Island? Unlocking River Crossings in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
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Why can’t you cross the river in Animal Crossing: New Horizons right away? The simple answer is: because you haven’t unlocked the tools to do so yet! When you first land on your deserted island, exploration is intentionally limited. Think of it as a staged introduction to the game’s mechanics. You need to progress through the initial tasks set by Tom Nook, like collecting resources and crafting, to earn the ability to traverse those watery divides. Initially you are only allowed to wander around your part of the island but quickly with the help of this guide you will be able to open up your world within the game.
The Vaulting Pole: Your First Step to Island Freedom
Your first significant step towards full island exploration comes in the form of the Vaulting Pole. This handy tool allows you to leap across rivers and access previously unreachable areas. Here’s how to acquire it:
Gathering Resources
First you need to find Softwood around the island, you’ll need 5 pieces of softwood to make the Vaulting Pole.
Crafting the Vaulting Pole
Head to a crafting bench. If you haven’t already, you’ll likely need to craft one. Tom Nook will guide you through this process early on. Once at the crafting bench, you’ll see the Vaulting Pole recipe. Select it, and voila! You’re now the proud owner of a Vaulting Pole.
Using the Vaulting Pole
Equip the Vaulting Pole from your inventory. Stand near the edge of the river, facing the opposite bank. Press the ‘A’ button, and your character will gracefully vault across. Remember that you will have to be facing directly at the area you wish to vault too.
Beyond the Vaulting Pole: Bridges and More
The Vaulting Pole is only the beginning. As you progress, you’ll unlock more permanent and stylish solutions for crossing rivers, like bridges.
Building Your First Bridge
Early in the game, Tom Nook will task you with building the island’s first bridge. This requires crafting a bridge construction kit, which in turn demands specific materials:
- Clay: 4 pieces
- Stone: 4 pieces
- Log Stakes: 4 pieces (requiring 12 Wood in total, as each stake needs 3 Wood)
Gather these resources and craft the kit, and you’re well on your way. With these resources you can create the required bridge for your island.
Permanent Bridges
As you develop your island, you can construct permanent bridges through the Resident Services building. These bridges require Bells (the in-game currency) and offer a more aesthetically pleasing and convenient way to cross rivers.
Swimming in the Sea
Eventually, you can even explore the ocean surrounding your island. This requires a Wet Suit, which can be purchased from Nook’s Cranny. Once equipped, you can jump into the water and swim around, discovering underwater creatures and resources.
Games Learning Society
Want to delve deeper into the mechanics and design of games like Animal Crossing? Check out the Games Learning Society, a great resource at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for understanding how games teach and engage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take for Blathers to arrive on my island?
After you’ve donated five fish or bugs to Tom Nook, Blathers will arrive the following day and set up his tent. He’ll then ask for 15 more donations before he can open the museum.
2. Why is Blathers not showing up on my island?
Make sure you’ve completed the initial tutorial and placed your tent. Then, donate at least five creatures to Tom Nook. Blathers will appear the next day.
3. Why don’t I have a bridge recipe in Animal Crossing?
There is no specific DIY recipe for bridges, except for the first one that Tom Nook instructs you to build. Additional bridges can be constructed after upgrading the Resident Services building, but they require payment in Bells.
4. How do I get 30 iron nuggets quickly?
The best way to farm Iron Nuggets is by visiting deserted islands using Nook Miles Tickets. Hit the rocks on these islands with a shovel or axe to collect the nuggets. Use the “Rock Trick” to maximize the number of items you get from each rock.
5. Can I go into the water without a Wet Suit?
No, you cannot enter the sea without a Wet Suit. You will only be able to wade in the water up to your knees without a Wet Suit. The Wet Suit is essential for swimming and diving.
6. Where is the best place to put a bridge?
Consider placing your bridges near the mouth of a river for easy access to different parts of your island.
7. How do you jump in Animal Crossing without poles?
You cannot jump in Animal Crossing to cross gaps or climb cliffs without tools. Use the Vaulting Pole for rivers and a ladder for cliffs.
8. Can I move my tent after placing it?
Yes, you can move your tent after upgrading the Resident Services center. However, it costs 30,000 Bells, so choose your initial location wisely.
9. What bug is Blathers not afraid of?
While Blathers generally dislikes bugs, he seems to have a fondness for the Madagascan Sunset Moth.
10. What does Blathers hate the most?
Blathers suffers from entomophobia, the fear of insects, which he often expresses when you donate bugs to the museum.
11. What should I do while waiting for Blathers to move in?
Explore your island, catch creatures, craft DIY projects, sell items, shake trees, and talk to your villagers to stay busy while waiting for Blathers to arrive.
12. What time is Blathers awake in the museum?
Blathers, being an owl, sleeps during the day and wakes up at 6 PM in the game. He can be woken up if you need to speak with him.
13. How do I get Brewster if I missed him the first time?
Go to your island’s pier and speak to Kapp’n. He will take you to different islands for a fee. Brewster can be found on one of these islands, but only if you have spoken to Blathers in the museum beforehand.
14. Can I craft multiple Vaulting Poles?
Yes, you can craft multiple Vaulting Poles, but like many of your tools, they can break after a certain number of uses. So, it’s always a good idea to have a few spares on hand.
15. How do I use the “Rock Trick” to maximize Iron Nugget drops?
To perform the “Rock Trick,” dig two holes behind you before hitting a rock with your shovel or axe. This prevents you from being knocked back and allows you to hit the rock repeatedly, maximizing the number of items that drop. Do not eat any fruit before you do this or you will destroy the rock instead of getting items from it.