If you haven’t heard already, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is set to release a 3.0 update in January 2026. There are many new improvements and features to look forward to. Before the update, you might want to enhance your current island.

Here are some tips to help you get started and prepare for the upcoming 3.0 update. Whether you’re a new player or returning to revive your island, these strategies will assist you in making the most of your adventure and enjoying the journey every step of the way.

Get started. Your perfect island awaits!

Creating an Island

Starting a new adventure can be intimidating, especially when Tom Nook is in charge. As you begin your journey on the island, you’ll need to complete various tasks assigned by Tom Nook to build your paradise.

Do not sell stones, clay, or iron nuggets.

• Save these materials for DIY projects that you will accumulate throughout the game. If you run out of storage, feel free to drop them somewhere outside on your island.
• Need more resources? You can travel to another island using a Nook Miles Ticket. These tickets can be purchased at the Nook Stop. After buying a Nook Miles Ticket, take it to the Dodos at the airport, visit another island, and hit additional rocks for more materials!
• If you still need more resources for your projects, consider downloading Nookazon.
• On Nookazon, players can purchase additional resources, clothing, furniture, and more from other players who are selling items.

Designing the Island

Making the island your own is one of the best parts of this game! You will want to keep in mind the island rating. To check what your current island rating is and how to improve to, check in with Isabelle in resident services.

• Find Inspiration: Check out TikTok, Pinterest, or watch streamers who play Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH) for design ideas.
• Focus on One Area at a Time: Designing your island can be time-consuming. Until the 3.0 update is released in January 2026, players won’t have the ability to easily customize outdoor areas. In the 3.0 update, players will be able to customize outdoor areas as they would through their storage inside their homes.
• Construction: Be patient! Redesigning your island may take time, especially before the 3.0 update.

Daily Tasks

Make sure to complete these daily tasks to help you advance in the creation of your island.

Shake All the Trees on the Island

• Each day, you can find 10 trees with bells, 2 trees with furniture, and 5 trees that may have wasps.
• When shaking trees, make sure to hold a net to catch the wasps and avoid getting stung. Otherwise, you’ll need to use medicine.

Dig Up Fossils

• There will be four fossils available each day.
• Once you find the fossils, have them assessed by Blathers at the museum. Donate any that he accepts. If he doesn’t accept them because the museum already has them, you can sell them, give them to another islander, or sell them on Nookazon to fellow players.

Grab a Coffee from Brewster

• Visiting the coffee shop daily allows players to earn rewards.
• Other villagers will also start to visit Brewster and enjoy the coffee shop.

Starting fresh on your island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a journey full of creativity, patience, and discovery. As you gather resources, explore new places, and shape each corner of your island, every small step helps bring your vision to life. With the right strategies whether you’re designing, collecting, or completing daily tasks, you’ll find yourself building not just an island, but a world that reflects your own style and imagination.

No matter where you are in your adventure, remember to enjoy the process, stay inspired, and take things at your own pace. With a bit of dedication and creativity, your dream island is always within reach.

Remember to have your switch on auto update so you don’t miss out on the 3.0 update coming January 2026! Learn more about the 3.0 update here.