Nook's Cranny is the heart of your island's shopping experience in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. But its initial size is, let's be honest, a little cramped! Luckily, you can expand Nook's Cranny to a much larger and more impressive store. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step. Let's get started!
The Prerequisites: Unlocking the Expansion
Before you can even think about a bigger Nook's Cranny, you need to meet a few requirements. This isn't a quick process, so be prepared to invest some time in your island.
1. Pay Off Your Initial Loan:
First and foremost, you need to pay off your initial home loan to Tom Nook. This is the very first major task in the game, so you likely already have this done. If not, focus on paying off this debt before moving on to expanding Nook's Cranny.
2. Upgrade Your Resident Services:
Once your home loan is paid, the next step is upgrading Resident Services. This involves completing a series of tasks for Tom Nook, culminating in a larger and more functional Resident Services building. This upgrade is crucial to progressing further in the game and unlocking the Nook's Cranny expansion.
3. Achieve Three-Star Island Rating:
This is where the real work begins! To expand Nook's Cranny, you need to achieve a three-star island rating. This is judged on several factors:
- Flowers and Trees: Plant a variety of flowers and trees around your island.
- Crafting Materials: Make sure you have a good stock of various crafting materials.
- Structures: Building more structures, such as bridges, inclines, and furniture placement contributes to this rating.
- Island Cleanliness: Keep your island tidy and free of weeds. Remember to pick them up regularly!
- Residents: Having more villagers living on your island contributes positively to your rating.
The Expansion: Getting a Bigger Nook's Cranny
Once you've achieved a three-star rating, Timmy and Tommy will approach you to discuss expanding their shop. They'll excitedly announce their plans to build a much larger Nook's Cranny.
The Construction Phase:
After the announcement, construction will begin. You'll see some work being done on the site of the current Nook's Cranny. Be patient; it doesn't happen instantly.
The Grand Opening:
After a short period of construction, Nook's Cranny will reopen as a significantly larger store! This new, expanded shop offers:
- Increased Inventory: A much wider variety of items to purchase.
- More Space: More room to browse and shop without feeling cramped.
- New Section: A completely new section will be added to the shop.
Tips for Reaching the Three-Star Rating
Getting that three-star island rating is key to expanding Nook's Cranny. Here are some helpful tips:
- Focus on Variety: Plant a wide array of flowers and trees, don’t just stick to one type.
- Regular Cleanup: Make weed removal a daily habit.
- Strategic Placement: Carefully arrange your furniture and other structures for an aesthetically pleasing layout.
- Resident Interaction: Speak to your villagers regularly to build friendships and improve your relationship with them.
By following these steps, you'll be able to successfully expand Nook's Cranny and enjoy the benefits of a much larger and more functional shop on your island. Happy shopping!
