Know more about island layout in Animal Crossing New Horizons Switch (ACNH) - best island, best island layout, island layout ideas, map size, map designer and layout options list!!!
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 Island Design Ideas |
Choose Your Island Layout
There Will Be Several Island Layouts
At the start of a new game, you will be given a choice of 4 possible layouts to choose from. If none of these appeal to you, you still have the option of restarting the game to generate 4 new layouts!
Island Size Is The Same
No matter which layout you choose, the size of the island will always be the same. Just be sure to pick the right layout.
How To Select Best Island Layout
Can You Have More than One Island?
Players Only Have One Base Island
Players will only have one base island where they can build their home & access the different facilities, including the Resident Services & the Airport.
Check Out All Buildings List!Free To Visit Other Islands
Even if you cannot build on other islands, you can still have access to them. You're free to visit your friends' islands or go to a random one using the Nook Miles Ticket to travel.
Check Out the Nook Miles Ticket Guide!How To Reset Island Layout
Do You Need To Reset For Layouts?
If you have a particular preference for an island layout, or even a native fruit, we recommend that you reset to get your desired, ideal start!
Terrain Can Be Changed Later On
In New Horizons, you'll be able to modify the terrain on your island later on in the game when you unlock the Island Designer tool. This will allow you to fill in rivers and remove cliffs. If you don't mind waiting/doing the extra work, you don't need to go through the resetting process.
Learn How To Change Terrain Of Your Island From HereHow To Reset For Best Island Starting Layout
| 1 | Start the game |
|---|---|
| 2 | Choose your name / hemisphere / appearance |
| 3 | Choose from the 4 layouts (*random) |
| 4 | If there isn't one you like, shut the game down and start back at 1 |
| 5 | After choosing the layout, start your life on the island |
| 6 | If you want to get particular villagers / fruits, repeat steps 1-5 over & over |
Name, Birthday, & Hemisphere Cannot Be Changed
Be careful, as you will not be able to change your name, birthday, or hemisphere once you've completed this process. Take your time in deciding these!
Check Out The Other Points of No Return Here!Appearance (Gender) Can Be Changed
You will be able to change your character's appearance later on as you progress in the game. Once you get access to a dresser/mirror in your room, you'll be able to alter your appearance, so there's no reason to focus too much on it at the start!
Check Out Our Character Creation Guide & Face ListBest Island - How To Choose Layout
Tips On How To Choose Best Island
| What To Look For | Priority |
|---|---|
| Location Of The Resident Services | ★★★★ |
| Island Geography | ★★★・ |
| Villagers | ★★★・ |
| Shape Of The River | ★★・・ |
| Number Of Ponds | ★★・・ |
| Type Of Fruit | ★・・・ |
Because you can jump across the river with Vaulting Pole or fill out river with Island Designer, the shape of the river is less important. Look for a layout which has Resident Services in the center of the island since you will be using that facility quite often.
Check Location Of Resident Services
The Resident Services houses a lot of features that will help you on the island, including the DIY Workshop & the ATMs. Since you'll need to visit it often, consider its location before selecting a layout.
You Can't Choose Villagers & Fruit
The fruit and villagers are randomly determined. If you want to have specific fruit or villager, reset the data until you get your favorite one.
Varieties of Fruit
- Apples
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Oranges
↑ These are the types of fruit we've been able to confirm so far - there may be more!!!
There Will Be 2 Starting Villagers
There will be 2 villagers in your island to start with. You can reset your data to change your starting villagers if you want to. Read the guide below to learn more.
Check Out Starting Villagers List!Fewer Ponds Are Recommended
Ponds often get in the way when you want to build new facilities. Although you can fill out the water with Island Designer, it is recommended to choose the island with less ponds.
Use Map Designer Or Island Layout Tools
There are many online map designer & layout tools such as Happy Island Designer that you can use to plot and check the best island layout for your preference. Go online and find the best one that works for you!
Best Island Layout & List
| Island Layout | Rating | Features |
|---|---|---|
 | ★★★★ | - Area around Resident Services is wide & spacious |
 | ★★★★ | - Share of the river is ideal - Resident Services is near the center of the island |
 | ★★★★ | - Eastern area has lots of space - River doesn't take up too much space |
 | ★★★★ | - Wide area + Resident Services in the center - Few river branches |
 | ★★★★ | - Rivers don't get in the way, ponds are off to the side, nice and wide |
 | ★★★・ | - Two wide areas - Two small ponds are in slightly inconvenient positions |
 | ★★★・ | - Land is divided into 3 fairly equal parts |
 | ★★★・ | - The left side area is wide |
 | ★★・・ | - The shape of the river is too complicated |
 | ★★・・ | - Too many ponds - River branches too many times |
Best Island Name
Choose Your Own Island Name
Your island name is something other players will see when they visit you. Share us your island name & we will feature some funny island name on our article!
Tell Us How You Will Name Your Island Here!Other Island Layouts List
The following layouts have all been confirmed by players on our team!!!
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Animal Crossing New Horizons Switch - Recommended Articles
April Updates
| April Update Related Articles | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1.10 Update | ||
| May Day | Museum Day | Wedding Season |
Essential Guides
| All Fish List | All Bug List |
| Sea Creatures List | Villager Tier List |
| All Villagers List | Mystery Island List |
| DIY Recipes List | DIY Materials List |
Must Reads For Beginners
| Beginner Guide & Tips | |
| Points of No Return | Beginning Questions |
| Best Island Layout | Best Tent Location |
