How to Get a Five-Star Island in Animal Crossing: And Why Your Neighbors Might Secretly Be Aliens

How to Get a Five-Star Island in Animal Crossing: And Why Your Neighbors Might Secretly Be Aliens

Achieving a five-star island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a dream for many players. It’s not just about bragging rights; it’s about creating a paradise that reflects your creativity and dedication. But how do you get there? And why do your neighbors sometimes act like they’re from another planet? Let’s dive into the details.

1. Understand the Island Evaluation System

The first step to achieving a five-star island is understanding how the game evaluates your island. Isabelle, your trusty island advisor, will give you feedback based on several criteria:

  • Scenery: The number of trees, flowers, and other natural elements.
  • Development: The number of buildings, bridges, and inclines.
  • Furniture Placement: The amount and arrangement of furniture both indoors and outdoors.
  • Cleanliness: Keeping your island free of clutter, weeds, and dropped items.

Pro Tip: Isabelle’s feedback can sometimes be vague, so pay attention to keywords like “more greenery” or “too cluttered.”

2. Plant Trees and Flowers Strategically

Trees and flowers are essential for boosting your island’s scenery score. However, it’s not just about quantity; it’s about variety and placement.

  • Plant a mix of fruit trees, hardwood trees, and cedar trees.
  • Create flower gardens with a variety of colors and species.
  • Avoid overcrowding—space out your plants to make your island look natural and well-planned.

Fun Fact: Did you know that some players believe flowers have secret powers? Rumor has it that blue roses can summon UFOs. (Okay, maybe not, but it’s fun to imagine.)

3. Decorate with Furniture and DIY Items

Furniture placement is a major factor in your island’s development score. Here’s how to maximize it:

  • Use a mix of crafted DIY items and store-bought furniture.
  • Create themed areas, like a café, playground, or outdoor library.
  • Don’t forget to decorate the beaches and cliffs—they count too!

Weird Observation: Have you ever noticed that your villagers seem to gravitate toward the most random furniture? Like, why does Bob always sit on the toilet you placed as a joke?

4. Build Bridges and Inclines

Infrastructure is key to a high development score. Bridges and inclines not only make your island more functional but also add to its aesthetic appeal.

  • Aim for at least 8-10 bridges and inclines.
  • Choose designs that match your island’s theme.
  • Place them in areas that improve accessibility and flow.

Conspiracy Theory: Some players think Tom Nook is secretly using the bridges and inclines to monitor your movements. Why else would he charge so many bells?

5. Keep Your Island Clean

A clean island is a happy island. Make sure to:

  • Pick up weeds regularly.
  • Avoid dropping items on the ground (unless they’re part of a design).
  • Dispose of trash properly (yes, fishing up boots counts as trash).

Random Thought: Why do weeds grow so fast? Is it because your villagers are secretly planting them at night to mess with you?

6. Engage with Your Villagers

Your villagers’ happiness plays a role in your island’s rating. To keep them happy:

  • Talk to them daily and fulfill their requests.
  • Give them gifts they’ll love (pro tip: wrapped fruit is always a safe bet).
  • Decorate their yards with items that match their personalities.

Suspicious Behavior: Have you ever noticed that some villagers seem to know too much? Like when they mention things you did in real life? Are they… watching you?

7. Add Unique Features

Stand out from the crowd by adding unique features to your island:

  • Create a maze or puzzle area.
  • Build a hidden treasure hunt.
  • Design a seasonal event space.

Crazy Idea: What if you built a spaceship landing pad? Just in case your alien neighbors need a place to park.

8. Seek Inspiration from Others

Sometimes, the best way to improve is to see what others have done. Visit dream islands, watch YouTube tours, and browse social media for ideas.

Warning: Be careful not to fall into the comparison trap. Your island is unique, and that’s what makes it special.

9. Be Patient and Persistent

Achieving a five-star island doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and a lot of bells. But the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.

Final Thought: Remember, even if your island doesn’t reach five stars, it’s still a reflection of you. And who knows? Maybe the aliens will give it a perfect rating.

FAQs

Q: How many trees do I need for a five-star island? A: The game doesn’t specify an exact number, but aim for around 200-220 trees. Just make sure they’re spread out and not too clustered.

Q: Can I have too many items on my island? A: Yes! Dropping too many items (like DIY materials or furniture) can lower your island’s cleanliness score. Store them in your house or inventory instead.

Q: Do villagers affect my island rating? A: Indirectly, yes. Happy villagers contribute to a positive atmosphere, which can help boost your rating.

Q: Why does Isabelle keep saying my island is cluttered? A: This usually means you have too many dropped items or furniture placed too close together. Try spacing things out and picking up loose items.

Q: Are my villagers really aliens? A: Probably not… but wouldn’t that explain a lot?