Animal Crossing: New Horizons gives players immense freedom to design and customize their islands like never before with its new terraforming tools. While this degree of creativity is exciting, it can also be overwhelming trying to come up with original terraforming ideas. This article highlights 10 of the most impressive island designs from AKPRG.COM to help inspire you.
1. Build Complex Waterfalls
One of the easiest ways to enhance your island is by adding eye-catching waterfalls. Many players initially create uniform, straight waterfalls but the most natural-looking designs incorporate uneven cliffs and varying waterfall sizes. Reddit user qt3-141 crafted a tropical-style area with an observation deck using this approach (Figure 1). Their asymmetrical design looks much more realistic than strict symmetry could achieve.
2. Create Separate Islands Within Your Main Island
In addition to waterfalls, the terraforming water tool allows unique structures like moats or inner islands. Reddit user Owen-Gaynondorf used this to build a simple but tranquil park retreat (Figure 2). Bridges help connect self-contained island areas to the overall design. Spaces like these provide peaceful places for villagers and players to relax.
3. Build Up Land Around Structures for Impact
Terraforming the land around buildings makes them stand out even more dramatically. Both Reddit users vkcs1a and SubspaceHighway leveraged cliffs and landscaping to elevate the impact of their museum entrances (Figure 3). The additional elevation and surrounding decorations emphasize the significance of the structures.
4. Craft Unique MAzes and Obstacle Courses
User Creativity is key for interacting spaces like mazes. As a Twitch community challenge, Reddit user ReelSteele27 carved out an immense half-island maze (Figure 4) using cliffs, water, and custom path designs. Puzzles like this provide interactive gameplay beyond the standard island experience.
5. Construct Secret Hidden Areas
Terraforming enables surreptitious passages like the hidden pathways Reddit users Sazley and oliverskywolf engineered (Figure 5). Waterfalls, cliffs, and gaps augment ambiance while discreetly connecting to secluded spots. Surprises like these add mystique and curiosity to any island tour.
6. Craft an Iconic Island Entrance
Greeting arrivals with a majestic entrance is a frequent goal. Reddit user AwayCorgi demonstrated a natural style entrance using strategic tree placement and terraformed cliffs (Figure 6). Grand structures with elaborate landscaping, like waterfalls, can also wow any visitors.
7. Create the Illusion of Land Bridges
While true land bridges aren't possible yet, Twitter user michelle crafted the fiction of them masterfully (Figure 7). Fencing and custom designed pathways disguise narrow cliff ridges as expansive arched walks. With creativity, terraforming enables imaginative solutions.
8. Incorporate Small Design Elements Broadly
A surer approach than grand projects alone involves spreading many modest additions throughout like Reddit user IWILLIFUWILL did (Figure 8). Multiple minor cliff faces, ponds and waterways together polished their entire island naturally. Iterating on small details everywhere prevents sparseness.
9. Get Inspired at AKRPG
Stumped for ideas? AKRPG is your best place to get ACNH items for your design. Their Animal Crossing Island Designs from AKRPG.COM showcases over 100 top community designs for all manner of themes. Browse natural, Japanese, festive and more dream island setups AKRPG for unlimited inspiration!
10. Be Creative and Don't Fear Experimenting!
Whether recreating others' work or pioneering your own, exploring terraforming's potential takes trial and error.Have fun testing new concepts; undesirable outcomes simply restart the process.Nintendo's island crafting tools afford constant refinement so keep innovating bold ideas.Your persistence will sculpt an island paradise uniquely yours.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Terraforming | Shape cliffs and waterways |
| Construction | Place furniture like paths and bridges |
| Rescue Service | Demolish built features |
In conclusion, New Horizons patches expanded possibilities for island shaping unfortunately come without tutorials. However, perusing top fan creations provides bountiful motivation. More than any direct recreation, their innovative spirit matters most. By observing various approaches, new design perspectives emerge. Ultimately each island reflects its creator's singular imagination. Stay determined and don't fear experimenting - yours will become an irresistible paradise unique to you.
