When it comes to creativity, making one’s town unique has never been easier in the Animal Crossing series. A fully customizable island combined with New Horizons’ huge list of items can make any player simultaneously intimidated and filled to the brim with ideas. Where should they terraform? What should they place? Where will they put their favorite villagers?
Luckily, Animal Crossing players have access to the infinite ingenuity of players all around the world thanks to the internet. Not only can one enjoy players’ custom designs, but they can also revel in their decor skills and look to their islands for inspiration. For all those out there aching for a 5-star island but strapped for ideas, this list is for you.
10 Boardwalk
Nothing could be more fitting on a sandy, tropical island than a bustling boardwalk. Some players opt for a boardwalk similar in feel to that of Santa Cruz or Venice Beach. Reddit user okbeech Features a video tour of their island, complete with snack stalls, amusement park rides, and a mysterious fortune-telling booth.
9 Outdoor Gym
Now more than ever, it’s important to stay active whenever possible and move in ways that feel good. Luckily, there are dozens of different items dedicated to fitness in New Horizons, including the weights and boxing ring seen here on ResetEra user theaface’s island. Not only do they have a locker room area complete with a water cooler, but they also sneak in the all-important protein powder that is vital to many Jock villagers.
8 Casino
There are a variety of ways to entertain friends and guests to one’s island, but no more adult and thrilling than a full-fledged casino. Reddit user Wozzbot hosted a casino night for their friends, with their casino featuring a colorful wheel for making bets and taking risks. Players can host their own betting games by using bells, Nook Miles Tickets, Gold Nuggets, or any resource the players find valuable.
7 Movie Theater
The classic nostalgia that the Popcorn Machine brings has inspired many players to make not just amusement parks and carnivals, but outdoor movie theaters as well. Some players have chosen to recreate their favorite movie scenes by using custom designs on Simple Panels, while others implement the LCD TV item (often the larger 50 inch one).
Reddit user Vivienne_Venom has taken a truly unique approach by creating a Drive-in theater on their island, complete with the Throwback Race-car Bed and a Film Projector.
6 Beach Bar
Not sure what to do with that vast expanse of beach? Many players have taken to creating beach bars (or Tiki bars) to quench any beachgoer’s thirst. Quintessential items include Coconut Juice, Tiki torches, and seating for any guests that may need to relax. Reddit user uzuriels includes both stools and cushions for their establishment to create a casual, comfy feel. Others may want to use Rattan furniture for a classier vibe, remember: beauty is in the eye of the juice-holder.
5 Arcade
New Horizons’ massive collection of pinball machines and arcade games is almost a desperate plea to create a radical, 80’s-style arcade. Reddit user Griffinshirar has utilized star-studded custom-designed flooring to make their arcade shine. The inclusion of table games such as ping-pong and pool tables make the space feel full and the possibilities feel endless, and the rocket lamps? Those are just radical.
4 Gas Station
Players of Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp will most likely know of the exclusive furniture obtainable by linking one’s Pocket Camp account to their Nintendo account. Reddit user hayleigh0125 utilizes the Pocket Camp exclusive OK Motors Sign in their gas station design, including Retro Gas Pumps, Throwback Race-car Beds, and a Tire Stack for a charming but authentic feel.
3 Golf Course
Twitter user acrossingamy may have created the most exciting game of mini-golf in Animal Crossing history. Acrossingamy offers a full video tour of their golf course, showcasing the course’s four themed areas: prehistoric, space-age, Bunny Day, and beach paradise.
The amount of collecting, designing, and terraforming this course must have taken is commendable, but the best part is that acrossingamy has inspired others to create their own golf courses. Soon we’ll see a whole golf resort!
2 Farm
What do Stardew Valley players do when they play Animal Crossing? Why, farm, of course! Reddit user letsgosago shared their wonderful farm creation on their island. Items such as the Silo, Handcart, and Scarecrow are classic agricultural items that instantly communicate a “rural” vibe. Other unique uses of items include white Mum Cushions as cauliflower, customized Beach Balls as watermelons, and Pine Bonsai Trees as potted plants. Custom designs can also be used to make cushions look like fertilizer or soil bags.
1 Video Game Homage
Not sure how to express that undying love for a classic video game? Twitter user EuclidianBoxes has the perfect example of homage with their terraformed Pacman maze. Not only is the custom design hat perfect, but all four Pacman ghosts are scattered throughout the maze, as well as Pacman’s favorite fruit, the cherry.
NEXT: Animal Crossing: 10 Ways To Better Decorate Your Home & Island In New Horizons