Learn how to unlock the Island Designer app and terraforming abilities in Animal Crossing: New Horizons by reaching a 3-star island rating and inviting K.K. Slider.
Alright, so you're ready to start really shaping your island, huh? The super cool terraforming tools aren't available right from the start, but don't worry, it's not too hard to get them! The main goal is to get K.K. Slider to come perform his first concert on your island. This whole process is tied to your island's rating – you need to hit 3 stars!
Once you've got eight villagers living on your island and you've spent some time making it look nice with gardens and parks, chat with Isabelle. She'll tell you your island's rating. If it's 3 stars or higher, Tom Nook will get the message and invite K.K. Slider over for a show!
After K.K.'s first concert, Tom Nook will swing by. He'll give you a special song, Welcome Horizons, and tell you that K.K. will be back every Saturday night. But the most exciting part? Nook hands over the Island Designer app for your Nookphone! This is your ticket to terraforming – building cliffs, creating rivers, and laying down paths.
At first, the Island Designer app only lets you lay down paths. To get the really powerful tools like terraforming cliffs and water, you'll need to head to the Nookstop and buy them with Nook Miles. Here's what you can unlock and how much they cost:
| Function | Cost (Nook Miles) |
| Waterscaping Permit | 6,000 |
| Cliff Construction Permit | 6,000 |
| Arched Tile Path | 2,000 |
| Brick Path | 2,000 |
| Dark Dirt Path | 2,000 |
| Terra-cotta Tile | 2,000 |
| Wooden Path | 2,000 |
| Stone Path | 2,000 |
| Sand Path | 2,000 |
| Custom Design Path | 2,300 |
So, get decorating, keep an eye on that island rating, and soon you'll be sculpting your island to perfection!
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