Okay, so, I’ve been messing around with this thing called the “Happy Island Designer” app. It’s like, you know, for that Animal Crossing game on the Switch. Basically, it lets you plan out your island before you actually do it in the game, so you don’t mess it up and get all frustrated. Because in the game, after you unlock the Island Designer app, you can use it to add paths or change cliffs and lakes/rivers.
First, I opened the app on my computer. I had to, like, clear everything out first. So, I took the default layout and used the water tool to flood the whole darn thing. It was kinda funny to see it all blue.
Then, I started the real work, and it was not easy. I used the “land” tool to, you know, make land. I clicked and dragged, trying to make the shape of the island I wanted. It was kinda like using a really basic paint program. I also used the “cliff” tool to make some raised areas, ’cause I wanted different levels on my island. Because in the game, if you want to get the Island Designer app, you’ll need to fully upgrade your island. Then Tom Nook will install an app on your phone which lets you have much more control over your surroundings.
After that, I started placing buildings. There are these little icons for houses, shops, and the museum. It felt a bit like playing with virtual dollhouses. I put my house near a river, ’cause who doesn’t want a river view, right?
Here’s how I did it, step-by-step:
- Opened the app on my computer.
- Cleared the default layout by filling it with water.
- Used the land tool to create the island’s shape.
- Added cliffs with the cliff tool for different levels.
- Placed buildings like houses and shops using the icons.
It took a while, but I finally got an island design I liked. I saved it as a picture, so I can look at it while I’m playing the actual game. So in the game, I can open my Nook Phone and select the Island Designer app. Then my character will equip a hardhat and be ready for some serious construction work. I can use the Plus button to change out what designing tool I want to work with, as long as I have them unlocked.
Honestly, it’s a pretty neat tool. It’s not perfect, and it can be a bit clunky, but it’s way better than just winging it in the game and then regretting all your choices later. Now I just gotta build it for real in the game, which will probably take forever, but at least I have a plan now!
