Terraforming is an exciting feature that is brand new to the franchise. In previous games, players would have to use tile designs as paths. Whilst there were some creative path designs made, they often looked artificial, and laying each tile was time-consuming and monotonous. Additionally, players were unable to change the terrain of their town/map.

This is no longer the case, and players can now create their dream island after unlocking a special app. Here’s everything you need to know about terraforming in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

How To Unlock Terraforming

In order to begin terraforming your island, you will need to be given the Island Designer app on your NookPhone by Tom Nook.

How To Get The Island Designer App

To get the Island Designer app, you will need to complete some steps to unlock ‘Project K’. You will then need to have at least a 3 star island for K.K. Slider to visit and perform a concert. After the concert finishes, Tom Nook will give you the Island Designer app on your NookPhone.

What Does The App Allow You To Do?

The app will allow you to place paths, and modify cliffs and rivers. However, you will need permits in order to begin waterscaping and cliff modifying, and for a wider variety of paths. The good news is that these permits can be redeemed using Nook Miles. However, they are rather pricey.

Path Permits

Upon receiving the Island Designer app, you will only be able to place dirt and grass paths at first. However, the following paths can be redeemed for 2,000 Nook Miles each, except the Custom Design path permit which costs 2,300 Nook Miles. Having paths around your island will make it look surprisingly more inhabited. Laying paths is relatively easy, and you can even round the corners of paths.

Waterscaping Permit

The Waterscaping Permit will set you back 6,000 Nook Miles. Whilst it is a hefty price to pay, this is probably the permit you’ll want to get first. The Waterscaping permit not only allows you to create and change rivers, but you can also create land bridges with it.

Cliff Construction Permit

The Cliff Construction Permit also costs 6,000 Nook Miles. Again, it is a pricey purchase, but after reedeming it you can create and destroy cliffs. It’s important to note that you cannot create slopes with the Cliff Construction permit. You will still have to create these via Tom Nook at Residents Services.

For some inspiration on how to use terraforming to create your own ideal island, why not check out these YouTube videos below: