Nintendo's Animal Crossing New Horizons released in early 2020, garnering ample appraisal—and fans are still trying to complete their ever-expanding DIY collection ("do it yourself" projects). The game is full of DIYs, and in fact, the initial release brought over 600 to play with, with nearly 300 more via additional updates, culminating with the 2.0 Update.
Islanders use these DIYs to personalize their islands and with multiple customization options for the vast majority, the players can really make their islands unique. Some DIYs are not exactly enthralling or it seems the game freely hands out the same DIY over and over until one full room is dedicated to housing these duplicates (the Cherry Lamp comes to mind). Other DIYs seem to be rather elusive. Islanders pop balloons, search for message bottles along the beach, and bug their villagers only to find another Cherry Lamp or Log Chair.
With hundreds of DIYs available, these are the most sought-after craftable items in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Updated February 3rd, 2022 by Stephen LaGioia: While its release seems fairly far off on the horizon, Nintendo's latest installment of Animal Crossing continues to entice gamers—and non-gamers for that matter. It's not surprising, given the game's rewarding system of building/design, and countless cool goodies to collect and craft. This is coupled with prominent social gameplay and a serene, low-key atmosphere that's perfect for kicking back after a hard day.
The game's evergreen nature is further strengthened by a steady stream of events and updates—particularly the robust 2.0 Update and Happy Home Paradise DLC. With these factors in mind, it seemed like a good idea to revisit and revitalize this list of ACNH's best, most appealing DIYs.
16 Outdoor Bath
When it comes to adding some elegance and flair to an outdoor area, there are few better options to choose from than this gorgeous item. Not only is it a treat for the eyes, but the consistent trickling of water adds a serene and relaxing sound, which adds to the atmosphere of a scene.
Of course, this houseware item can technically be placed indoors, but the natural, scenic decor makes it a terrific complement for several outdoor environments. The recipe can be had from Nook Miles Redemption, and requires 20 Stone as well as one Shovel.
15 Gold Nugget Mining Car
Gold makes for a nice collectible given its rare, valuable nature, and its ability to be used in some of the sleekest, most visually-pleasing items in the game. Added to the mix by way of the 2.0 Update is this unique item, which is brimming with enticing riches.
The Gold Nugget Mining Car serves as a cool centerpiece for a mineshaft or similarly-themed scene—or can simply be used to show off one's accumulated wealth. The DIY recipe can be obtained via Jock Villager, and crafted with three Gold Nuggets and one Mining Car.
14 Robot Hero
Transformers fans rejoice! This robotic behemoth adds some amusing sci-fi-themed decor to various indoor or outdoor scenes. The Robot Hero can complement game centers, arcades, science labs, and other tech-laden locales. But it can also nicely complement outdoor spaces such as carnivals and playgrounds.
By way of Nook Miles Redemption, players can craft their cool, intimidating Robot friend with: one Rocket, one Gold Armor, 30 Rusted Parts, 90 Iron Nuggets, and 10 Gold Nuggets. It will take some time and effort, but the result is worth it!
13 Moon
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Star Fragments serve as the base for a number of cool, celestial items in New Horizons. One of the most shining examples takes the form of a floating moon-like orb. This lunar manifestation adds plenty of atmosphere with its soft lighting and unique appearance. This is a perfect piece to add to the ambiance of a bedroom or backyard, especially during the evening hours. It also proves a fitting way to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
The Moon can be crafted with 15 Star Fragments and one Large Star Fragment, and is obtained from either Celeste or a Message Bottle (on boat tours).
11 Flying Saucer
Fans of sci-fi and the extra-terrestrial will want to craft this alien spacecraft, which can make an appearance using 15 Star Fragments and 10 Iron Nuggets. Not only is this item a treat for the eyes, but it's among the few interactable items in the game. In fact, villagers who lean on a Flying Saucer will get a brief close encounter from an extra-terrestrial friend.
The Flying Saucer can be constructed via Celeste or a Message Bottle (on boat tours).
10 Spooky Arch
It's been a popular practice to transform one's little spot of paradise into a spooky isle. Some give their villagers spooky lanterns, scarecrows or candy sets, but the most desired Halloween DIY is the spooky arch.
The pumpkin-laden archway is a cool addition to add some unique, off-kilter flair to an island entrance, pumpkin patch, or one's own creepy castle home. Of course, fans are itching for all of the Halloween DIYs, but it's the archway that adds that perfect nightmare flair with pumpkins and bats accenting the twisted bark.
Players can get this recipe from any villager—specifically from those c rafting during October or as a reward for gifting them Candy on Halloween.
9 Astrology DIY Set
Each month, as the astrological signs switch over, Celeste brings her starry eyes and special DIYs and every few weeks islanders know it's time for the next sign's special DIY. October said goodbye to the Virgo Harp and hello to the Libra Scale.
Fans ran around, searching and searching for the big bow'd owl. As Scorpio comes, islanders will repeat the craze until they have secured all twelve zodiac DIYs in the set. Technically, these DIYs could take up all 10 (plus) spots on this list, however, grouping them seemed a little more fair to the rest of the DIYs.
8 Barrel
This DIY may seem too simple to be one of the most desired DIYs of the game, however, when one sees a secret pirate beach or vineyard with barrels accenting the area, they realize how needed this DIY is for that complete look.
Other items can be placed on top of barrels also, which makes the barrel not only a great, versatile décor item, but functional as well. The barrel is multifunctional and can be used in unlimited themed areas from the previously mentioned pirate and vineyard areas to a bakery, dock and beach areas or a farm. The only downside with the barrel—there are no customization options.
The Barrel can be crafted via Tom Nook or the Cranky Villager, with five Wood and two Iron Nuggets.
7 Bamboo Partition
Some of the most commonly created areas in Animal Crossing New Horizons are a Japanese-inspired garden, Zen garden, onsen, beachside resort or spa. The entire set of bamboo DIYs are wonderful to decorate these types of areas because of course, the area needs a stool or bench, floor lamp, but perhaps the best used and most sought after bamboo DIY is the bamboo partition.
It allows islanders to break up the area, separate spa features, or use it as background or fencing. The bamboo partition is versatile and adds a lot without taking up a lot of space.
Players can craft this decorative partition thanks to the Cranky Villager, using seven Bamboo Pieces and six Stones to assemble it.