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At the start of your Animal Crossing: New Horizons playthrough, you’ll want to choose the best island layout. We’ll cover what to look for and how to choose an ideal map.
Choosing the layout of your island is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your Animal Crossing: New Horizons playthrough. This will determine where Resident Services appears on your map, as well as town features like the Pier and the secret beach. It also affects the placement of waterways and cliffs until you can change the environment with terraforming. All things considered, you’ll want to make sure you’re moving forward with a solid pick when it comes to the map you choose. Let’s break down the best island layout in New Horizons and how to choose an ideal map.
- Build your community from scratch on a deserted island brimming with possibility; Create your personal getaway and customize your character, home, decorations, and even the landscape itself
- Collect materials to construct everything from furniture to tools. Then, use what you create to give your island a personal touch
- Watch as the time of day and seasons match real life—even your hemisphere. Each day holds potential for surprises and discoveries
- Get to know the island residents, garden, fish, decorate, hunt for fossils, and more.
- Show off your paradise – Play on the same system with a total of 4 people, or play together online or over local wireless for fun with up to 8 players
What’s the Best Island Layout in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
While preferences are sure to differ from one New Horizons player to the next, most tend to agree that the best island layout provides ample space for Resident Services. Many shoot for a map with this location at the island’s center — or, at least, as close as it can be to the middle. My own town map, pictured above, is a solid example of what many are looking for.
This layout allows for creative terraforming later on, as well as pathing, landscaping, and furniture placement. Accomplishing these tasks can be rather difficult if your Resident Services is placed too close to the coast or cliffs. You can’t move this building at a later point in your playthrough, either, so it’s best to go with a map layout that includes an ideal location to begin with.
How to Choose the Best Island Layout in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Before you decide on a map in New Horizons, you’ll want to consider what kind of island theme you’re going for and what features you’d like it to include. Things like villager homes, your campsite location, and personal touches should be accommodated in your layout. Fortunately, you’ll have your pick of four different options to choose from at the start of the game.
If you don’t like any of the map options you get, though, you can always restart New Horizons for a new set of layouts. This is the best way to choose an optimal map for the vision you have in mind.
For more on Animal Crossing: New Horizons, check out these guides from our team: