The Unlock Order
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Upgrade Resident Services from a tent to a building, invite villagers, build Nook’s Cranny and a bridge |
| 2 | Choose a campsite spot (it opens the next day and is usable the day after) |
| 3 | Fill the island: invite campers or visit other islands with a Nook Miles Ticket (2,000 Nook Miles); up to 10 villagers |
| 4 | Build house plots: each kit costs 10,000 Bells |
| 5 | Raise the island rating with Isabelle’s feedback until K.K. Slider agrees to visit |
| 6 | After the concert, Tom Nook gives you the Island Designer app (terraforming) |
K.K. Slider
Once a visitor note signed “K.S.” appears, Tom Nook calls K.K. and he performs the next day. After that he plays every Saturday in front of Resident Services, with song requests from 6 p.m. iMore warns that raising the rating can take hundreds of thousands of Bells and several days.
Terraforming Permits
Island Designer starts with paths only. Permits are bought with Nook Miles at the Resident Services kiosk: 6,000 Nook Miles each for waterscaping and cliff construction, and 2,000 for each path type.
A 5-Star Island
Prima Games lists rough targets for five stars; it notes the numbers shift with your island’s layout:
- About 250 fully bloomed flowers, about 100 trees and 10 or more bamboo plants.
- At least 50 fence segments, 6 or more ramps and 7 or more bridges.
- Plenty of furniture: around 40 store-bought and 50 DIY items.
- The maximum number of villagers and fully upgraded shops.
- No visible weeds anywhere.
Check your rating with Isabelle at Resident Services. A 5-star rating unlocks the golden watering can.
Paying for It
Houses, bridges and inclines all cost Bells; see our Bells farming guide and our Animal Crossing page for reviewed sellers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I unlock terraforming?
Raise the island rating until K.K. Slider performs; after the concert Tom Nook gives you the Island Designer app.
How much do terraforming permits cost?
6,000 Nook Miles each for waterscaping and cliff construction, and 2,000 Nook Miles per path type.
What does a 5-star island unlock?
The golden watering can.
Sources
Checked October 13, 2026. Game systems change with patches, so confirm numbers in game.
