Animal Crossing: New Horizons Gives players exactly 50 design spaces that can be used to customize game content. Maybe that sounds like a lot, and it is, at least compared to previous games that offered much less than what we have now. But as time goes on, and as Nintendo adds more features to the game, 50 just isn’t enough.
Designer slots are used for all kinds of things, from making clothes to adding character details like eyebrows or tattoos. Slots are also often used for custom roads, such as the famous “Path” that recreates the look of the oldest Animal Crossing games. Just that, a developed route layout, can fill your custom layout slots quickly. At a minimum, we’re talking about nine slots for just one type of route. And most people use multiple types of roads, to make sure their islands don’t look drab.
To try to make it easier to visualize how I placed the different tiles next to each other to create a ‘natural’ path look, I lined up a (very) messy grid underneath with tile labels.
notice how i tried not to put any of the same tiles next to each other pic.twitter.com/ZjcG4qdlB0
– Quinn ♡ communications closed! (@sleepyluck) July 30, 2020
Pathways don’t exist in a vacuum, and are usually spruced up with extras along the way, like moss or stumps. People also love using designer slot machines to add things the basic game doesn’t allow, like putting a picnic blanket or a rug outside.
Some go even further and use design spaces to build elaborate settings, such as farms or stables. It is also common to see design spaces for more basic things, like signs. So far, we’ve only covered decorations, but gamers love designing fashion lines, too! Having a covered closet will also cost you a few precious spaces, assuming you haven’t littered them yet. Did I mention that you share design spaces with anyone who lives on your island? Suddenly, even 50 is not enough.
Of course, none of this is new. The limited number of designer slot machines has been a topic players have been discussing until a few months ago, and some have even developed solutions to save additional slot machines. But the limited space discussion returned to the forefront of the conversation once again because New Horizons‘ last update also requires blank design spaces, without providing players with additional space to accommodate them.
The newly added fireworks mechanic can be customized to display anything you want, as long as you have the slots to do it. Some people could! But most people were already reaching their limit before fireworks were introduced, and now they have to decide which slot machines they will sacrifice to ensure a good light show. It’s an annoying question that can sometimes have a fun side effect, as Twitter user @acnhprime discovered.
Hopefully, the fact that Nintendo has been diligently updating New Horizons Since its launch it means that it is only a matter of time before our design spaces are expanded. But until then, choices must be made; Slots must be sacrificed. Sorry, hardcore Animal Crossing players.
