
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has captured the hearts of millions with its charming gameplay, relaxing atmosphere, and endless customization options. One of the key resources players need to gather is hardwood, a versatile material used for crafting furniture, tools, and other essential items. But how do you get hardwood in Animal Crossing? And what does a singing tree have to do with it? Let’s dive into the details and explore the many ways to acquire this valuable resource.
1. Shaking Trees: The Classic Method
The most straightforward way to obtain hardwood is by shaking trees. In Animal Crossing, there are two types of trees that drop hardwood: regular trees and cedar trees. Here’s how it works:
- Regular Trees: These are the non-fruit-bearing trees scattered across your island. Shaking them can yield branches, bells, wasps, or furniture, but they also drop hardwood.
- Cedar Trees: These evergreen trees are found in the northern parts of your island (or southern, depending on your hemisphere). Like regular trees, they can drop hardwood when shaken.
Pro Tip: Always carry a net when shaking trees. Wasps can appear, and catching them is a great way to earn extra bells or complete your Critterpedia.
2. Chopping Trees: A Reliable Source
If shaking trees isn’t your style, you can use an axe to chop trees for hardwood. Here’s what you need to know:
- Flimsy Axe: This basic tool will give you one piece of wood per tree.
- Stone Axe: A more durable option that yields up to three pieces of wood per tree without cutting it down.
- Regular Axe: The strongest axe, which can chop down trees after three hits. Use this carefully if you want to preserve your trees.
Note: Each tree can drop three types of wood: hardwood, softwood, and wood. The type you get is random, so you may need to chop multiple trees to gather enough hardwood.
3. Mystery Islands: A Treasure Trove of Resources
If your island’s trees aren’t yielding enough hardwood, consider visiting mystery islands using Nook Miles Tickets. These islands are packed with resources, including trees that can be shaken or chopped for hardwood. Plus, you might encounter rare items or creatures while you’re there.
4. Time Travel: For the Impatient
Some players prefer to time travel to speed up resource gathering. By changing the date and time on your Nintendo Switch, you can reset the trees on your island, allowing you to shake or chop them again for more hardwood. However, this method is controversial and may affect other aspects of your game, such as turnip prices or villager interactions.
5. Trading with Friends: A Social Approach
If you’re struggling to find enough hardwood, consider trading with friends or other players online. Many Animal Crossing communities are willing to exchange resources, DIY recipes, or items. You might even make some new friends in the process!
6. The Singing Tree: A Myth or Reality?
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—or rather, the singing tree. Some players claim to have encountered a mysterious tree that sings when shaken. While there’s no official confirmation from Nintendo, this rumor has sparked lively discussions in the Animal Crossing community. Could the singing tree be a secret source of hardwood? Or is it just a glitch in the matrix? The truth remains elusive, but it’s a fun topic to ponder while you’re shaking trees for resources.
7. Crafting and Customization: Why Hardwood Matters
Hardwood is a crucial material for crafting a variety of items, including:
- Furniture: Many DIY recipes require hardwood to create stylish pieces for your home or island.
- Tools: Upgraded tools often need hardwood as part of their crafting materials.
- Decorations: From fences to outdoor furniture, hardwood is essential for beautifying your island.
8. Sustainable Forestry: A Responsible Approach
To ensure a steady supply of hardwood, consider planting and maintaining a sustainable forest on your island. Here’s how:
- Plant Saplings: Purchase saplings from Nook’s Cranny or Leif and plant them around your island.
- Avoid Over-Chopping: Use a stone axe instead of a regular axe to prevent cutting down trees.
- Rotate Trees: If you do chop down trees, replant new ones to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
9. Seasonal Variations: Timing Is Everything
Certain seasons or events may affect hardwood availability. For example:
- Cherry Blossom Season: During this event, hardwood trees may drop cherry blossom petals instead of wood.
- Festive Seasons: Holidays like Toy Day or Bunny Day might introduce new crafting materials, temporarily shifting your focus away from hardwood.
10. Final Thoughts: Patience and Persistence
Gathering hardwood in Animal Crossing requires patience and persistence. Whether you’re shaking trees, chopping them down, or trading with friends, the process is part of the game’s charm. And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll stumble upon the legendary singing tree and uncover its secrets.
FAQs
Q1: Can I get hardwood from fruit trees? A: No, fruit trees only drop fruit and branches. You’ll need to shake or chop non-fruit trees for hardwood.
Q2: How many pieces of hardwood can I get from one tree? A: Each tree can drop up to three pieces of wood, with hardwood being one of the possible types.
Q3: Is there a limit to how much hardwood I can collect in a day? A: No, but the number of trees on your island limits the amount of hardwood you can gather. Visiting mystery islands can help you collect more.
Q4: What’s the best tool for collecting hardwood? A: The stone axe is ideal because it allows you to gather wood without cutting down trees.
Q5: Is the singing tree real? A: There’s no official confirmation, but it’s a fun rumor that adds a touch of mystery to the game.
Happy hardwood hunting, and may your island flourish with creativity and charm!