In Animal Crossing New Horizons, one of the most exciting parts of progressing on your island is watching Nook’s Cranny grow and evolve. This small shop, run by Timmy and Tommy, serves as the central hub for buying and selling items, from tools and furniture to seasonal goods. The size of Nook’s Cranny and its upgrades play an important role in how players experience their island economy. Understanding the details of Nook’s Cranny size, layout, and upgrade conditions helps players plan their progress and maximize their gameplay experience.
Introduction to Nook’s Cranny
Nook’s Cranny is the first official shop that players unlock in Animal Crossing New Horizons (ACNH). At the beginning of the game, players rely on a small outdoor stall operated by Timmy. As progress is made, the permanent version of the shop Nook’s Cranny is constructed, offering a wider selection of goods and a better layout for shopping and selling.
The size of Nook’s Cranny evolves over time as the shop gets upgraded. Each upgrade not only increases the building’s physical dimensions but also expands its inventory and design variety. Knowing how and when these upgrades happen can make a big difference for players who enjoy collecting and trading items.
First Version of Nook’s Cranny
The first version of Nook’s Cranny in ACNH is quite small but charming. It’s a 7×4 building that offers a limited but essential selection of items. Inside, players can find a few display tables showcasing furniture, wallpaper, and tools. The interior design feels cozy, featuring wooden walls and shelves lined with small trinkets and items for sale.
In this version, Nook’s Cranny operates from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., giving players ample time to buy, sell, and trade. Although the shop’s size may seem small, it serves as an important stepping stone toward larger upgrades later in the game. The small layout also reflects the early stage of the island’s development, when resources are limited, and the community is just beginning to grow.
How to Unlock the First Nook’s Cranny
To unlock the first version of Nook’s Cranny, players need to gather certain materials for Timmy and Tommy after completing Resident Services tasks. The required materials usually include
- 30 pieces of wood
- 30 pieces of hardwood
- 30 pieces of softwood
- 30 iron nuggets
Once the materials are collected and the shop is built, Nook’s Cranny becomes the central shopping hub on the island. From this point on, the shop’s development will depend on how frequently the player uses it and how much time has passed.
Upgraded Nook’s Cranny Size and Features
After several weeks of gameplay, the shop undergoes an upgrade that changes both its size and interior layout. The upgraded Nook’s Cranny becomes significantly larger, transforming from a small wooden shack into a more modern-looking general store. The dimensions increase to approximately 7×7 tiles, providing more room for displays and additional furniture items.
How to Trigger the Upgrade
In Animal Crossing New Horizons, the upgrade process for Nook’s Cranny is slightly different from previous Animal Crossing titles. The requirements for the first upgrade are
- The shop has been open for at least 30 days.
- The player has spent or sold a total of 200,000 Bells at the shop.
- The Resident Services building has been upgraded from a tent to a proper building.
Once these conditions are met, Timmy and Tommy announce that they plan to remodel the store. The shop will close for one in-game day while construction takes place, reopening the next day as the upgraded version.
New Features After the Upgrade
The upgraded Nook’s Cranny comes with several improvements that enhance the shopping experience
- A larger inventory of items, including more furniture and seasonal goods.
- Two hot items each day that sell for double their normal value.
- A better selection of wallpapers and flooring options.
- An improved, more open layout that resembles a full-fledged retail store.
The expansion also gives the shop a brighter and more colorful exterior, reflecting the island’s progress and prosperity. The increase in Nook’s Cranny size means more items to browse, making it easier to find unique pieces for decorating your home or island.
Comparing Nook’s Cranny Sizes Across Versions
In Animal Crossing New Horizons, there are only two sizes of Nook’s Cranny the original small version and the upgraded larger one. However, earlier games in the Animal Crossing series had more upgrade stages, including Nook ‘n’ Go, Nookway, and Nookington’s. The developers of ACNH chose to simplify this process, focusing instead on gameplay flexibility and customization.
Even though there are only two versions in ACNH, the design improvements between them are significant. The first version feels more rustic and handmade, while the second has a sleek, organized look similar to a boutique store. This change not only symbolizes progress but also affects how the island feels overall, making it seem more developed and lively.
Interior Layout Details
The layout of Nook’s Cranny changes noticeably between versions. In the smaller version, the shop feels cozy, with two large furniture items displayed in the center and several smaller items along the walls. After the upgrade, there’s much more space, with four furniture items, two rugs, and several wallpaper and flooring options displayed daily.
Players also have access to a cabinet inside the store that sells additional tools, seeds, and customization kits. This cabinet remains a key feature in both versions, ensuring that players always have a reliable place to purchase essentials.
The Role of Nook’s Cranny in Island Development
Nook’s Cranny is more than just a store it’s a symbol of progress and growth in Animal Crossing New Horizons. Every upgrade represents the island’s success and the player’s dedication to improving it. The size of the shop also influences how players interact with the game’s economy, from buying rare furniture to selling turnips during the Stalk Market events.
As players visit Nook’s Cranny daily, they build relationships with Timmy and Tommy, who often celebrate milestones and seasonal changes. This personal touch gives the store a sense of community importance beyond its commercial purpose.
Future Possibilities for Nook’s Cranny
Although the current version of Nook’s Cranny has only one upgrade, many fans hope for future expansions in upcoming Animal Crossing updates or sequels. Ideas often discussed by the community include
- A third, larger version with even more furniture slots.
- A seasonal section for limited-edition items.
- Integration with player customization options, allowing the shop’s design to change with the island’s theme.
- Special events or discounts for long-term players.
These ideas highlight how central Nook’s Cranny is to the player experience and why its size and upgrades continue to be a topic of excitement among fans.
The Nook’s Cranny size in Animal Crossing New Horizons might seem like a small detail, but it’s an essential part of the island’s charm and progression. Starting as a humble wooden shop and later expanding into a bustling retail space, it reflects both the player’s achievements and the island’s growth. The upgraded size brings better inventory, a more inviting design, and a greater sense of community. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated collector, visiting Nook’s Cranny remains one of the most satisfying daily routines in ACNH, offering endless opportunities to enhance your island life.