Guide to Acquiring Golden Tools in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, players utilize a variety of essential tools that enhance their daily gameplay experience. Though some tools may be used more frequently, each holds significant value in helping players navigate their virtual world effectively.

At the start of their adventure, players are equipped with flimsy tools that have limited durability and break easily after a few uses. However, as they progress, they can craft upgraded tools by obtaining the crafting recipes included in the Pretty Good Tools Recipes card available at the Nook Stop terminal. To unlock the prestigious golden tool recipes, players must complete specific challenges that demonstrate their dedication and skill in the game.

Unlocking All Golden Tools in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Golden Watering Can in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The process of securing golden tools varies in difficulty, depending largely on the player’s preferred activities. To monitor progress, players can access the Golden Milestone card within the Nook Miles app, providing a clear overview of which golden tool recipes they have earned.

While the milestones to unlock each golden tool are straightforward, they demand considerable effort and a significant time investment. Below is a detailed breakdown of each golden tool recipe in Animal Crossing: New Horizons:

Tool	Recipe	Uses	How to Unlock	Tips
Golden Axe	1 Gold nugget 1 Axe 1 Iron nugget 3 Wood Flimsy axe 5 Tree branches 1 Stone	Durability: 200 uses Chops down trees	Break a total of 100 axes.	Focus on using Flimsy Axes to maximize progress toward this recipe.
Golden Rod	1 Gold nugget 1 Rod 1 Iron nugget Flimsy rod 5 Tree branches	Durability: 90 uses	Catch all fish in New Horizons.	To expedite this task without time travel, explore player islands in opposite hemispheres to access seasonal fish variations.
Golden Net	1 Gold nugget 1 Net 1 Iron nugget Flimsy net 5 Tree branches	Durability: 90 uses	Catch all bugs in New Horizons.	Similar to the rod, visiting islands in opposite hemispheres can help players complete this challenge more efficiently.
Golden Shovel	1 Gold nugget 1 Shovel 1 Iron nugget Flimsy shovel 5 Hardwood	Durability: 200 uses	Help Gulliver find buried communicator parts 30 times.	Players must assist Gulliver—who randomly washes ashore—by helping him locate five communicator parts across 30 separate encounters.
Golden Slingshot	1 Gold nugget 1 Slingshot 5 Hardwood	Durability: 60 uses	Shoot down a golden balloon after popping 300 balloons.	Balloons appear throughout the day, so consistently targeting them will increase the chances of spotting a golden balloon soon.
Golden Watering Can	1 Gold nugget 1 Watering can 1 Iron nugget 1 Flimsy watering can 5 Softwood	Durability: 180 plants and breeds gold roses.	Speak to Isabelle after receiving a 5-star island rating.	To achieve a 5-star rating, focus on planting various flowers, maintaining clean grass, and placing ample outdoor furniture.