Iron Nuggets are a crucial crafting material in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Whether you’re building tools, crafting furniture, or completing requests for residents, you’ll find yourself in need of these valuable resources. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best methods for obtaining Iron Nuggets, ensuring you’re always well-stocked.
1. Understand What Iron Nuggets Are Used For
Iron Nuggets are used primarily in crafting. Early in the game, you’ll need them to build essential tools such as the Axe, Shovel, and Fishing Rod. Additionally, they’re required for larger projects like the construction of Nook’s Cranny, which demands a hefty 30 Iron Nuggets.
As you progress, you’ll also encounter DIY recipes for furniture and decorations that require Iron Nuggets. Given their versatility, it’s wise to collect as many as you can whenever the opportunity arises.
2. The Basics: Mining Rocks
The primary way to obtain Iron Nuggets is by mining rocks on your island. Here’s how to do it:
Find a Rock: Rocks are scattered throughout your island, and each can be hit multiple times per day to yield resources.
Equip Your Tool: Use a Shovel or Axe to strike the rock.
Position Yourself: Stand close to the rock and dig two holes behind you to prevent being knocked back by the recoil of your hits. This allows you to strike the rock up to eight times in quick succession.
Strike Quickly: Hit the rock as fast as you can to maximize the number of materials you’ll receive. Each rock has a chance to drop Iron Nuggets, along with other materials like Stone and Clay.
3. Maximize Your Island’s Rock Resources
Each day, your island will generate resources from its rocks. Here’s how to make the most of them:
Hit Every Rock Daily: There are typically 4-6 rocks on your island, and each can be mined once per day. Make it a daily habit to hit them all.
Eat Fruit Wisely: Consuming fruit gives you strength, allowing you to break rocks entirely. However, this isn’t ideal if you’re farming for Iron Nuggets, as breaking a rock yields only one resource. Avoid eating fruit before mining unless you’re deliberately moving rocks.
Replace Broken Rocks: If you accidentally break a rock, don’t worry—a new one will spawn on your island the next day. However, it’ll appear in a random location.
4. Visit Mystery Islands
Mystery Islands, accessible via Nook Miles Tickets, are a fantastic source of additional materials. Here’s how to use them effectively:
Buy a Nook Miles Ticket: Purchase one from the Nook Stop in Resident Services for 2,000 Nook Miles.
Head to the Airport: Use the ticket to travel to a randomly generated Mystery Island.
Mine Every Rock: Mystery Islands often have several rocks that can be mined. Use the same technique as on your home island to maximize your resources.
Bring a Ladder and Vaulting Pole: These tools ensure you can access every part of the island to reach all available rocks.
5. Trade with Friends
If you’re part of the Animal Crossing online community, you can trade with friends or other players. Many players are willing to exchange resources, including Iron Nuggets. Here’s how to get started:
Join Online Groups: Platforms like Reddit, Discord, and Facebook have active Animal Crossing communities.
Use Dodo Codes: Share Dodo Codes to visit other players’ islands and trade directly.
Be Generous: Offering rare items or bells in return for Iron Nuggets can make your trades more appealing.
6. Time Travel (Optional)
Time traveling—changing your Nintendo Switch’s internal clock—can be a controversial method but is effective for farming resources. By advancing to the next day, you can reset the rocks on your island and mine them again.
Save Your Game: Ensure your progress is saved.
Adjust the Clock: Go to your Switch’s settings and set the date forward by one day.
Reopen the Game: Load your save, and your rocks will be ready for mining.
Remember, while time traveling can help you gather resources quickly, it may disrupt the natural flow of your island’s ecosystem and progression.
7. Don’t Forget About Balloons and Villagers
Occasionally, you can find Iron Nuggets in unexpected places:
Presents from Balloons: Shoot down floating presents with a slingshot, as they sometimes contain crafting materials.
Gifts from Villagers: Residents may give you Iron Nuggets as part of a gift or reward for helping them.
Conclusion
Iron Nuggets are a vital resource in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and mastering the art of collecting them will greatly enhance your gameplay experience. By mining rocks daily, visiting Mystery Islands, trading with friends, and using additional methods like balloons and gifts, you’ll never find yourself short of these essential materials.
So grab your tools, get mining, and enjoy crafting your perfect island paradise!
