New player - advice needed

[Xolexiii]

Hi everyone!

I've just started playing ACNH and I have a bit of a silly question but I thought I may as well go ahead and ask anyway.

I wanted to know if people prefer to gather all of their bells themselves using in-game activities. I was very generously donated an abundance of bells which could well and truly pay off all of my renovation costs for all house upgrades, however I'm wondering if this will be as satisfying in the long run as I didn't have to go out there and collect everything myself. I suppose the same goes with special furniture items, clothing, hybrids and such, I know there are many giveaways that can get you just about anything you want.

On the other hand, I know how tedious it can be to slave away at the sea side for hours on end trying to catch expensive fish to sell, so I'm sort of in two minds about it. I also am aware that the game presents many challenges and activities far beyond paying off the home loan, so I know there are still heaps of things to work towards unlocking.

I'd be interested to hear peoples' thoughts and opinions as I am very indecisive! Thanks

 

[Torts McGorts]

I was very happy to get my house paid off, just bc it unlocks more storage, which is super helpful (and I’m hoping they add more with next update)! So, I would definitely use any donated bells to get that paid off as quickly as I could!

As for materials/special items, etc.; I would say maybe only ask for materials if you feel stuck. Between your own island and hopping to other islands (the deserted ones where you can get another villager, if you have the space), it shouldn’t be too bad to gather materials for building. If it’s out of season and you *really* want it to build something, I would then consider getting some from other players. For items, if it’s something you really want, then go for it! I feel getting a few special/unorderable items you want won’t take away from gameplay.

One other thing to consider: Are you playing in the northern or southern hemisphere? October in the northern hemisphere goes into colder months where not as many pricier bugs and fish are available to catch and sell. But in the southern hemisphere, you’re heading into shark and palm tree insect season, which = $$$$$.

Hope this helps, at least a little bit? I hope you enjoy playing!

 

[S.J.]

I think when you start playing, it will be more satisfying and more interesting for your progression to have to earn the bells yourself! Later, when you have a well established island, and you've gathered a lot of items, it's probably less important where the bells come from.

This is what I've found anyway, so just my point of view! I think it will take something away from the satisfaction of playing the game if you have everything you could ever need already.

 

[Rosch]

You could try to earn the bells to pay for one loan just to experience it. It takes a long time but it can be satisfying. On the other hand, it becomes too much of a chore, especially if you're aiming to get the expansion really quickly. You'd get bored of doing the same thing over and over.

Personally, I'd pay off my loan immediately since I already have it with me. That way I would have time for more stuff. I can focus on completing the critterpedia without worrying of selling fish/bugs that I still haven't donated; concentrate on terraforming and decorating, etc.

 

[StarlitGlitch]

Personally I think it's more satisfyingly to pay it off yourself! Some people feel like ACNH lacks content so anything to slowly work towards is a good idea imo.

I picked it up at launch and in the hype of it all got into turnips and paid off all of my loan within a few weeks. I ended up not liking ACNH as much as past games so I'm fine that I put less time into it but it wasn't satisfying paying it off right away. In past games, I used turnips at some points but for the most part my loans were paid off through fruit collection! It took longer but gave me reason to come back regularly and felt good in the end.

(also hi from ACC again haha)

 

[Kg1595]

To really enjoy the game and not tire of it too quickly, you should really avoid the freebie route, at least until you have accomplished the basics of the game (getting KK, paying off the entirety of your house, etc.). I know there a lot of nice, generous players who love to give things away, but they are not helping you have a full gaming experience by taking away some of those early first steps.

Once you are a few months into the game and have settled into your island a bit, I think it is fine to accept a little help in getting all those hard-to-find furniture that you would never get on your own island anyway, but you are only cheating yourself if you let others give you essentially shortcuts to what is otherwise a very easy game. ACNH is not about finishing the race first— it is not that sort of game. Rather, the joy of it is exploring this tiny world for yourself as it changes day to day.

 

[Croconaw]

It’s definitely more satisfying if you gather all the bells yourself. It gives you the sense that you earned it rather than just getting it handed to you.

 

[Xolexiii]

Thanks for your input everyone!

I've decided to make a bit of a compromise. I've already used some of the donated bells to get 2 house upgrades, so at least I have a little bit more storage space now. However, I think from now on I am going to try and earn them myself.

This means that I have a few million bells that I no longer want in my possession. I'd be happy to give them away to whoever asks first!

 

[Marshmallows]

You might want to keep those bells just in case you want to use them in the future. Just deposit them and don't withdraw until you really need it.

 

[Croconaw]

You might want to keep those bells just in case you want to use them in the future. Just deposit them and don't withdraw until you really need it.

To add onto this, your bells can also build interest in the ABD. It’s sort of like a savings account on your game. It’s good to be aware of if you do decide to keep your bells.