Acquiring Your First Bells
Bells are the lifeblood of your island economy in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. From paying off your initial tent loan to purchasing furniture, tools, and clothing, you'll need a steady stream of Bells to truly customize and develop your island paradise. Fortunately, even in the early stages, there are several straightforward ways to start accumulating this essential currency.
Your very first Bells will likely come from selling items you find around your island. Tom Nook, ever the shrewd businessman, will be happy to appraise and purchase items from you at Resident Services. Don't be shy about collecting everything you see!
- Foraging for Fruit: Your island will start with a native fruit (e.g., Apples, Pears, Cherries, Oranges, Peaches). Each piece of native fruit sells for 100 Bells. Shake every tree you see!
- Collecting Shells: Walk along the beaches and pick up any shells you find. These vary in value, but even common shells like Cowries and Conches can add up quickly.
- Fishing: Once you acquire a Fishing Rod (either crafted or purchased), head to any body of water. Fish can sell for a decent amount, especially rarer species.
- Catching Bugs: With a Net in hand, chase down and catch any insects you spot. Like fish, bug values vary, but even common butterflies and grasshoppers contribute to your Bell fund.
Focus on these simple activities initially. The more you explore and collect, the more Bells you'll earn, paving the way for your first upgrades and purchases.