How to Get a Slingshot in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Ever wondered what’s in the presents tied to the floating balloons on your island? You may never know unless you pop one balloon for yourself and see what lies therein.
The tool for popping the present-carrying Balloons in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a slingshot. You can simply buy one from Timmy for 900 Bells, but the option to do that isn’t available to new players unless they’ve owned a slingshot before.
Given this, your best bet is to buy the DIY recipe for the slingshot for 300 Bells. Yes, a cheaper option, but you’ll have some crafting and need five hardwood to get started. The steps in this guide will simplify the entire process, so keep reading to find out.
How to Craft a Slingshot in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
While buying a slingshot is easier, compulsorily crafting one is only a one-time thing, so you’ll be able to buy one for yourself afterward. But, hey, you never know when you’ll need the money (Bells) saved. Thus, you might want to be more frugal.
You’ll need five hardwoods to craft the slingshot. Once you have them, follow the steps below:
- Head over to the island shop and talk to Timmy to see what he has for sale
- You’ll find the slingshot up for sale at 900 Bells, as well as the DIY Recipe for 300 Bells. Again, you can only buy the DIY recipe if it’s your first time getting a slingshot.
- Hit the workbench and craft a slingshot for yourself, provided you have the required recipe of 5 hardwood
- Alternatively, with an outright purchase, you can start using the slingshot right away by equipping it
You’ll be able to equip your DIY slingshot once you’re down crafting it.
How to Pop Balloons with a Slingshot
Whenever you see a balloon hovering over your island, equip your slingshot immediately. You can equip it from the inventory or buy a Tool Ring from the ATM to get a customizable tool that helps you equip tools faster.
After spotting a balloon, figure out its direction and move ahead of it a bit, with its shadow not far from where you are. Now, press and hold the B button, then release it when the balloon enters your field of view.
Where Can You Find in a Floating Present?
From my experience, floating presents mostly contain furniture items, especially the ones on red balloons. However, that’s not to say you won’t find other things; you can also find exclusive bubble furniture therein, as in previous Animal Crossing titles.
Other possible items are bells and crafting materials. Green balloons randomize the drops more than the rest.
Related: How to Get Bamboo in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Final Notes
That’s it! Now you can create a slingshot anytime in the game. Interestingly, you’ll eventually shoot down your 300th balloon as you progress in the game. You get a DIY recipe for a golden slingshot. You need to find and shoot down a golden balloon to get this recipe after hitting the 300 milestones.
If you find this guide handy, there are other things you may need a hand in getting on the island. Check our guide on getting pearls in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
