Animal Crossing: New Horizons Shooting Star Guide–How And Why You Should Be Wishing On A Star

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Shooting Star Guide–How And Why You Should Be Wishing On A Star
Credit: Nintendo via YouTube

With Animal Crossing: New Horizons hitting record-breaking sales, millions of players are discovering new and exciting mechanics and features to enhance their gameplay and island aesthetic. The zodiac line introduced in New Horizons is one of the best ways to do just that. While ACNH has some pretty complicated ways of obtaining rare items, getting any of the zodiac-themed items is as simple as making a wish!

Shooting Stars in New Horizons is a weather phenomenon that usually happens around once a month. Along with her usual spiel, Isabelle will also notify the player in her announcements that a meteor shower will be occurring that night.

However, don’t worry if you happened to be button-smashing through her dialogue, as the villagers will be talking throughout the day about the upcoming meteor shower as well.

In New Horizons, players will have ample opportunity to view this astrological light show as it runs from 7 PM to 4 AM. During this time, you’ll also be able to spot Celeste somewhere on your island. Celeste is a red and pink owl with a large bow on her head. She’s the sister to Blathers and shares his intellect, although she specializes in astronomy.

Talking to Celeste will grant you one zodiac-themed DIY recipe. You’ll be able to receive different DIYs depending on what time of year the meteor shower is happening based on your personal in-game date, and under which astrological sign that date falls under.

However, all of the DIYs you receive from Celeste will require rare crafting materials that you can only get during meteor showers, called Star Fragments. The way to get them is simple: find a clear view on your island, tilt your joystick upwards to look up at the sky, and press A whenever you see a shooting star blaze across the sky. It’s important to note that your hands must be empty when making the wish, or it will not work.

You’ll hear an auditory clue whenever a shooting star is traveling across your night sky, and another when you’ve successfully made a wish. Each shooting star will also glow brightly blue with a successful wish. If you miss a wish, don’t worry! Shooting stars tend to come in clusters with periods of drought in between, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get Star Fragments.

Star Fragments come in three main varieties: Star Fragments, Large Star fragments, and Zodiac Fragments. Each is required in varying amounts for different recipes. The Zodiac Fragments are the rarest to find, as the type of Zodiac Fragment you’ll find will depend on your in-game date and the astrological sign it falls under. For example, from November 22-December 21, you’ll only be able to find Sagittarius Fragments, while July 23-August 22 will net you Leo Fragments.

You’ll be able to net dozens of fragments corresponding to how many you wished on. After a night of wishing, just be sure to comb your beaches periodically the next day.

Meteor Showers don’t have to be just for you! Invite your friends over and they’ll be able to net a DIY from Celeste and wish upon stars alongside you. However, keep in mind that the cap on wishes made on a friend’s island is rumored to be around twenty.

MORE ABOUT