In New Horizons, players move to a deserted island after buying Tom Nook’s getaway package.
The premise begins with a package sold by Tom Nook’s Nook Inc. The player leaves ordinary life behind and arrives on an undeveloped island, initially carrying little more than basic supplies. Two randomly selected animal characters make the trip as fellow settlers, and the player starts by choosing a tent location and learning to gather materials.
The island setting is a major change from earlier mainline Animal Crossing games, which generally began in an established village or town. New Horizons turns development into a central activity: players collect wood, fruit, stone, and other resources; craft tools and furniture; invite residents; and eventually reshape cliffs, rivers, paths, and building sites.
“Deserted island” describes the destination at the start, even though the island becomes a lively community over time. It is not a forest camp, city apartment, or mountain village. The getaway package is also not simply a vacation: it is the foundation for building a permanent home and shared island settlement.