Let's face it, Isabelle is a huge part of the Animal Crossing world – she's everyone's favourite dependable helper and her positive outlook makes light work of even the hardest in-game task.

However, upon firing up Animal Crossing: New Horizons you might be disappointed to discover she's nowhere to be seen. That's because you have to undertake a series of tasks before she'll appear on your island.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Isabelle & Resident Services Guide

How Long Does It Take To Unlock Isabelle?

The entire process takes about a week, depending on how you play.

How To Unlock Isabelle And Upgrade Resident Services From A Tent To A Building

To make sure you get Isabelle as soon as possible, visit Tom Nook every single day and complete the objectives he gives you.

These include things like developing your own home, building a shop, attracting new islanders, furnishing their homes and building a bridge – basically steps to get your new town into as good a state as possible.

You'll know you've done enough of these tasks when Tom Nook stops assigning them and instead discusses upgrading Resident Services from a smelly old tent to a fully-fledged Town Hall.

The tent will be out of action for a day while construction takes place, and the next day – boom – Isabelle will be part of your burgeoning community.

What Can Isabelle Do?

Isabelle can do things like change the island's flag and the island's theme tune, as well as discuss particular residents you might have an issue with.

She'll also enliven your town hall by doing all kinds of cute and adorable things, many of which are so heartwarming that it's practically worth the effort of unlocking her just to witness them. Awww.


This article is part of our Animal Crossing: New Horizons walkthrough, which includes a Complete Fish List, Complete Bug List and Complete Sea Creatures List. If you're looking for specific fish or bugs, we can tell you how to catch the elusive Coelacanth, Mahi-Mahi, Giant Trevally, Stringfish, Golden Trout and all the Sharks and Beetles, along with a full list of critters leaving at the end of the month (unless you visit Kapp'n's Boat Tour islands, of course!).

We can also help with How to Spot Redd's Fake Paintings and Statues, How to Make Bells Fast, How to Breed Flowers, How to Get more DIY Recipes, How to Upgrade Nook's Cranny, where and when to find special characters like Gulliver, Sable, Label, Wisp, Celeste, Pirate Gulliver and Jack, plus tips on using the Star Wand, Tool Ring, Rock Trick, Cutting Down and Moving Trees, using amiibo on Harv's Island, How to Back Up Your Island Data, How to Time Travel, How to Get a 5-Star Island Rating and a whole lot more.

If it's new content you're looking for help with, we can help you find gyroids, unlock Brewster's café, use the new Pro Camera App for selfies, enact new ordinances, get the beloved Froggy Chair, and even learn How to Cook.

And finally, Where to Buy Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Nintendo Switch, if for some reason you haven't yet picked up the game, and How To Buy The Happy Home Paradise DLC, too!