Animal Crossing New Horizons: How to Get the Balloon Presents
While exploring your island in Animal Crossing New Horizons you may notice some balloons floating around. They're carrying presents, here's how to shoot them down.
You'll have plenty to do each day while building up your island in Animal Crossing New Horizons. From time to time, you'll notice presents floating up in the sky, attached to balloons. At first, you won't know what to do with them, and getting them down to ground level will require a particular item. Let's take a look at how to get the balloon presents out of the sky and into your pockets.
How to Get the Balloon Presents in New Horizons
To get the balloon presents out of the sky in Animal Crossing New Horizons you'll need to shoot them down with a slingshot. We've included some more info on getting a slingshot below. Once you have one, position yourself so you can see the balloon. You'll need to line yourself up with it, and with the slingshot equipped, press and hold A. Release A to fire the slingshot and pop the balloon. This will take some practice (you may even need to switch camera angles), but if you're on target the balloon will pop and the present will fall to the ground.
How to Craft a Slingshot
You'll have the recipe for the slingshot after taking Tom Nook's DIY workshop class at the start of the game. Collect 5 hardwood (more on that here) and then make your way over to the crafting bench at Resident Services. You can craft the slingshot here.
Presents Can Fall into Water
One thing to keep in mind is that if you shoot down a balloon while it is floating over a body of water, the present will fall into the water and will be lost. Make sure to only pop the balloon when it is over land.
What Can You Get From Balloon Presents?
So far, we've managed to receive a wide range of items from popping balloons. They are usually furniture items, making it well worth your time to go after them. If we manage to get anything else from a balloon we'll update this guide.
If you're looking for more to scratch your Animal Crossing itch, be sure to read all about the expanded clothing options available in the Able Sisters' shop. Once you're done with that, head over to our review of New Horizons.