Getting your island into tip-top shape is what Animal Crossing: New Horizons is all about. From the look of your home to the placement of trees, your island is yours to create and play, including the paths that you can walk along. While not giving you much of an impact on the gameplay or what you can do in the game, it’s important to have the right kind of look for your island. And with the ability to scan in a path using QR codes, there isn’t a reason you shouldn’t explore your options to find the right match.
To scan a QR code, follow these directions:
- Download the Nintendo Switch Online app onto your phone.
- Link your account to the app.
- Select Animal Crossing: New Horizons in the menu.
- Go to “Designs.”
- A QR-Scanner will open for you to scan any code you find.
With that out of the way, we have our list of the favorite path designs we have come across right here.
Celtic Symbol
This symbol is ripped straight out of history, having a deep root in the Celtic style of Insular art. The symbol has popped out throughout history for centuries, and we are just history nerds in that regard. We think there is just something really cool about having this symbol be on the island, and when used selectively, it can add something to a location. It’s the kind of design that isn’t for everyone, but we still believe it is worth making this list.
Cherry Blossom
Bring a feeling of spring to your island with this Cherry Blossom design. It brings an almost-unnoticeable difference to the way your island looks. It provides a way to guide people along while also looking like it was there from nature. It is probably the most organic-looking design in this entire list, and that’s why we like it so much. It just feels simple, natural, and unassuming. We like that kind of peacefulness.
Cute Pink Tile Path
While the name is a little too on-the-nose for our tastes, we can’t deny that we really dig this design look. It’s bright and unique enough to stick out from the normal kinds of paths you find in the game, while also not being too obnoxious to be tough to look. We are not usually fans of pink, but this design is an exception. It has an almost-futuristic look to it, like something straight out of a neo-noir movie, and yet, it works for the outdoor environment of an island. Granted, you design everything around it properly as well.
Hmmm
It’s always nice to bring a little humor and some meme to your island. Hmmm is just that, as it brings an (oddly-drawn) emoji face that is just off enough to be both unsettling and funny to us. Okay, so maybe we don’t have the highest comedic standards, but you can’t deny that it is certainly eye-catching. We know that it’s a shallow reason to include something on this list, but listen: it’s goofy, and that’s okay. Just give it a shot.
Path1
The first in a small series of brightly-colored designs; we like the look of Path1 and the way it looks to be inspired by aquatic themes. It gives off a feeling of being underwater, and when combined with a solid river or water feature, it can make the layout and design of your island pop. We also are just big fans of the color, in general, and something about it is just very aesthetically-pleasing to us. We are just reminded of an aquarium when looking at it, something very surreal to us.
Path2
This path design fits well with the Cute Pink Tile Design and offers a good alternative if you don’t want the tile-feel to your pathway. This design is still just as pink as the tile, but it looks more natural, like it is made of dirt. So if you want your island to feel a little more organic and still want some pink, this is a great option.
Simple Stone Path
Another simple design, the Simple Stone Path, is essentially just a solid line of gray, with just enough markings to make it look weathered and give some texture. The design isn’t going to really catch anyone’s eye, but that’s the point of it. It blends in with everything around it while being enough to show you the pathway. You don’t always need, or want, the most eye-popping images for your designs. Sometimes, you just need a little sophistication to your design.
Spring
Spring is a very subtle design compared to the many types you can encounter in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. All it does is add the image of budding flowers to your island, a feeling of rebirth and starting anew. After a year of building your island (not to mention a year since the pandemic started), the symbolism of rebirth could be just what you need right now.
Stardew Valley Path
It’s always fun to bring two popular games together, especially when they are similar in terms of genre. Stardew Valley is the other juggernaut of life-simulation-type games, and this QR code will allow you to bring the paths from that game onto your island in Animal Crossing. Honestly, they’re not the prettiest designs we have seen, but the sheer novelty of having them is what makes it worth it.
Wood Path
The Wood Path isn’t anything fancy; it’s just a really nice-looking, well-made design that can add a lot of subtle flair to your island. Wooden walkways have just always gone with a tropical, beach vibe which is a big reason we like this design. It just makes sense to have it on your island.
