How to Get Log Stakes in Animal Crossing – In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, log stakes are a simple yet essential item that can add charm to your island’s landscape and help with various projects. Whether you’re using them to build a bridge, decorate an outdoor area, or simply add some rustic touches to your island, log stakes are easy to make and versatile. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about crafting and using log stakes in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

What Are Log Stakes?

Log stakes are a craftable item in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, made from wood and used in various ways on your island. They add a classic, rustic look and can be used as natural fences, decoration, or as a necessary component for certain building projects. They’re one of the simpler items to create but have a significant impact on the aesthetics of your island.

Why Do You Need Log Stakes?

Log stakes have several uses, particularly in early gameplay. Here are some key reasons why players seek them out:

• Building a Bridge: One of the main reasons players craft log stakes is to build their first bridge. In the early stages, Tom Nook assigns you a task to build a bridge that requires several log stakes, so knowing how to make them is essential.
• Decoration: Log stakes can also be placed around your island for decoration. They’re especially popular for rustic and natural-themed areas, giving a woodsy, handcrafted feel.
• Marking Boundaries: Since log stakes look similar to fence posts, they can also be used as barriers or markers around pathways, flowerbeds, or gardens.
• Adding to Crafting Skills: Crafting log stakes contributes to your DIY knowledge and helps you progress in the game by unlocking new projects.

How to Get the Log Stakes DIY Recipe

Before you can start crafting log stakes, you need to obtain the DIY recipe. Here’s how to find it:

• Check Your Starting DIY Recipes: If you’re just beginning Animal Crossing: New Horizons, there’s a good chance you’ll already have the recipe for log stakes in your starting DIY set. Check your DIY Recipes app to see if it’s already available.
• Speak to Villagers: Villagers in Animal Crossing occasionally give out DIY recipes. If you don’t have the log stakes recipe, try talking to the characters on your island. Visit their homes often, especially if you see them crafting. They may be willing to share their recipe with you.
• DIY Workshop with Tom Nook: If you’re early in the game, make sure to attend the DIY workshop Tom Nook offers at Resident Services. During this session, you’ll receive a set of beginner recipes, which might include log stakes.
• Check Message Bottles and Balloons: Message bottles that wash up on your beach often contain DIY recipes. Likewise, balloons that float across your island sometimes drop presents with DIY recipes inside. Check these regularly to increase your recipe collection.

Crafting Log Stakes

Once you have the recipe, crafting log stakes is a quick and straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Gather Materials: Log stakes require three pieces of regular wood, so you’ll need to gather some before heading to the DIY bench. Use an axe to chop trees around your island for wood. Be cautious with your tool choice—using a stone axe or regular axe will yield wood without cutting down the tree.
• Head to the DIY Workbench: With your materials in hand, head to any DIY workbench. You can use the one at Resident Services or any workbench you’ve crafted for your home or island.
• Select the Recipe: Open your DIY Recipes app, find the log stakes recipe, and choose “Craft it!” The bench will show you how many resources you need, confirming that you have enough wood.
• Craft the Log Stakes: With a simple click, you’ll have a set of log stakes ready to go. You can repeat this process if you want to craft multiple sets.

Using Log Stakes on Your Island

Once you’ve crafted log stakes, you can place them anywhere on your island. Here are some creative ways to use them:

• Bridge Building: In the early game, you’ll receive a task to build a bridge that requires log stakes. Place your log stakes into the bridge construction site along with other materials to complete the structure.
• Garden and Pathway Borders: Use log stakes to line pathways, flower beds, or gardens. They act as a low barrier and add a natural, organic look to areas on your island.
• Rustic Decorations: Log stakes can be positioned around campsites, parks, or forested areas to enhance the rustic vibe of your island. Place them near trees and bushes to blend them into the natural environment.
• Creating a Fence Alternative: While fences are a common way to enclose spaces, log stakes provide a more rugged alternative. They’re shorter than traditional fences, making them ideal for areas where you want an open feel.
• Customizing With Patterns: Although log stakes themselves can’t be customized in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you can use custom design patterns nearby to complement them, enhancing their rustic look.

Tips for Gathering Wood Efficiently

Since crafting log stakes requires three pieces of regular wood, gathering materials efficiently can save time. Here are some tips to ensure you always have enough wood for crafting:

• Use a Stone Axe: Using a stone axe allows you to collect wood without cutting down trees. This tool is ideal for gathering wood while preserving your island’s natural beauty.
• Rotate Tree-Chopping Days: Rather than chopping every tree in one go, rotate the trees you collect from each day. This way, you’ll spread out resource gathering and reduce the risk of depleting your wood supply.
• Visit Mystery Islands: If you’re low on wood, consider using Nook Miles Tickets to visit mystery islands. These islands often have plenty of trees to chop, giving you a fresh supply of materials.
• Store Extra Wood: Keep extra wood in storage at your home or place it in outdoor storage sheds if you have one. This will save time, allowing you to craft log stakes whenever you need them.

Alternatives and Additional Decorative Uses

If you like the look of log stakes, there are a few other similar items you may want to try for your island’s decor.

• Fences: Fences come in various styles and heights and offer more enclosure options. Experiment with different designs to complement the log stakes’ natural look.
• Log Benches and Tables: These items pair well with log stakes and can help create cozy outdoor seating areas or picnic spots.
• Stumps and Logs: If you cut down a few trees, leave the stumps in place or add custom designs on them. They blend well with log stakes and add a rustic touch to your island.

Conclusion

Log stakes are a simple but versatile item in Animal Crossing: New Horizons that can add a lot of character to your island. Whether you’re building a bridge, decorating your island with rustic flair, or marking boundaries in creative ways, log stakes are an essential item to have in your crafting toolkit. Now that you know how to get the DIY recipe, gather materials, and use log stakes effectively, you’re well on your way to creating a beautifully designed island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.