Arriving on a deserted island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons brings endless potential for island design and exploration. However, early in the game, rivers act as stubborn barriers dividing your land into isolated sections. Unlocking the ability to leap across these waterways with a Vaulting Pole is an essential milestone for every new island representative.
Inviting Blathers to Your Island
Before you can craft a Vaulting Pole, you must lay the groundwork for the island museum. Start by handing over five unique fish or bugs to Tom Nook inside the Resident Services tent. Once you fulfill this requirement, Tom Nook will receive a phone call from Blathers the owl and prompt you to place a museum tent kit somewhere on your island.
After selecting the perfect location for Blathers, you will need to wait until the next day for his tent to be pitched. Staying updated on island developments and tips through daily gaming news can help players plan out their daily island routines efficiently. Speaking with Blathers on his first day in town rewards you with the DIY recipe for the Vaulting Pole.
Crafting the Vaulting Pole
With the recipe unlocked, gather the necessary crafting materials from around your island. The Vaulting Pole requires five softwood pieces, which can be harvested by striking trees with a flimsy or stone axe. Softwood drops frequently from both fruit and hardwood trees without damaging the trees themselves.
Head over to any workbench, such as the one located in Resident Services, to craft your new tool. Unlike flimsy fishing rods or net tools, the Vaulting Pole is completely durable and will never break. This means you only need to craft it once during your island getaway journey.
How to Use the Vaulting Pole to Jump Rivers
Equip the Vaulting Pole from your inventory or quick-select ring when standing near a riverbank. Position your character directly facing the edge of the water where you wish to cross. Press the action button, and your character will pole-vault cleanly across to the opposite bank.
Keep in mind that the Vaulting Pole requires a clear landing space on the other side of the river. If there are trees, rocks, or furniture items blocking the opposite bank, your jump will fail. Always ensure the landing site is open before initiating a leap.
Expanding Island Access and Alternative Crossing Methods
Unlocking the Vaulting Pole opens access to cliffs, elevated terrain, and new resource spawns that were previously out of reach. You can now gather more fossils, plant trees across rivers, and meet visiting villagers on isolated patches of land. This freedom accelerates your overall island progression during the early weeks of gameplay.
Eventually, as your island develops, you can construct permanent bridges to connect your land segments without needing tools. Bridges make movement easier for both you and your resident villagers. Until you earn enough bells for infrastructure projects, the Vaulting Pole remains your primary tool for exploring every corner of your island.
