In the world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, an essential tool stands between you and the balloons floating gracefully above – the slingshot. Popping those balloons isn’t just about the thrill, it’s about unlocking treasures and possibilities. In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of obtaining and utilizing the slingshot, ensuring you never miss out on the wonders drifting overhead.

Obtaining a slingshot is a straightforward process, accessible even to novices with just a handful of bells to spare. Timmy, the friendly merchant raccoon, is your go-to source for this indispensable tool. You have two avenues to explore:
- Purchase the Slingshot: For a modest sum of 900 bells, you can acquire a fully assembled slingshot directly from Timmy’s store.
- Invest in the DIY Recipe: Alternatively, for a thrifty 300 bells, you can procure the Slingshot DIY Recipe. This option appeals to the crafty souls eager to fashion their tools. However, remember that crafting a slingshot from the DIY recipe mandates acquiring five hardwood.
Once you’ve secured your chosen route, whether a ready-made slingshot or the blueprint to craft one, it’s time to wield this newfound power.
Equipping Your Slingshot
If you opted for the readymade slingshot, simply navigate your inventory and select it like any other tool. Conversely, if you embarked on the DIY journey, head to a convenient workbench to bring your slingshot to life. Once crafted, equip it promptly, ready to take aim at the elusive balloons dancing above.
Harvesting Hardwood
Crafting a slingshot necessitates a crucial resource: hardwood. Distinct from regular wood and softwood, hardwood is a prized commodity. To amass this essential material, employ your trusty flimsy axe and deliver measured blows to the trees. With luck on your side, these trees may yield the coveted hardwood, albeit sparingly compared to their counterparts.
Balloon Hunting
Armed with your slingshot, you’re now poised to engage in the time-honored tradition of balloon hunting. Position yourself strategically beneath a drifting balloon and, with a deft press of the A button, unleash your shot. But before you embark on this endeavor, acquaint yourself with the nuances of balloon colors and their associated loot:
- Red Balloons: These vibrant orbs are harbingers of furniture, promising to enhance your humble abode with each successful pop.
- Yellow Balloons: Emitting a cheerful glow, these balloons shower upon you the coveted currency of bells, enriching your coffers with each burst.
- Blue Balloons: Bearing the hue of a serene sky, these balloons yield crafting materials, invaluable for fueling your creative endeavors.
- Green Balloons: Enigmatic and unpredictable, these balloons defy categorization, offering a delightful surprise with each burst.
The Golden Slingshot
For the intrepid balloon hunters who have vanquished a staggering 300 balloons, a legendary prize awaits – the Golden Slingshot. This elusive recipe, crafted from the finest gold nuggets, elevates the humble slingshot to a realm of unparalleled elegance and durability. Keep a keen eye out for the telltale golden balloon, heralding the attainment of this coveted blueprint upon its rupture.
Crafting the Golden Slingshot requires not only skill but also rare materials. Armed with two precious gold nuggets and a standard slingshot, venture forth to a workbench and forge this masterpiece. While the Golden Slingshot may not be eternal, its durability far surpasses its mundane counterpart, ensuring countless balloon-bursting adventures.
The slingshot in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is more than a mere tool; it’s a gateway to discovery and delight. Whether you opt for the convenience of a ready-made slingshot or embark on the DIY route, mastery of this essential implement is within reach.Â