Animal Crossing: New Horizons players continue to impress with the creative ways they use the game’s island customization tools. One standout project is a full island recreation of the original The Legend of Zelda world from the NES era. The creator behind this remarkable design goes by the name NintenFan, and their work offers a nostalgic trip for Zelda fans everywhere.
Using the terraforming tools and furniture options available in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, NintenFan built an island that closely follows the iconic map layout from the original The Legend of Zelda. Although the scale has been adjusted to fit Animal Crossing’s island format, the overall structure stays true to the game’s classic look.
What Makes This Hyrule Recreation Special
Fans of The Legend of Zelda will find plenty to recognize in this island:
- The entrance to the first cave, where Link traditionally finds his wooden sword, has been recreated with clever use of props and design.
- Multiple dungeon entrances are placed around the island, mirroring their positions on the original game’s overworld map.
- Players even used critters like crabs to represent traditional Zelda enemies such as Tektites, adding both charm and nostalgic detail.
This project shows how Animal Crossing’s open design systems can be used for ambitious tributes to other video game worlds. The creator’s use of everyday items and landscape features to mimic Zelda locations highlights the imagination of crossover fans in both communities.
Nostalgia Meets Gameplay
What makes this island recreation stand out is not just a desire to replicate classic Zelda visuals, but also a love of the original game’s world layout. For many players who grew up exploring Hyrule with blocky graphics and simple maps, seeing that world reinterpreted in Animal Crossing brings back memories in a fresh way. It also emphasizes how versatile Animal Crossing: New Horizons has become as a platform for player creativity.
With island customization expanding through updates and community creations growing richer over time, projects like this Hyrule tribute will likely inspire even more imaginative worlds. Whether players are paying homage to classic Nintendo titles or blending genres in unexpected ways, Animal Crossing: New Horizons continues to serve as a blank canvas for fans of all kinds.
If you are a Zelda fan and want to explore this incredible island, keep an eye out for community tours and videos showcasing the full layout. Seeing how Hyrule can live within Animal Crossing offers a unique perspective on both games.
