Absolutely, especially during your initial days on the island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This early interaction is a crucial step for your initial island development.
Why Giving Fish (or Bugs) to Tom Nook Is Beneficial:
In the early stages of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, interacting with Tom Nook by providing him with creatures is essential for game progression and unlocking vital tools.
- Unlocking Essential Tools: On your first "full" day on the island, Tom Nook will offer a DIY crafting lesson. During this lesson, he will teach you the recipes for two fundamental tools: the Net and the Fishing Rod. To trigger this important event, you need to provide him with five fish or bugs. These tools are indispensable for:
- Catching various insects and fish across your island.
- Gathering resources for further crafting projects.
- Contributing to Blathers' museum, once it's established.
- Advancing the Storyline: Providing Tom Nook with these early donations is a key part of the tutorial phase, guiding you through the initial steps of settling into your new island life. It helps you understand core gameplay mechanics and opens up opportunities for future island improvements.
- Donation vs. Selling: It's important to distinguish this early donation to Tom Nook from selling creatures for Bells. While you can sell fish and bugs to Timmy & Tommy at Nook's Cranny for currency, the initial five given to Tom Nook are for progression and tool acquisition, not for immediate financial gain.
Therefore, you should definitely give your fish (or bugs) to Tom Nook when prompted in the early game to ensure you acquire the necessary tools to fully explore and enjoy your island experience.