"Animal Crossing: New Horizons" (ACNH) offers players the unique opportunity to craft their own paradise on a once-deserted island. The introduction of ordinances provides even more ways to tailor the island experience. Wondering which ordinance is right for you? Let's explore!

What are ordinances?

First seen in "Animal Crossing: New Leaf" and now reintroduced in "New Horizons," ordinances provide players the ability to implement a specific policy on their island, bringing about changes to daily activities. The "best" ordinance really depends on your playstyle and what you're looking to achieve in the game.

How to Proclaim An Ordinance 

It’s very easy to do and involves everyone’s favorite Resident Services assistant, Isabelle. You must have the Animal Crossing 2.0.0 update as well. Then, you’ll sit down for a chat with Isabelle. You’ll select the following:

• Review island features.
• Discuss Ordinances. 

After these two steps, Isabell will inform you of any currently active ordinances. Proclaiming an ordinance or changing it does cost 20,000 bells, so be prepared to fork out some dough. There are four ordinances in ACNH:

1. Early-Bird Ordinance

This ordinance is for those morning people. Whoever they are. 

As Ben Franklin once said, “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Perhaps you like to get in your gameplay before school or work. If this sounds like you, then the Early-Brid Ordinance might be your best choice. Choose the Early-Bird Ordinance if…

• You play primarily in the morning. 
• You want Nook’s Cranny to be open earlier. 
  • Its hours will be from 7 AM to 10 PM under this ordinance.
• You want the Able Sisters to be open earlier. 
  • Their hours will be from 8 AM to 9 PM under this ordinance. 
• You want villagers to be up and active earlier. They will change their sleep schedule to the following: 
  • Normal: 12 AM - 5 AM
  • Peppy: 1:30 AM - 6 AM
  • Snooty: 2:30 AM - 7:30 AM 
  • Sisterly: 3 AM - 8:30 AM
  • Lazy: 11 PM - 7 AM
  • Jock: 12:30 AM - 5:30 AM 
  • Smug: 2 AM - 6 AM
  • Cranky: 3:30 AM - 8 AM

2. Night Owl Ordinance

For all the normies...we have the Night Owl Ordinance.

The Night Owl Ordinance is perfect for you if you’re the type to wake up at noon rather than with the sun. Choose the Night Owl Ordinance if…

• You want shops to be open later. 
• Nook’s Cranny is open from 8 AM to 11 PM. 
• Able Sisters is open from 9 AM to 10 PM under this ordinance. 
• You want villagers to be awake and active later in the evening. They will change their sleep schedule to the following: 
  • Normal: 1 AM - 6 AM
  • Peppy: 2:30 AM - 7 AM
  • Snooty: 3:30 AM - 8:30 AM
  • Sisterly: 4 AM - 9:30 AM
  • Lazy: 12 AM - 8 AM
  • Jock: 1:30 AM - 6:30 AM
  • Smug: 3 AM - 7 AM
  • Cranky: 4:30 AM - 9 AM
• You stay up late and like playing late... like a normal person.

3. Bell Boom Ordinance

If you want to jumpstart your bell pile... this ordinance is for you. 

If you're on the hunt for riches and always chasing the next big sale, the Bell Boom Ordinance might be your best friend. You can get more bells for your buck with increased buying and selling prices. For example, if you’d like to upgrade your house, the mortgage price stays the same while you’re able to sell items for a higher bell price. It is also beneficial for players who regularly travel to Mystery Islands to catch expensive bugs and fish for selling. This can quickly pay off the downsides of increased purchase prices. Choose the Bell Boom Ordinance if…

• You want to buy and sell items at a higher price. 
  • Shops buy and sell items for 1.2 times its original price.
• You’re looking to maximize your bell-earning potential. 
  • It does not affect turnip prices and selling values.

4. Beautiful Island Ordinance

When you want a beautiful island... but you also have a life. 

Maybe you don't play every day or prioritize the aesthetics of your island; the Beautiful Island Ordinance can save you from the daily chores of watering plants and removing weeds. Your island will maintain its charm without the daily grind. Choose Beautiful Island Ordinance if…

• You want villagers to be more proactive in watering flowers and picking up litter. 
• You don’t want pesky weeds sprouting up all the time. 
• You want to maintain a pretty island without playing every day. 
• You want the hybrid flowers to be more likely to grow.
• You want to be rid of cockroaches for good. 
• You want your flowers to live forever. 

Quick Pointers:

Flexibility is key: Don't feel stuck; you can switch your ordinance to better align with evolving needs. The change reflects the following day. However, you’ll need to pay 20,000 bells to Isabelle in Resident Service. 

Pros and Cons: The Bell Boom Ordinance, though alluring, has its flip side – pricey purchases. Balance your decisions.

Tune in to your residents: At times, villagers might voice their opinions on ordinances. Considering their views can enhance your rapport with them.

Wrapping Up

The best ACNH ordinance largely depends on individual preferences and playstyle. Reflect on how you spend your time in the game, and choose the one that complements your daily activities. Whether you're an avid gamer or a casual islander, there's an ordinance perfect for everyone. Enjoy the enhanced customization and make your island truly your own! If you liked this article, you might also be interested in: 

• ACNH Best Ways To Make Money [Top 5 Ways]
• [Top 3] ACNH Best Villagers For Each Personality
• [Guide] ACNH How To Get 3 Stars Fast (7 Easy Steps)