Rocks are a naturally forming item in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. They give off a few different resources, such as Stone, Clay and Iron Nuggets. Whether you choose to mine them or destroy them is up to you.
Although I wouldn’t recommend destroying them unless they’re in the way. They replenish Iron Nuggets daily, which are quite difficult to get, especially when you need 30 for building the shop. Either way, we’re going to show you how to remove Stone Rocks below.
This guide was created during the first week of Animal Crossing: New Horizons release on the Nintendo Switch. Depending on when you’re reading this guide, some thing may be different due to future updates. However we’ll always try to come back and update these guides! For more of our Animal Crossing: New Horizons Guides & Best-of lists, make sure to check out our dedicated area here!
Removing Rocks
To actually remove Stone Rocks, you will need access to a Shovel. You won’t unlock the shovel either until you’ve spoken to Blathers. After giving 5 Creatures to Tom Nook, Blathers will come to the island a day later and give you the recipe for a shove. Craft one.

Open up your inventory by pressing X on the Nintendo Switch and equip your shovel. Head towards the rock you want to remove from your island. Now, you’re going to need to eat a fruit.

You can only destroy Rocks or Trees after consuming a fruit. Luckily, they’re in abundance and should be growing on all the trees around you. Eat one, and then use your shovel on the rock (by pressing A). It will be destroyed, dropping very few materials including Stone, Clay and Iron Nuggets.