John

John is an NPC who runs John’s Goods on the island. He starts out visiting at the Visitors Site and later moves in permanently after the player has spoken to him and raised the relationship to more than one-quarter of a heart. Once settled in town, he becomes one of the main commerce-focused residents and buys a wide range of items from the player, reflecting his role as a trader who sends goods back to South City.

While John is visiting at the Visitors Site, he is open every day from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. After he moves in, he is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. He is known for being late to work, so his shop does not always feel punctual, but he still operates on a regular weekly schedule.

John’s dialogue emphasizes trading, profit, and his business background. He explains that he makes most of his Dinks by selling exotic items back to South City, meaning anything unusual or unwanted found on the island can be valuable to him. He also comments on the value of goods, the importance of buying low and selling high, and the growing settlement around the island. He mentions that he worked hard for his Commerce Licence and jokes that his brother in South City also wanted some of his Permit Points. He is also uneasy about the Deep Mine, saying it is too creepy to enter alone.

Relationship progress unlocks practical benefits. After the player reaches at least 2 relationship hearts with John, the “Let’s hang out!” option becomes available the following day. He can be invited to spend time with the player on his day off or after work. At 3.75 hearts, John gives the player the recipe for the Recycling Bin, which can then be crafted at the Crafting Table.

John may also send gifts by mail when friendship is high enough. These gifts are weighted by heart level and only occur if the player has talked to him or completed a task for him that day. Possible mailed gifts include:

• Dink
• Meat Pie
• Old Key
• Opal

A few other details are worth noting:

• John has a brother who lives in South City.
• His first meeting dialogue makes it clear that he is interested in doing business on the island and wants the player to bring him items they do not need.
• At night, he comments that night time is “John time,” reinforcing his strong work-and-business personality.