Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the fifth game in the Animal Crossing saga. Released in 2020 is a social simulation and cozy game, published by Nintendo for the Nintendo switch. The game is only available in Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED, and Nintendo Switch Lite.

The game is exclusive to Nintendo Switch consoles and is not available on PC, PlayStation, XBox, mobile devices or Mac. There is currently no official version for any other platform.

Build Your Village On Your Own Island

The game starts with the player creating a new account at Nook inc. Timmy and Tommy will run towards the counter to greet them and express their gratitude for their decision to sign up to the Deserted Island Getaway Package. The player will then fill out an application related to the player and their island. In this application the player must enter their name and birthday, customize their appearance and pick an island.

During the customisation of the Island, the player must choose between the northern or southern hemisphere and the island’s layout. When all is set, Timmy, Tommy and the player board a plane to the new island. Once in there the player gets advice from Wilbur to collect resources to start building.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons gives the player more freedom to customise their island, compared to the past titles. The player is now able to place furniture both indoors and outdoors. They can also choose starting locations from their home,their residents’ homes and buildings other than Resident Services.

Another new feature are fences, along with an official path creator. Other mechanics like gaining energy when eating are also added to the game.

New Features and Adventures

Weather adjusts to the player’s real-world location. This is the first Animal Crossing game with this feature

Players can completely reshape their island by crafting cliffs, digging rivers and laying paths once the Island Designer app is unlocked.

First appearance of the Nook phone, the smartphone in New horizons. Can be accessed by pressing the ZL button.

First appearance on Nook Miles, a currency the player can earn by completing tasks around town. Can also be used to pay off the player’s first loan.

Players can now use workbenches to craft furniture, tools, medicine, and fish bait.

Multiplayer Mode

Animal crossing: New horizons includes a multiplayer mode where up to 7 other players on different devices can be invited via local network play or online network play. The game also offers a single-console local co-op play where up to 8 other players create residents on the same island, and up to 4 of these residents can play at the same time.

Party play mode: Different user accounts on the same switch console can create residents within the same island. When one user is playing, up to three other players can be invited to play as well with the call Islander app on the Nook Phone.

FAQ

Q: How many villagers can live on one island?

A: Your village can have up to ten animal villagers living alongside your character. Players can choose who to invite and may eventually encourage villagers to move out if they want to make room for someone new.

Q: Does the game follow real time?

A: The game uses the Nintendo internal clock, meaning the time of the day and seasons match the real world. Certain events, fish, insects and ships are only available during specific times or months.

Q: Can you change your character’s appearance after the intro?

A: Yes, you can. Your character’s hairstyle, hair colour, facial features and clothing can be changed at any time.

Q: Is Animal Crossing: New Horizons suitable for children?

A: Yes, the game has a PEGI 3 rating and is suitable for players of all ages. It’s a relaxing cozy game, with positive themes and creative freedom.

Q: Can you customise your island?

A: Yes, players can build and decorate both inside and outside their homes with furniture, plats and paths. The Island designer app allows players to terraform the landscape of their island by creating rivers, cliffs and custom pathways.