So, you’re stuck at home with nothing to do between zoom classes. You’ve watched everything on Netflix and got bored of that new hobby you tried to pick up. Half the internet, it seems, is playing Animal Crossing and you’re starting to get interested. A game that’s basically escapism with cute animals and calming music during this tumultuous time? Sign me up.
I’m going to walk you through the basics of what Animal Crossing is and how and why to get started on Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Because let’s face it, if you’re not already hooked, you’re about to be.
What is Animal Crossing?
Animal Crossing is a social simulation game published by Nintendo. In the game, you play a human who lives in a village with anthropomorphic animals. In the game, you fish, catch bugs, pay loans to upgrade your house, and interact with the villagers. It utilizes open-ended gameplay and syncs with your time to simulate the real passage of time.
Initially released in 2001, there have been five Animal Crossing games for Nintendo systems with three spin-off games including Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp for mobile.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has similar gameplay and characters as the other games in the Animal Crossing series. The major differences consist of the new “deserted island” location for the game and updates made to improve gameplay. At the beginning of the game, the player character has purchased a deserted island from Tom Nook, a reoccurring character in the Animal Crossing series. The player then begins exploring the island, learning new abilities (such as emotes and crafting a vaulting pole to jump over rivers), and interacting with and recruiting islanders.
Why Does Everyone Love It?
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has found commercial and critical success, with its physical copy launch sales even breaking the record held by Pokémon Sword and Shield for biggest Switch game debut in Japan. Its gameplay and customization options have received praise from critics, and its calming gameplay has made it a desirable activity during the coronavirus pandemic.
Widely loved for its relaxing style, strong customization options, and friendly characters, Animal Crossing is a break from the real world. Not unlike Sims, Animal Crossing allows players to step away from their everyday stresses and create a space where deadlines, bills, and real-world issues don’t exist. As Brett Molina writes in USA Today, “as we navigate a terrifying pandemic where even a trip to the grocery store can wrack our nerves, Nintendo’s latest video game for the Switch is a sanctuary. It’s joyful, simple and the ideal escape for our current climate.”
How to Get Started in New Horizons
First, you’ll need a Nintendo Switch ($299.99) or Switch Light ($199.99) and a copy of Animal Crossing (which you can purchase from the Nintendo eShop from your console for $59.99).
Once you’ve fired up the game, it will quickly ask you to name your character and your island, so you’ll want to put some consideration into it in advance. If you’re having trouble coming up with a name for your island, you can use this Animal Crossing island name generator to help brainstorm some ideas.
After that you’ll get put on your island. You’ll begin by choosing where on your island you want your home and where you want your two islanders to live. After that, you’ll be free to do what you want in whatever order you want. Catch fish and bugs to give to Tom Nook, an NPC racoon character, and once you fit five, you’ll unlock the museum. Go to the airport to begin exploring mystery islands and collect resources. There isn’t a right or a wrong next step, but if you want some advice on what to do next, you can always ask Tom Nook what to do.
And after that, you’re set. Just keep enjoying the slow pace and calming nature of Animal Crossing: New Horizons and follow whatever you want to do most.
