Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history

will be regularly updated with new content and special events. Unlike previous games, most events do not exist in the game's data until they are added through an update. These events are not available to experience in the game until the first real-world date on which it occurs, therefore time traveling cannot be exploited until the update has been installed. An online date verification is required to experience the event for the first time, at which point they will reoccur offline indefinitely.

Online multiplayer can only be participated in if the most recent update is installed. The version number is displayed on the title screen and when talking to Orville about multiplayer functions.

The first major update for the game added multiple items as part of a cross-promotion with. It also added Zipper T. Bunny, the Bunny Day event, and a matching series of furniture and clothing. The game's second major update will add Leif to the game, who will host the Earth Day event.