Difference between revisions of "Animal Crossing: New Horizons"

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In a departure from previous titles in the series, the player lives on a deserted island rather than in a [[town]] (referred to as the "Nook Inc. Deserted Island Getaway Package"), which can develop into a town-like community as players progress through the game. [[Crafting]] from {{PC}} has also returned in this installment in the form of the [[DIY]] system, along with expanded customization of furniture and the player characters.
 
In a departure from previous titles in the series, the player lives on a deserted island rather than in a [[town]] (referred to as the "Nook Inc. Deserted Island Getaway Package"), which can develop into a town-like community as players progress through the game. [[Crafting]] from {{PC}} has also returned in this installment in the form of the [[DIY]] system, along with expanded customization of furniture and the player characters.
  
{{NH|nolink}} is a critical and commercial success, having received positive reviews from critics and selling over 32 million copies as of March 2021, making it the best-selling game in the {{SER|nolink}} and the second best-selling Nintendo Switch game.
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{{NH|nolink}} is a critical and commercial success, having received positive reviews from critics and selling over 33 million copies as of June 2021, making it the best-selling game in the {{SER|nolink}} and the second best-selling Nintendo Switch game behind ''[[mariowiki:Mario Kart 8 Deluxe|Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''.
  
 
==Development and unveiling==
 
==Development and unveiling==
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In another shift, the effects of [[time travel]]ing were made less impactful. This is in part due to the fact that seasonal events and holidays are not coded into the game from launch and are instead going to be added through future updates. Kyogoku notes that this method of adding events was not intended to shun time traveling, but rather as a form of creating unity amongst players. Nevertheless, time traveling is still discouraged, though Kyogoku and Nogami do not consider it to be a form of cheating.<ref name= "philosophy"/>
 
In another shift, the effects of [[time travel]]ing were made less impactful. This is in part due to the fact that seasonal events and holidays are not coded into the game from launch and are instead going to be added through future updates. Kyogoku notes that this method of adding events was not intended to shun time traveling, but rather as a form of creating unity amongst players. Nevertheless, time traveling is still discouraged, though Kyogoku and Nogami do not consider it to be a form of cheating.<ref name= "philosophy"/>
 
Development for future updates is still going steady, though shifts may have to be made due to the impact of the {{wp|COVID-19 pandemic}}.<ref name= "philosophy"/><ref name= "crazy"/>  The development team hopes that updates will continue even two or three years after launch.<ref name= "crazy"/>
 
  
 
===Unveiling and release===
 
===Unveiling and release===
 
The game was teased during a Nintendo Direct on September 13, 2018, in tandem with the announcement of [[Isabelle]] for {{SSBU}}, and was originally slated to be released in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=September 13, 2018|url=https://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct/09-13-2018/|title=Nintendo Direct 9.13.2018}}</ref>  
 
The game was teased during a Nintendo Direct on September 13, 2018, in tandem with the announcement of [[Isabelle]] for {{SSBU}}, and was originally slated to be released in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=September 13, 2018|url=https://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct/09-13-2018/|title=Nintendo Direct 9.13.2018}}</ref>  
  
During E3 2019 on June 11, 2019, the gameplay (from trailer and Treehouse interview) and title were shown. It was revealed that the game had been delayed to March 20, 2020; it was stated that "to ensure the game is the best it can be, we must ask that you wait a little longer than we thought."<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=June 11, 2019|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr9eAtwcYlo|title=Nintendo Direct for E3 2019|site=YouTube}}</ref> Later, President of Nintendo of America, [[Doug Bowser]], said the following: "The crunch point is an interesting one, for us, one of our key tenets is that we bring smiles to people's faces, and we talk about that all the time. It's our vision. Or our mission, I should say. For us, that applies to our own employees. We need to make sure that our employees have good work-life balance. One of those examples is, we will not bring a game to market before it's ready. We just talked about one example. It's really important that we have that balance in our world. It's actually something we're proud of."<ref>{{Cite web|author=Tina Amini|date=June 21, 2019|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/11/nintendo-comments-on-crunch-and-game-delays-a-e3-2019|title=Nintendo Says It Will Not Release a Game Before It's Ready – E3 2019|site=IGN}}</ref>
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During E3 2019 on June 11, 2019, the gameplay (from a trailer and Treehouse interview) and title were shown. It was revealed that the game had been delayed to March 20, 2020; it was stated that "to ensure the game is the best it can be, we must ask that you wait a little longer than we thought."<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=June 11, 2019|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr9eAtwcYlo|title=Nintendo Direct for E3 2019|site=YouTube}}</ref> Later, President of Nintendo of America, Doug Bowser, said the following: "The crunch point is an interesting one, for us, one of our key tenets is that we bring smiles to people's faces, and we talk about that all the time. It's our vision. Or our mission, I should say. For us, that applies to our own employees. We need to make sure that our employees have good work-life balance. One of those examples is, we will not bring a game to market before it's ready. We just talked about one example. It's really important that we have that balance in our world. It's actually something we're proud of."<ref>{{Cite web|author=Tina Amini|date=June 21, 2019|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/11/nintendo-comments-on-crunch-and-game-delays-a-e3-2019|title=Nintendo Says It Will Not Release a Game Before It's Ready – E3 2019|site=IGN}}</ref>
  
 
An ''Animal Crossing'' Nintendo Direct took place on February 20, 2020,<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=February 21, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie4WZCLbtVs|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Direct 2.20.2020|site=YouTube}}</ref> showcasing multiple new features of the game, such as terrain editing, additional house customization, and more.
 
An ''Animal Crossing'' Nintendo Direct took place on February 20, 2020,<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=February 21, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie4WZCLbtVs|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Direct 2.20.2020|site=YouTube}}</ref> showcasing multiple new features of the game, such as terrain editing, additional house customization, and more.
  
This title supports more languages than all previous entries in the series, being the first to support the Chinese language since {{DnM}},<ref>{{Cite web|author=Iggy|date=September 14, 2018|url=https://nintendosoup.com/luigis-mansion-3-animal-crossing-and-new-super-mario-bros-u-deluxe-playable-in-chinese|title=Luigi's Mansion 3, Animal Crossing, And New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Playable In Chinese|site=NintendoSoup}}</ref> which was ported to the [[wikipedia:iQue Player|iQue Player]] with simplified Chinese support exclusively for mainland China in 2006. This is also the first main series title since {{CF}} to have two separate localizations for Spanish and French; one for Europe and another for the Americas, although it has been erroneously reported to be the first title to do so in the case of Spanish.<ref>{{Cite web|author=hadamsj|date=April 29, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqUicmDQKuA|title=Animal Crossing: City Folk - Comparing Spanish localizations (LATAM & EU)|site=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Juan Emilio Reyes|date=December 4, 2019|url=https://www.3djuegos.com/mx/noticias-amp/199649/animal-crossing-new-horizons-vendr-localizado-al-espaol|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons vendrá localizado al español latinoamericano|site=3DJuegos|language=Spanish}}</ref> It is the first title to include all localizations collectively regardless of regional release, and the first main series title to include Dutch and Russian languages.
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This title supports more languages than all previous entries in the series, being the first main series game to support the Chinese language since {{DnM}},<ref>{{Cite web|author=Iggy|date=September 14, 2018|url=https://nintendosoup.com/luigis-mansion-3-animal-crossing-and-new-super-mario-bros-u-deluxe-playable-in-chinese|title=Luigi's Mansion 3, Animal Crossing, And New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Playable In Chinese|site=NintendoSoup}}</ref> which was ported to the [[wikipedia:iQue Player|iQue Player]] with simplified Chinese support exclusively for mainland China in 2006. This is also the first main series title since {{CF}} to have two separate localizations for Spanish and French; one for Europe and another for the Americas, although it has been erroneously reported to be the first title to do so in the case of Spanish.<ref>{{Cite web|author=hadamsj|date=April 29, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqUicmDQKuA|title=Animal Crossing: City Folk - Comparing Spanish localizations (LATAM & EU)|site=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Juan Emilio Reyes|date=December 4, 2019|url=https://www.3djuegos.com/mx/noticias-amp/199649/animal-crossing-new-horizons-vendr-localizado-al-espaol|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons vendrá localizado al español latinoamericano|site=3DJuegos|language=Spanish}}</ref> It is the first title to include all localizations collectively regardless of regional release, and the first main series title to include Dutch and Russian languages.
  
 
{{NH|nolink}} is the first title in the series to launch worldwide on the same date.
 
{{NH|nolink}} is the first title in the series to launch worldwide on the same date.
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:''For detailed changelogs see [[Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history]]''
 
:''For detailed changelogs see [[Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history]]''
 
{{:Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history}}
 
{{:Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history}}
====Major updates====
+
====Content updates====
 
[[File:Zipper NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=1.1.0 First Update]] '''[[1.1.0 First Update|First Update]]''' (1.1.0)<br>
 
[[File:Zipper NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=1.1.0 First Update]] '''[[1.1.0 First Update|First Update]]''' (1.1.0)<br>
:The first major update for the game, released simultaneously with the game, added multiple items as part of a cross-promotion with {{PC}}. It also added [[Zipper T. Bunny]], the Bunny Day event, and a matching series of furniture and clothing.
+
:The first major free update for the game, released simultaneously with the game, added multiple items as part of a cross-promotion with {{PC}}. It also added [[Zipper T. Bunny]], the Bunny Day event, and a matching series of furniture and clothing.
  
 
[[File:Leif NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=1.2.0 April Free Update]][[File:Redd NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=1.2.0 April Free Update]] '''[[1.2.0 April Free Update|April Free Update]]''' (1.2.0)<br>  
 
[[File:Leif NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=1.2.0 April Free Update]][[File:Redd NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=1.2.0 April Free Update]] '''[[1.2.0 April Free Update|April Free Update]]''' (1.2.0)<br>  
:The second major update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on April 23, 2020. This update added [[Leif]], [[Redd]], [[Rover]], [[Cyrus]] and [[Reese]] to the game, as well as an [[art]] gallery expansion for the [[museum]] and four new events: [[Nature Day]], [[May Day]], [[International Museum Day]], and [[Wedding Season]].  
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:The second free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on April 23, 2020. This update added [[Leif]], [[Redd]], [[Rover]], [[Cyrus]] and [[Reese]] to the game, as well as an [[art]] gallery expansion for the [[museum]] and four new events: [[Nature Day]], [[May Day]], [[International Museum Day]], and [[Wedding Season]].  
  
 
[[File:Pascal NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=Free Summer Update (Wave 1)]] '''[[1.3.0 Free Summer Update (Wave 1)|Free Summer Update (Wave 1)]]''' (1.3.0)<br>  
 
[[File:Pascal NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=Free Summer Update (Wave 1)]] '''[[1.3.0 Free Summer Update (Wave 1)|Free Summer Update (Wave 1)]]''' (1.3.0)<br>  
:The third major update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on July 3, 2020 as a first wave. This update added swimming, [[diving]], and [[sea creatures]] to the game, along with [[Pascal]] and [[Gulliver#Gullivarrr|Gullivarrr]].
+
:The third free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on July 3, 2020 as a first wave. This update added swimming, [[diving]], and [[sea creatures]] to the game, along with [[Pascal]] and [[Gulliver#Gullivarrr|Gullivarrr]].
  
 
[[File:Luna NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=Summer Update (Wave 2)]] '''[[1.4.0 Summer Update (Wave 2)|Summer Update (Wave 2)]]''' (1.4.0)<br>
 
[[File:Luna NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=Summer Update (Wave 2)]] '''[[1.4.0 Summer Update (Wave 2)|Summer Update (Wave 2)]]''' (1.4.0)<br>
:The fourth major update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on July 30, 2020 as a second wave. This update added [[Fireworks Show]]s, the ability to visit [[dream]] islands, and the Island Backup Restoration Service, which allows players to restore save data from the cloud if their Nintendo Switch is lost or damaged.
+
:The fourth free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on July 30, 2020 as a second wave. This update added [[Fireworks Show]]s, the ability to visit [[dream]] islands, and the Island Backup Restoration Service, which allows players to restore save data from the cloud if their Nintendo Switch is lost or damaged.
  
 
[[File:Jack NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=1.5.0 Fall Update]] '''[[1.5.0 Fall Update|Fall Update]]''' (1.5.0)<br>
 
[[File:Jack NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=1.5.0 Fall Update]] '''[[1.5.0 Fall Update|Fall Update]]''' (1.5.0)<br>
:The fifth major update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on September 30, 2020. This update added the [[Halloween]] event along with [[Jack]], [[Candy]], Pumpkin plants for DIY recipes, four new skin colors, six new eye colors and two new [[Reactions]] (named Haunt and Scare). [[NookLink]] was also updated on October 6, 2020. It now allows the player interact use [[Reactions]] from their smartphone.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=September 25, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmgN42ewTtE|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Fall Update – Nintendo Switch|site=YouTube|retrieved=September 25, 2020}}</ref>
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:The fifth free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on September 30, 2020. This update added the [[Halloween]] event along with [[Jack]], [[Candy]], Pumpkin plants for DIY recipes, four new skin colors, six new eye colors and two new [[Reactions]] (named Haunt and Scare). [[NookLink]] was also updated on October 6, 2020. It now allows the player interact use [[Reactions]] from their smartphone.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=September 25, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmgN42ewTtE|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Fall Update – Nintendo Switch|site=YouTube|retrieved=September 25, 2020}}</ref>
  
 
[[File:Franklin NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=1.6.0 Free Winter Update]][[File:Jingle NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=1.6.0 Free Winter Update]] '''[[1.6.0 Free Winter Update|Free Winter Update]]''' (1.6.0)<br>
 
[[File:Franklin NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=1.6.0 Free Winter Update]][[File:Jingle NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=1.6.0 Free Winter Update]] '''[[1.6.0 Free Winter Update|Free Winter Update]]''' (1.6.0)<br>
:The sixth major update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on November 19, 2020. This update added [[Franklin]] and [[Jingle]] along with the events they host, [[Turkey Day]] and [[Toy Day]], respectively. It also adds six new hairstyles and nine new reactions, the option to upgrade the player's storage from 1,600 to 2,400 items, and support for Save Data Transfer.<ref>{{Cite web|author=YouTube|date=November 17, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQuucamIYjQ&ab_channel=Nintendo|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Free Winter Update – Nintendo Switch|site=YouTube|retrieved=November 17, 2020}}</ref>
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:The sixth free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on November 19, 2020. This update added [[Franklin]] and [[Jingle]] along with the events they host, [[Turkey Day]] and [[Toy Day]], respectively. It also adds six new hairstyles and nine new reactions, the option to upgrade the player's storage from 1,600 to 2,400 items, and support for Save Data Transfer.<ref>{{Cite web|author=YouTube|date=November 17, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQuucamIYjQ&ab_channel=Nintendo|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Free Winter Update – Nintendo Switch|site=YouTube|retrieved=November 17, 2020}}</ref>
  
 
[[File:Pavé NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=1.7.0 Free Update]] '''[[1.7.0 Free Update|Free Update]]''' (1.7.0)<br>
 
[[File:Pavé NH Character Icon.png|20px|link=1.7.0 Free Update]] '''[[1.7.0 Free Update|Free Update]]''' (1.7.0)<br>
:The seventh major update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on January 28, 2021. This update added [[Pavé]] and [[Festivale]], four new reactions, and several [[Nook Shopping seasonal event|Nook Shopping seasonal items]].<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=January 26, 2021|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck57sOYq7YI&ab_channel=Nintendo|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Free Update 1.28.20|site=YouTube|retrieved=January 26, 2021}}</ref>
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:The seventh free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on January 28, 2021. This update added [[Pavé]] and [[Festivale]], four new reactions, and several [[Nook Shopping seasonal event|Nook Shopping seasonal items]].<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=January 26, 2021|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck57sOYq7YI&ab_channel=Nintendo|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Free Update 1.28.20|site=YouTube|retrieved=January 26, 2021}}</ref>
  
 
[[File:Super Mushroom NH Icon.png|20px|link=1.8.0 Free Update]][[File:Super Star NH Icon.png|20px|link=1.8.0 Free Update]] '''[[1.8.0 Free Update|Free Update]]''' (1.8.0)<br>
 
[[File:Super Mushroom NH Icon.png|20px|link=1.8.0 Free Update]][[File:Super Star NH Icon.png|20px|link=1.8.0 Free Update]] '''[[1.8.0 Free Update|Free Update]]''' (1.8.0)<br>
:The eighth major update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on February 25, 2021. It features ''Super Mario''-themed items available from [[Nook Shopping]], as well as three Nook Shopping seasonal events.<ref>https://twitter.com/animalcrossing/status/1362167046151278593?s=19</ref><ref>https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/article/bbbdba53-3902-4090-93fa-49af995fe127</ref>
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:The eighth free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on February 25, 2021. It features ''Super Mario''-themed items available from [[Nook Shopping]], as well as three Nook Shopping seasonal events.<ref>https://twitter.com/animalcrossing/status/1362167046151278593?s=19</ref><ref>https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/article/bbbdba53-3902-4090-93fa-49af995fe127</ref>
  
 
[[File:Chai NH Villager Icon.png|20px|link=1.9.0 Free Update]][[File:Chelsea NH Villager Icon.png|20px|link=1.9.0 Free Update]][[File:Étoile NH Villager Icon.png|20px|link=1.9.0 Free Update]][[File:Marty NH Villager Icon.png|20px|link=1.9.0 Free Update]][[File:Rilla NH Villager Icon.png|20px|link=1.9.0 Free Update]][[File:Toby NH Villager Icon.png|20px|link=1.9.0 Free Update]] '''[[1.9.0 Free Update|Free Update]]''' (1.9.0)<br>
 
[[File:Chai NH Villager Icon.png|20px|link=1.9.0 Free Update]][[File:Chelsea NH Villager Icon.png|20px|link=1.9.0 Free Update]][[File:Étoile NH Villager Icon.png|20px|link=1.9.0 Free Update]][[File:Marty NH Villager Icon.png|20px|link=1.9.0 Free Update]][[File:Rilla NH Villager Icon.png|20px|link=1.9.0 Free Update]][[File:Toby NH Villager Icon.png|20px|link=1.9.0 Free Update]] '''[[1.9.0 Free Update|Free Update]]''' (1.9.0)<br>
:The ninth major update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on March 18, 2021. It features the return of Sanrio-themed items and villagers.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpJo9Zleqrk|title=Get Ready for a Sanrio Crossover! – Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch|site=YouTube|retrieved=February 25, 2021}}</ref>
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:The ninth free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on March 18, 2021. It features the return of Sanrio-themed items and villagers.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpJo9Zleqrk|title=Get Ready for a Sanrio Crossover! – Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch|site=YouTube|retrieved=February 25, 2021}}</ref>
  
 
[[File:Rover's Photo (Natural Wood) NH Icon.png|20x20px|link=1.10.0 Free Update]] '''[[1.10.0 Free Update|Free Update]]''' (1.10.0)<br>
 
[[File:Rover's Photo (Natural Wood) NH Icon.png|20x20px|link=1.10.0 Free Update]] '''[[1.10.0 Free Update|Free Update]]''' (1.10.0)<br>
:The tenth major update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on April 28, 2021. It features the return of previously available events from 2020, as well as the addition of new [[Nook Shopping seasonal event]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=April 26, 2021|url=https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/article/4aca50db-b0bd-4552-827e-9eadda7ce4e9|title=『あつまれ どうぶつの森』の島で初夏にかけて開催される季節のイベントをご紹介。無料アップデートは4月28日に配信。|site=topics.nintendo.co.jp|retrieved=April 26, 2021}}</ref>
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:The tenth free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on April 28, 2021. It features the return of previously available events from 2020, as well as the addition of new [[Nook Shopping seasonal event]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=April 26, 2021|url=https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/article/4aca50db-b0bd-4552-827e-9eadda7ce4e9|title=『あつまれ どうぶつの森』の島で初夏にかけて開催される季節のイベントをご紹介。無料アップデートは4月28日に配信。|site=topics.nintendo.co.jp|retrieved=April 26, 2021}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
[[File:Boba NH Inv Icon.png|20x20px|link=1.11.0 Free Update]] '''[[1.11.0 Free Update|Free Update]]''' (1.11.0)<br>
 +
:The eleventh free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} was released on July 29, 2021. It features new [[Nook Shopping seasonal event]]s and new items from the [[Fireworks Show]] and [[Halloween]].<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=July 27, 2021|url=https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/article/9d2dad1c-bad3-473b-b593-7d1d06dfb9c9|title=『あつまれ どうぶつの森』の島で開催される季節イベントをご紹介。無料アップデートは7月29日。2021年内に更なるアップデート計画も進行中。|site=topics.nintendo.co.jp|retrieved=July 27, 2021}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
[[File:Brewster aF Character Icon.png|20x20px|link=2.0 Free Update]] '''[[2.0 Free Update|Free Update]]''' (2.0)<br>
 +
:The twelfth and final free content update to {{NH|short|nolink}} will be released on November 5, 2021. It features the addition of [[The Roost]], [[Kapp'n]], an expansion to [[Harv's Island]], and numerous other features.
 +
 
 +
[[File:HHP Logo English.png|20x20px|link=Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise]] '''{{HHP}}'''
 +
:Set to be released alongside the 2.0 Free Update, {{HHP|nolink}} is paid DLC that allows the player to travel to islands to design homes for characters, similar to {{HHD}}.
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
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{{NH|nolink|short}} includes 29 special characters, 6 of which are new to the series. The new special characters include:
 
{{NH|nolink|short}} includes 29 special characters, 6 of which are new to the series. The new special characters include:
 
* [[File:C.J. NH Character Icon.png|32px|C.J.]] [[C.J.]], a fishing enthusiast who hosts the [[Fishing Tourney]] (replacing the role of [[Chip]]) and can purchase [[fish]] from the player for 1.5x their normal selling price
 
* [[File:C.J. NH Character Icon.png|32px|C.J.]] [[C.J.]], a fishing enthusiast who hosts the [[Fishing Tourney]] (replacing the role of [[Chip]]) and can purchase [[fish]] from the player for 1.5x their normal selling price
* [[File:Daisy Mae PC icon.png|32px|Daisy Mae]] [[Daisy Mae]], who sells [[turnips]] on Sunday mornings (replacing the role of her grandmother, [[Joan]])
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* [[File:Daisy Mae PC Character Icon.png|32px|Daisy Mae]] [[Daisy Mae]], who sells [[turnips]] on Sunday mornings (replacing the role of her grandmother, [[Joan]])
 
* [[File:Flick NH Character Icon.png|32px|Flick]] [[Flick]], a bug-fanatic who hosts the [[Bug-Off]] (replacing the role of [[Nat]]) and can purchase [[bugs]] from the player for 1.5x their normal selling price
 
* [[File:Flick NH Character Icon.png|32px|Flick]] [[Flick]], a bug-fanatic who hosts the [[Bug-Off]] (replacing the role of [[Nat]]) and can purchase [[bugs]] from the player for 1.5x their normal selling price
 
* [[File:Orville NH Character Icon.png|32px|Orville]] [[Orville]], the ground control for Dodo Airlines who works at the [[Airport]]
 
* [[File:Orville NH Character Icon.png|32px|Orville]] [[Orville]], the ground control for Dodo Airlines who works at the [[Airport]]
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* [[File:Gullivarrr NH Character Icon.png|32px|Gullivarrr]] [[Gullivarrr]], a pirate captain and [[Gulliver]] lookalike who gives the player [[Pirate Series]] furniture in exchange for recovering his communicator from the ocean, similarly to Gulliver (added in 1.3.0 [[Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history|Free Summer Update]] Wave 1)
 
* [[File:Gullivarrr NH Character Icon.png|32px|Gullivarrr]] [[Gullivarrr]], a pirate captain and [[Gulliver]] lookalike who gives the player [[Pirate Series]] furniture in exchange for recovering his communicator from the ocean, similarly to Gulliver (added in 1.3.0 [[Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history|Free Summer Update]] Wave 1)
  
As of version 1.9.0, the game has 397 villagers, 8 of which are new to the series (one for each personality). The new villagers include:
+
As of version 2.0 the game has '''413''' villagers, 16 of which are new to the series. Eight of these were included in the initial release of the game, and a further eight are introduced with the [[Animal Crossing: New_Horizons/Update history/2.0|Ver. 2.0]] update. The new villagers include:
 +
{{Columns-list|colwidth=300px|
 +
* [[File:Audie NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Audie]] [[Audie]], a [[peppy]] [[wolf]]
 +
* [[File:Cyd NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Cyd]] [[Cyd]], a [[cranky]] [[elephant]]
 +
* [[File:Dom NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Dom]] [[Dom]], a [[jock]] [[sheep]]
 +
* [[File:Judy NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Judy]] [[Judy]], a [[snooty]] [[bear cub]]
 +
* [[File:Megan NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Megan]] [[Megan]], a [[normal]] [[bear]]
 +
* [[File:Raymond NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Raymond]] [[Raymond]], a [[smug]] [[cat]]
 +
* [[File:Reneigh NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Reneigh]] [[Reneigh]], a [[big sister]] [[horse]]
 +
* [[File:Sherb NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Sherb]] [[Sherb]], a [[lazy]] [[goat]]
 +
* <!--[[File:Sasha NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Sasha]]--> [[Sasha]], a [[rabbit]]
 +
* <!--[[File:Ione NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Ione]]--> [[Ione]], a [[squirrel]]
 +
* <!--[[File:Tiansheng NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Tiansheng]]--> [[Tiansheng]], a [[monkey]]
 +
* <!--[[File:Shino NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Shino]]--> [[Shino]], a [[deer]]
 +
* <!--[[File:Marlo NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Marlo]]--> [[Marlo]], a [[hamster]]
 +
* <!--[[File:Petri NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Petri]]--> [[Petri]], a [[mouse]]
 +
* <!--[[File:Cephalobot NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Cephalobot]]--> [[Cephalobot]], an [[octopus]]
 +
* <!--[[File:Quinn NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Quinn]]--> [[Quinn]], an [[eagle]]
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
Additionally, the 2.0 update features the return of 8 former villagers, half of which had only appeared in the Japan-exclusive {{DnMe+}} and did not have localized names until their appearance in this game.
 
{{Columns-list|colwidth=300px|
 
{{Columns-list|colwidth=300px|
* [[File:Audie NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Audie]] [[Audie]], a peppy wolf
+
* <!--[[File:Ace NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Ace]]--> [[Ace]], a [[bird]]
* [[File:Cyd NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Cyd]] [[Cyd]], a cranky elephant
+
* <!--[[File:Rio NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Rio]]--> [[Rio]], an [[ostrich]]
* [[File:Dom NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Dom]] [[Dom]], a jock sheep
+
* <!--[[File:Faith NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Faith]]--> [[Faith]], a [[koala]]
* [[File:Judy NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Judy]] [[Judy]], a snooty cub
+
* <!--[[File:Zoe NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Zoe]]--> [[Zoe]], an [[anteater]]
* [[File:Megan NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Megan]] [[Megan]], normal bear
+
* <!--[[File:Azalea NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Azalea]]--> [[Azalea]], a [[rhinoceros]]
* [[File:Raymond NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Raymond]] [[Raymond]], a smug cat
+
* <!--[[File:Chabwick NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Chabwick]]--> [[Chabwick]], a [[penguin]]
* [[File:Reneigh NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Reneigh]] [[Reneigh]], a big sister horse
+
* <!--[[File:Frett NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Frett]]--> [[Frett]], a [[dog]]
* [[File:Sherb NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Sherb]] [[Sherb]], a lazy goat
+
* <!--[[File:Roswell NH Villager Icon.png|32px|Roswell]]--> [[Roswell]], an [[alligator]]
 
}}
 
}}
  
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===Sales===
 
===Sales===
In the first six weeks after the game's release, it sold over 13.41 million copies worldwide.<ref name="FY 03.2020"/> As of March 31, 2021, the game has sold 32.63 million units worldwide, becoming the second-best selling Nintendo Switch title, only behind ''[[mariowiki:Mario Kart 8 Deluxe|Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' which has sold 35.39 million units.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|title=IR Information : Sales Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units|site=Nintendo}}</ref>
+
In the first six weeks after the game's release, it sold over 13.41 million copies worldwide.<ref name="FY 03.2020"/> As of June 30, 2021, the game has sold 33.89 million units worldwide, becoming the second-best selling Nintendo Switch title, only behind ''[[mariowiki:Mario Kart 8 Deluxe|Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' which has sold 37.08 million units.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|title=IR Information : Sales Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units|site=Nintendo}}</ref>
  
 
In Japan as of March 31, 2021, {{NH|short|nolink}} has sold 9.37 million units, becoming the second-best selling game in this country of all time, only behind [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|''Pokémon Red'', ''Green'', and ''Blue Versions'']].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/GameDataLibrary/status/1291513640693227521/|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons becomes the 3rd all time best selling game in Japan, only behind the first 2 Pokémon games.|author=Game Data Library|site=Twitter}}</ref><ref name="FY 03.2020">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200507_3e.pdf|title=Fiscal Year Ended March 2020: Financial Results Explanatory Material|site=Nintendo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2021/210506_3e.pdf|title=Fiscal Year Ended March 2021: Financial Results Explanatory Material|site=Nintendo}}</ref>
 
In Japan as of March 31, 2021, {{NH|short|nolink}} has sold 9.37 million units, becoming the second-best selling game in this country of all time, only behind [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|''Pokémon Red'', ''Green'', and ''Blue Versions'']].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/GameDataLibrary/status/1291513640693227521/|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons becomes the 3rd all time best selling game in Japan, only behind the first 2 Pokémon games.|author=Game Data Library|site=Twitter}}</ref><ref name="FY 03.2020">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200507_3e.pdf|title=Fiscal Year Ended March 2020: Financial Results Explanatory Material|site=Nintendo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2021/210506_3e.pdf|title=Fiscal Year Ended March 2021: Financial Results Explanatory Material|site=Nintendo}}</ref>
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{{YouTube|Ie4WZCLbtVs|250|left|Nintendo Direct (February 20, 2020)|height=230px}}
 
{{YouTube|Ie4WZCLbtVs|250|left|Nintendo Direct (February 20, 2020)|height=230px}}
 
{{YouTube|hO21KLsk-Uk|250|left|Bunny Day Event presentation (Nintendo Direct Mini, March 2020)|height=230px}}
 
{{YouTube|hO21KLsk-Uk|250|left|Bunny Day Event presentation (Nintendo Direct Mini, March 2020)|height=230px}}
{{YouTube|KpZyexo-ziA|250|left|April 2020 Free Update|height=230px}}
+
{{YouTube|KpZyexo-ziA|250|left|{{NHVer|1.2.0|full}} trailer|height=230px}}
{{YouTube|jO0luDEHesc|250|left|July 2020 Free Update (Wave 1)|height=230px}}
+
{{YouTube|jO0luDEHesc|250|left|{{NHVer|1.3.0|full}} trailer|height=230px}}
{{YouTube|InDJvcWtTCw|250|left|July 2020 Free Update (Wave 2)|height=230px}}
+
{{YouTube|InDJvcWtTCw|250|left|{{NHVer|1.4.0|full}} trailer|height=230px}}
{{YouTube|rmgN42ewTtE|250|left|Fall 2020 Free Update | height=230px}}
+
{{YouTube|rmgN42ewTtE|250|left|{{NHVer|1.5.0|full}} trailer| height=230px}}
{{YouTube|AQuucamIYjQ|250|left|Winter 2020 Free Update | height=230px}}
+
{{YouTube|AQuucamIYjQ|250|left|{{NHVer|1.6.0|full}} trailer| height=230px}}
{{YouTube|Ck57sOYq7YI|250|left|Free Update (January 2021)| height=230px}}
+
{{YouTube|Ck57sOYq7YI|250|left|{{NHVer|1.7.0|full}} trailer| height=230px}}
{{YouTube|SDyY_N0eloQ|250|left|Free Update (Nintendo Direct February 2021)| height=230px}}
+
{{YouTube|SDyY_N0eloQ|250|left|{{NHVer|1.8.0|full}} trailer (Nintendo Direct February 2021)| height=230px}}
 
{{YouTube|jpJo9Zleqrk|250|left|Sanrio Crossover| height=230px}}
 
{{YouTube|jpJo9Zleqrk|250|left|Sanrio Crossover| height=230px}}
 +
{{Youtube|9C5Lu4Ripco|250|left|Animal Crossing Direct Teaser (Nintendo Direct September 2021)| height=230px}}
 +
{{Youtube|aZ3QC8e1_yg|250|left|{{NHVer|2.0|full}} presentation (Animal Crossing: New Horizons Direct October 2021)| height=230px}}
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
  
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===Commercials===
 
===Commercials===
{{YouTube|nCwVTCxm29c|250|left|Deserted Island Getaway Package Primer|height=230px}}
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{{YouTube|nCwVTCxm29c|250|left|Deserted Island Getaway Package Primer|height=230px|width=264px|file=NH Deserted Island Getaway Package Primer Commercial.mp4}}
 
{{YouTube|N4fltJMp1f4|250|left|Nintendo Switch My Way commercial|height=230px}}
 
{{YouTube|N4fltJMp1f4|250|left|Nintendo Switch My Way commercial|height=230px}}
 
{{YouTube|3ZsfTper4KY|250|left|Your Island Escape, Your Way|height=230px}}
 
{{YouTube|3ZsfTper4KY|250|left|Your Island Escape, Your Way|height=230px}}
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==See also==
 
==See also==
*''[[Atsumare Doubutsu no Mori: Mujintō Diary]]'', a manga series based on {{NH|nolink}}.
+
*''[[Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Deserted Island Diary]]'', a manga series based on {{NH|nolink}}.
 
*''[[Atsumare Doubutsu no Mori: Minna to Tsukuru Shima Seikatsu]]'', a manga based on {{NH|nolink}}.
 
*''[[Atsumare Doubutsu no Mori: Minna to Tsukuru Shima Seikatsu]]'', a manga based on {{NH|nolink}}.
  

Revision as of 20:40, October 21, 2021

English game logo
North American game cover
North American game cover
Main theme
Developer(s) Nintendo EPD
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Director(s) Aya Kyogoku
Platform(s) Nintendo Switch
Release date(s) Worldwide March 20, 2020[1]
Genre(s) Simulation
Modes Single-player
Multiplayer (1-4 player co-op; 1-8 player local wireless/online)
Ratings ACB:  G
CERO:  A
ClassInd:  L
ESRB:  E
FPB:  PG
GCAM:  3
GRAC:  All
GSRR: P(6+) P(6+)
NMC:  3
PEGI:  3
RARS:  0+
USK:  0
Media Nintendo Switch Game Card
Nintendo eShop digital download
File size 6.2 GB[1] (digital download only)
Input
methods
Joy-Con
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
USB keyboard (typing only)

Guide at StrategyWiki

Animal Crossing: New Horizons[nb 1] is a simulation game for the Nintendo Switch released on March 20, 2020. It is the fifth main installment in the Animal Crossing series outside of Japan.

In a departure from previous titles in the series, the player lives on a deserted island rather than in a town (referred to as the "Nook Inc. Deserted Island Getaway Package"), which can develop into a town-like community as players progress through the game. Crafting from Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp has also returned in this installment in the form of the DIY system, along with expanded customization of furniture and the player characters.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a critical and commercial success, having received positive reviews from critics and selling over 33 million copies as of June 2021, making it the best-selling game in the Animal Crossing series and the second best-selling Nintendo Switch game behind Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Development and unveiling

See also: List of Animal Crossing: New Horizons staff

Development on the game began shortly after the Japanese release of Animal Crossing: New Leaf prior to the development team being aware of the Nintendo Switch.[2] As with the previous title, Aya Kyogoku was chosen as the director of the game, with Hisashi Nogami in charge as producer.

Kyogoku notes in an interview that the team chose to be ambitious even despite not knowing anything about the hardware that they would eventually release the game on. The team intended for the game to be welcoming for veteran players and accessible for new players by keeping much of the core gameplay from previous titles while still adding in many new elements.[2] The theme of developing a town on a deserted island was chosen because the developers believed that breaking away from the tradition of players moving into a village would be a fresh and interesting concept for old players. Kyogoku noted that some players of previous entries would have difficulty finding goals or objectives. As a response to this feedback, a sense of purpose was purposely developed by having players develop the village from scratch. The developers felt that as players constructed their village from the ground up, they would grow a more personal relationship with their town.[3]

As a result of choosing a deserted island theme, crafting was added into the game. This was done so that players would have a higher level of interactivity with the deserted island. This would give players a different perspective of the environment that used to be just a visual aspect.[3] Crafting was also developed with the intention of keeping players from running out of things to do during the hours that their shops are closed.[2] Another of these new features, terraforming, was added in response to unexpected behavior from players in previous games such as resetting towns in order to receive a desirable town layout. With the introduction of crafting and terraforming, players are able to be more in control of their island.[2] This flexibility in design extends further onto player design. Unlike previous games which involved players having to answer a series of questions to determine their appearance, players are now able to freely change their appearance whenever they'd like to through the use of mirrors or vanities. In addition to this, several new hair and facial features were added that were not present in previous entries. A gender option, referred to as "style" in English versions, is still present, but does not impact the game or the player's appearance in any way other than certain dialogue differences. Kyogoku states in an interview that this level of player customization is not just about gender, but rather more about individuality, which the development team believed was a growing belief within society. Players are not forced into thinking too much about gender, but the option is still there should they decide to.[2]

The addition of the NookPhone was inspired by the belief that phones are essential tools in everyday life. Kyogoku has stated that the NookPhone serves as a source of familiarity between the real world and the game.[3]

In another shift, the effects of time traveling were made less impactful. This is in part due to the fact that seasonal events and holidays are not coded into the game from launch and are instead going to be added through future updates. Kyogoku notes that this method of adding events was not intended to shun time traveling, but rather as a form of creating unity amongst players. Nevertheless, time traveling is still discouraged, though Kyogoku and Nogami do not consider it to be a form of cheating.[2]

Unveiling and release

The game was teased during a Nintendo Direct on September 13, 2018, in tandem with the announcement of Isabelle for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and was originally slated to be released in 2019.[4]

During E3 2019 on June 11, 2019, the gameplay (from a trailer and Treehouse interview) and title were shown. It was revealed that the game had been delayed to March 20, 2020; it was stated that "to ensure the game is the best it can be, we must ask that you wait a little longer than we thought."[5] Later, President of Nintendo of America, Doug Bowser, said the following: "The crunch point is an interesting one, for us, one of our key tenets is that we bring smiles to people's faces, and we talk about that all the time. It's our vision. Or our mission, I should say. For us, that applies to our own employees. We need to make sure that our employees have good work-life balance. One of those examples is, we will not bring a game to market before it's ready. We just talked about one example. It's really important that we have that balance in our world. It's actually something we're proud of."[6]

An Animal Crossing Nintendo Direct took place on February 20, 2020,[7] showcasing multiple new features of the game, such as terrain editing, additional house customization, and more.

This title supports more languages than all previous entries in the series, being the first main series game to support the Chinese language since Doubutsu no Mori,[8] which was ported to the iQue Player with simplified Chinese support exclusively for mainland China in 2006. This is also the first main series title since Animal Crossing: City Folk to have two separate localizations for Spanish and French; one for Europe and another for the Americas, although it has been erroneously reported to be the first title to do so in the case of Spanish.[9][10] It is the first title to include all localizations collectively regardless of regional release, and the first main series title to include Dutch and Russian languages.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the first title in the series to launch worldwide on the same date.

Update history

For detailed changelogs see Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history
Pete NH Character Icon.png
This article or section contains information about game updates.
The last updates to this article may not reflect the most current or accurate information about the game.
Pete NH Character Icon.png
This article or section contains information about game updates.
The last updates to this article may not reflect the most current or accurate information about the game.
Current version:
2.0.6 (released November 14, 2022)

From its release in March 2020 to November 2021, Animal Crossing: New Horizons received twelve free content updates and one paid DLC expansion. The free updates included content such as new events, gameplay elements, characters, and items. Each update was released at 10 AM JST (1 AM UTC), causing them to be released the night before their scheduled release date in some regions, such as the Americas. The Happy Home Paradise expansion, however, was unlocked at 12 AM local time in all regions.

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.

Below is a timeline of updates. For more information, refer to the respective articles on each major update.

Content updates

Zipper NH Character Icon.png First Update (1.1.0)

The first major free update for the game, released simultaneously with the game, added multiple items as part of a cross-promotion with Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp. It also added Zipper T. Bunny, the Bunny Day event, and a matching series of furniture and clothing.

Leif NH Character Icon.pngRedd NH Character Icon.png April Free Update (1.2.0)

The second free content update to New Horizons was released on April 23, 2020. This update added Leif, Redd, Rover, Cyrus and Reese to the game, as well as an art gallery expansion for the museum and four new events: Nature Day, May Day, International Museum Day, and Wedding Season.

Pascal NH Character Icon.png Free Summer Update (Wave 1) (1.3.0)

The third free content update to New Horizons was released on July 3, 2020 as a first wave. This update added swimming, diving, and sea creatures to the game, along with Pascal and Gullivarrr.

Luna NH Character Icon.png Summer Update (Wave 2) (1.4.0)

The fourth free content update to New Horizons was released on July 30, 2020 as a second wave. This update added Fireworks Shows, the ability to visit dream islands, and the Island Backup Restoration Service, which allows players to restore save data from the cloud if their Nintendo Switch is lost or damaged.

Jack NH Character Icon.png Fall Update (1.5.0)

The fifth free content update to New Horizons was released on September 30, 2020. This update added the Halloween event along with Jack, Candy, Pumpkin plants for DIY recipes, four new skin colors, six new eye colors and two new Reactions (named Haunt and Scare). NookLink was also updated on October 6, 2020. It now allows the player interact use Reactions from their smartphone.[11]

Franklin NH Character Icon.pngJingle NH Character Icon.png Free Winter Update (1.6.0)

The sixth free content update to New Horizons was released on November 19, 2020. This update added Franklin and Jingle along with the events they host, Turkey Day and Toy Day, respectively. It also adds six new hairstyles and nine new reactions, the option to upgrade the player's storage from 1,600 to 2,400 items, and support for Save Data Transfer.[12]

Pavé NH Character Icon.png Free Update (1.7.0)

The seventh free content update to New Horizons was released on January 28, 2021. This update added Pavé and Festivale, four new reactions, and several Nook Shopping seasonal items.[13]

Super Mushroom NH Icon.pngSuper Star NH Icon.png Free Update (1.8.0)

The eighth free content update to New Horizons was released on February 25, 2021. It features Super Mario-themed items available from Nook Shopping, as well as three Nook Shopping seasonal events.[14][15]

Chai NH Villager Icon.pngChelsea NH Villager Icon.pngÉtoile NH Villager Icon.pngMarty NH Villager Icon.pngRilla NH Villager Icon.pngToby NH Villager Icon.png Free Update (1.9.0)

The ninth free content update to New Horizons was released on March 18, 2021. It features the return of Sanrio-themed items and villagers.[16]

Rover's Photo (Natural Wood) NH Icon.png Free Update (1.10.0)

The tenth free content update to New Horizons was released on April 28, 2021. It features the return of previously available events from 2020, as well as the addition of new Nook Shopping seasonal events.[17]

Boba NH Inv Icon.png Free Update (1.11.0)

The eleventh free content update to New Horizons was released on July 29, 2021. It features new Nook Shopping seasonal events and new items from the Fireworks Show and Halloween.[18]

Brewster aF Character Icon.png Free Update (2.0)

The twelfth and final free content update to New Horizons will be released on November 5, 2021. It features the addition of The Roost, Kapp'n, an expansion to Harv's Island, and numerous other features.

HHP Logo English.png Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise

Set to be released alongside the 2.0 Free Update, Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise is paid DLC that allows the player to travel to islands to design homes for characters, similar to Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer.

Gameplay

Tom Nook has a new business venture: selling the Nook Inc. Deserted Island Getaway Package, which is sold to the player. The game begins on a nearly deserted island where the player can explore, collect resources, and craft various items (including tools and furniture). The only starting buildings on the island are the player's tent, two villager tents (after the player places them), and the Resident Services tent. The Plaza in front of Resident Services will feature events and visitors. These visitors will have items and services to offer to the player.

Donating 5 unique fish and insects to Tom Nook will unlock the ability to place Blathers' tent. Once Blathers' tent is unlocked, he will give the player a Vaulting Pole to find more creatures and a Shovel to excavate Fossils. Donating 15 more unique creatures and appraised fossils to Blathers will unlock the ability to place his museum, at which the player can donate and assess multiple things at a time. To unlock more tools, the player will need to pay off their tent, help Tom Nook build Nook's Cranny, build one bridge, and start three additional housing plots for animal villagers.

Once the Resident Services tent is upgraded into a building, Isabelle returns as Nook's assistant and the player is tasked with improving the island's popularity to draw the attention of K.K. Slider. Nook instructs the player to pick a location for a Campsite, then to furnish additional housing plots and increase the island's population, and finally to develop the island to a three-star rating.

In addition to earning Bells, the player can also earn Nook Miles, which is a new form of currency that can be exchanged for furniture, Nook-branded apparel, plane tickets to mystery islands, upgrades, and recipes.

As in Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer, the game features the ability to place furniture outside. A new Vaulting Pole tool can be created, giving the ability to vault over rivers, as well as a Ladder, allowing the player to climb up cliffs.

The player earns the Island Designer app once K.K. Slider performs "Welcome Horizons" on their island. Once the proper terraforming tools are unlocked with Nook Miles, it allows them to pave roads (instead of having to place patterns on the ground), as well as modify or add rivers and cliffs.

Up to eight players can live on a single island, but only one island can be made per Nintendo Switch.[19] The first player is named the "Resident Representative", which occupies a similar role to the mayor in Animal Crossing: New Leaf; this player controls the pace of the storyline, and is the only player that can initiate placement of villager housing plots and infrastructure such as stores, bridges, and inclines (though all players will have access to the Island Designer app once K.K. performs). Additionally, there is a maximum of 10 animal villagers on the island.

Resources

Resources can be collected through various methods, such as chopping at trees with an axe for several types of wood (including wood, softwood and hardwood), or hitting rocks with a shovel for clay, stone, and ores. Several different types of weeds appear, which can also be used as materials once plucked. Crafting is done through either Tom Nook's workbench, or a bench crafted by the player. With these mechanics, the player is able to build and develop the island over time. Players are also able to dig up clams in the sand, which can then be used as fishing bait or as crafting materials. Additionally, trees and flowers can be shoveled up to be stored in the pocket, flowers can be used as crafting material, and picking them will also leave the stems in the ground.

Player

Players can fully customize their characters at the beginning and during the game without having to answer questions, similar to Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer and Pocket Camp. This includes skin tones, gender-neutral hairstyles, and nose shapes.[20] The player characters' overall design is slightly more detailed than in previous titles, featuring a more subdued color scheme and clear hair physics and shaders. The players also appear more expressive, showing a thoughtful expression when selecting items in their pocket, and moving their eyes around to look at nearby villagers and bugs.

The player also possesses a new item called the NookPhone, which features multiple different applications that the player can use such as Nook Miles, Rescue Service, Local Play, and more.

The player can purchase a variety of clothes from the Able Sisters shop and presumably other shops that will appear after doing certain tasks. The Able sisters will set up their shop after to buy a fair amount in Bells from them. Able Sisters now includes a fitting room, allowing the player to try on clothes before purchasing.

Multiplayer

Main article: Multiplayer#In Animal Crossing: New Horizons

An island can support up to eight players. For the first time in the series, four players can play at the same time on a single system, and up to eight can play together through online multiplayer or local wireless.[21] Online play requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

In local multiplayer, the screen boundaries will follow player 1; however, they may transfer their "leadership" to another player at any time. The lead player is the only player able to see notifications after catching bugs or fish. In online play, all players have equal abilities, as in previous games.

This marks the first game where a player's friend cannot modify the island with their shovel or axe unless they are marked as a best friend.

Nintendo eShop description

Escape to Your Personal Island Paradise

Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.
Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online or with others beside you, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you'll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.[1]

Characters

Main article: Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Characters

Tom Nook and Isabelle are the main special characters in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, with the former being responsible for moving the player and villagers to the deserted island, and the latter hosting the morning announcements and running the Civic Consultation Center at Resident Services. Many other special characters return in New Horizons, reprising their roles in previous games, such as Timmy and Tommy, Mabel and Sable, and Blathers running the shop, tailor, and museum respectively. However, several characters who appeared in previous games, such as Joan and Harriet, were removed from New Horizons due to their function being either no longer needed or relegated to another character or the player.

New Horizons includes 29 special characters, 6 of which are new to the series. The new special characters include:

As of version 2.0 the game has 413 villagers, 16 of which are new to the series. Eight of these were included in the initial release of the game, and a further eight are introduced with the Ver. 2.0 update. The new villagers include:

Additionally, the 2.0 update features the return of 8 former villagers, half of which had only appeared in the Japan-exclusive Doubutsu no Mori e+ and did not have localized names until their appearance in this game.

Connectivity

Main article: NookLink
Redd NH Character Icon.png
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Animal Crossing: New Horizons supports connectivity with the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, where players can type out messages, use voice chat, view island statistics, and import custom designs from QR codes created by Animal Crossing: New Leaf or Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer.

Players that have Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp linked on the same My Nintendo account can redeem rewards via the My Nintendo screen in the mobile app. The rewards are 50 Leaf Tickets to use in Pocket Camp and a 16-digit download code for Nintendo eShop used to access special furniture and clothing items orders in New Horizons.

Reception

Animal Crossing: New Horizons received positive reviews from critics, with many praising the new entry for retaining the soul of other titles in the series while also providing enhanced visuals and new mechanics.

Ratings include:

Some outlets have attributed some of the success of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to the stay-at-home orders and social distancing requirements caused as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that the game has become a "phenomenon" due to its open-ended and social nature, and citing it as a form of escapism.[28] Ani Bundel of NBC News stated, "In this time of social distancing, it turns out that a trip to a calming island where all you have to do is build houses and plant trees is the perfect escape," and that the game "couldn't have been timed more perfectly", releasing as shelter-in-place orders began to take place in the United States.[29]

Sales

In the first six weeks after the game's release, it sold over 13.41 million copies worldwide.[30] As of June 30, 2021, the game has sold 33.89 million units worldwide, becoming the second-best selling Nintendo Switch title, only behind Mario Kart 8 Deluxe which has sold 37.08 million units.[31]

In Japan as of March 31, 2021, New Horizons has sold 9.37 million units, becoming the second-best selling game in this country of all time, only behind Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue Versions.[32][30][33]

In the United States, the game became the best-selling in March 2020 and second best-selling in 2020 overall. It was achieved the third highest month physical dollar and unit sales of any Nintendo game and exceeded the lifetime sales of all games in the series.[34]

In Europe, New Horizons has sold 7 million copies as of March 16, 2021 and was confirmed to be the fastest selling Nintendo title ever released in the region.[35]

Awards

In September 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons received the Award for Excellence and Grand Award at the Tokyo Game Show,[36] and in November 2020 it won the Nintendo Game of the Year award at the Golden Joystick Awards.[37] It was also nominated for the Best Multiplayer, Best Family, and Game of the Year awards at The Game Awards in 2020.[38]

Year Award Category Result
2020 Tokyo Game Show[36] Award for Excellence Won
Grand Award Won
Golden Joystick Awards[37] Nintendo Game of the Year Won
The Game Awards[38] Best Multiplayer Nominated
Best Family Won
Game of the Year Nominated
2021 New York Game Awards[39] Big Apple Award for Best Game of the Year Nominated
Central Park Children’s Zoo Award for Best Kids Game Won
Tin Pan Alley Award for Best Music in a Game Nominated
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards[40] Favorite Video Game Nominated
BAFTA Games Awards[41] Best Game Nominated
Family Nominated
Game Beyond Entertainment Won
Game Design Nominated
Multiplayer Won
EE Game of the Year Nominated
D.I.C.E. Awards[42] Family Game of the Year Won

Gallery

Videos

Trailers

Teaser from Nintendo Direct on September 13, 2018
E3 Nintendo Direct 2019
Nintendo Direct (September 05, 2019)
Nintendo Direct (February 20, 2020)
Bunny Day Event presentation (Nintendo Direct Mini, March 2020)
1.2.0 April Free Update trailer
1.3.0 Free Summer Update (Wave 1) trailer
1.4.0 Summer Update (Wave 2) trailer
1.5.0 Fall Update trailer
1.6.0 Free Winter Update trailer
1.7.0 Free Update trailer
1.8.0 Free Update trailer (Nintendo Direct February 2021)
Sanrio Crossover
Animal Crossing Direct Teaser (Nintendo Direct September 2021)
2.0 Free Update presentation (Animal Crossing: New Horizons Direct October 2021)

Gameplay

E3 Nintendo Treehouse gameplay featuring Aya Kyogoku and Hisashi Nogami

Commercials

Nintendo Switch My Way commercial
Your Island Escape, Your Way
Island Life Awaits!
Island Decorating
Your style, your way!
Create your own paradise!
Your island, your life!
So many new friends!
Accolades

Trivia

  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons marks the longest time between the release of two main Animal Crossing series games, at 7 years, 4 months, and 12 days from Animal Crossing: New Leaf's release in Japan on November 8, 2012.
  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the second mainline game in the Animal Crossing series not to feature K.K. Slider on its boxart, the first being the international release of Animal Crossing.
  • Likely to tie into Animal Crossing: New Horizons's de-emphasis of gender, villagers with "gendered" catchphrases had their catchphrases changed in this game to use more gender-neutral language. Cole, Cube and Stu, who all formerly included "dude" in their catchphrases, now say "cooooool," "brainfreeze," and "mrooooo," respectively. Shep, who formerly said "baaa man" as his catchphrase, now says "baa baa baa". Fuchsia, whose catchphrase was formerly "girlfriend", now says "precious". These changes were later incorporated into Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp as of version 3.4.0.

Names in other languages

Japanese あつまれ どうぶつの森
Atsumare Dōbutsu no Mori
Animal Forest: Gather

Korean 모여봐요 동물의 숲
Moyeobwayo Dongmul-Ui Sup
Animal Forest: Gather Together

Simplified Chinese 集合啦!动物森友会
Jíhé la! Dòngwù sēnyǒu huì
Let's gather! Animal Forest Friend Hub

Traditional Chinese 集合啦!動物森友會
Unknown

See also

Notes

  1. Japanese: あつまれ どうぶつの森 Hepburn: Atsumare Dōbutsu no MoriAnimal Forest: Gather

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Nintendo. "Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Game Details".
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Elise Favis (March 23, 2020). "Nintendo explains philosophy behind Animal Crossing's big changes, such as gender expression and terraforming". Washington Post.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Scott Stein (March 21, 2020). "You're not crazy: Tom Nook is nicer in Animal Crossing: New Horizons". CNET.
  4. Nintendo (September 13, 2018). "Nintendo Direct 9.13.2018".
  5. Nintendo (June 11, 2019). "Nintendo Direct for E3 2019". YouTube.
  6. Tina Amini (June 21, 2019). "Nintendo Says It Will Not Release a Game Before It's Ready – E3 2019". IGN.
  7. Nintendo (February 21, 2020). "Animal Crossing: New Horizons Direct 2.20.2020". YouTube.
  8. Iggy (September 14, 2018). "Luigi's Mansion 3, Animal Crossing, And New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Playable In Chinese". NintendoSoup.
  9. hadamsj (April 29, 2020). "Animal Crossing: City Folk - Comparing Spanish localizations (LATAM & EU)". YouTube.
  10. Juan Emilio Reyes (December 4, 2019). "Animal Crossing: New Horizons vendrá localizado al español latinoamericano". 3DJuegos. (Spanish)
  11. Nintendo (September 25, 2020). "Animal Crossing: New Horizons Fall Update – Nintendo Switch". YouTube. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  12. YouTube (November 17, 2020). "Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Free Winter Update – Nintendo Switch". YouTube. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  13. Nintendo (January 26, 2021). "Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Free Update 1.28.20". YouTube. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  14. https://twitter.com/animalcrossing/status/1362167046151278593?s=19
  15. https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/article/bbbdba53-3902-4090-93fa-49af995fe127
  16. Nintendo (February 25, 2021). "Get Ready for a Sanrio Crossover! – Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch". YouTube. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  17. Nintendo (April 26, 2021). "『あつまれ どうぶつの森』の島で初夏にかけて開催される季節のイベントをご紹介。無料アップデートは4月28日に配信。". topics.nintendo.co.jp. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
  18. Nintendo (July 27, 2021). "『あつまれ どうぶつの森』の島で開催される季節イベントをご紹介。無料アップデートは7月29日。2021年内に更なるアップデート計画も進行中。". topics.nintendo.co.jp. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  19. Nintendo Confirms New Details About Multiplayer in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, IGN.
  20. Animal Crossing: New Horizons will have skin tone customization, gender-neutral hairstyles for Villagers, Polygon.
  21. Animal Crossing: New Horizons E3 2019 Factsheet
  22. Damien McFerran (March 10, 2020). "The First Animal Crossing: New Horizons Review Is In, And It Might Surprise You". Nintendo Life.
  23. Samuel Claiborn (March 16, 2020). "Animal Crossing: New Horizons Review". IGN.
  24. "Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch Reviews". Metacritic.
  25. Dave Thier (March 16, 2020). "'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Review: The Game We All Need, Right Now". Forbes. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  26. Alex Olney (March 16, 2020). "Animal Crossing: New Horizons Review". Nintendo Life. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  27. Dann Sullivan (March 16, 2020). "Animal Crossing: New Horizons review - "The best form of digital escapism to date"". Pocket Gamer. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  28. Imad Khan (April 7, 2020). "Why Animal Crossing Is the Game for the Coronavirus Moment". The New York Times. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  29. Ani Bundel (March 29, 2020). "'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' is the coronavirus distraction we needed". NBC News. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  30. 30.0 30.1 "Fiscal Year Ended March 2020: Financial Results Explanatory Material". Nintendo.
  31. "IR Information : Sales Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units". Nintendo.
  32. Game Data Library. "Animal Crossing: New Horizons becomes the 3rd all time best selling game in Japan, only behind the first 2 Pokémon games.". Twitter.
  33. "Fiscal Year Ended March 2021: Financial Results Explanatory Material". Nintendo.
  34. Mat Piscatella. "MAR 2020 US NPD THREAD - Nintendo Switch sets a new March hardware sales record, while Animal Crossing: New Horizons is one of Nintendo's fastest selling games in history. Here are all the U.S. Video Game market highlights from The NPD Group!". Twitter.
  35. Chris Moyse. "Animal Crossing: New Horizons breaks European record for fastest-selling title in Nintendo history". Destructoid.
  36. 36.0 36.1 Darryn Bonthuys (September 28, 2020). "Animal Crossing: New Horizons Scoops Top Prize At Tokyo Game Show". GameSpot. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  37. 37.0 37.1 Ben Tyrer (November 24, 2020). "Every winner at the Golden Joystick Awards 2020". GamesRadar+. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  38. 38.0 38.1 "Nominees". The Game Awards. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  39. Hunter Mass (January 26, 2021). "The 2021 New York Game Awards Winners List". GameRant. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  40. Liz Calvario (March 13, 2021). "2021 Kids' Choice Awards: The Complete Winners List". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  41. Alexandra Del Rosario (March 25, 2021). "BAFTA Games Awards: Supergiant Games’ ‘Hades’ Takes Home Top Prize – Complete Winners List". Deadline. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
  42. Liam Doolan (April 22, 2021). "Animal Crossing Crowned Family Game Of The Year At The 2021 D.I.C.E. Awards". Nintendo Life. Retrieved April 22, 2021.

External links

Animal Crossing: New Horizons on other wikis