Animal Crossing: New Horizons has remained one of the most popular Nintendo Switch games since its release in 2020. Due to the expansive selection of villagers and endless things to do, it’s unsurprising to see this was the height of entertainment during the pandemic.
Many Animal Crossing: New Horizons villagers have gained popularity for their looks, personalities, themes, and general vibe. Villagers considered “ugly” are an instant eviction from player islands. Some players have even paid REAL money to acquire these quirky villagers or purchase them in exchange for Nook Mile tickets or rare items.
12 Raymond – Bring-Your-Cat-To-Work Day
A cat in a suit, Raymond is considered one of the most popular villagers in the game. To match his smart attire and smug personality, he has an office-themed house. His default appearance is a suit and thick-rimmed glasses, though many players like to dress him up in the maid's outfit.
One of his quirks includes his heterochromia – a brown eye and a green eye. Many players would fork out Bells, Nook Mile Tickets, and in some cases, real money, to ensure he was a resident on their island.
11 Ione – Glow-In-The-Dark Squirrel
Ione is a relatively new addition to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Interestingly, her name in different languages all relates to mythology or cosmology. Fitting with her design.
She is a blue squirrel with blonde hair, with sparkles in her tail resembling stars. She also glows in the dark.
Her home interestingly has a traditional gamer set up, with a four-monitor gaming desk, a Nintendo Switch, and starry-night wallpaper. Of course, no gamer’s room would be complete without a pile of dirty plates stacked in the corner.
10 Tangy – The Orange Cat (Literally)
Tangy is a citrus-themed cat, hence her name and appearance resemble a tangerine. Her name is also a reference to the tangy taste of sour fruit. Her house is filled with fruit decor and furniture, with orange wallpaper and an apple TV (see the irony?).
Tangy has a peppy personality type, meaning she always has a positive attitude and will get along with most villagers.
9 Barold – Balding Bear
This bearded bear wears a fancy tiger-striped shirt, making him look like an acrobat circus performer, contrasting with his lazy personality.
He has eyes that are shaped like a pair of glasses, and one small tuft of hair to make him look like he is balding. His home is his creepiest aspect, though; decorated like a surveillance room, spying on every villager's moves.
8 Ankha – Egyptian Pharoah
Ankha is an Egyptian-themed cat. Her name is derived from the hieroglyphic symbol ‘ankh,’ which translates to life. Her house is decorated like a pyramid, and due to her pharaoh-like appearance, she is believed to be based on famous Egyptian pharaohs, Tutankhamun and Cleopatra. The Ancient Egyptians famously worshipped cats, and with Ankha, it is clear to see why she is so popular.
Also resulting from a viral TikTok, Ankha rose to internet fame, meaning more people wanted her for their islands.
7 Judy – Starry-Eyed Cub
Judy is a bear cub featuring pastel pink-to-blue ombre fur and large star-sparkly anime eyes. Her name is supposedly a reference to actress Judy Garland due to her elegant appearance and personality.
Judy is a ‘snooty’ villager, meaning on first appearances, she appears rude and self-centered. She also will discuss fashion, make-up, and villager gossip. Her house is a pastel dream, featuring the completed wooden-block series and glowing star garlands on the walls. A cute addition to anyone’s island.
6 Merengue – Strawberry Shortcake Rhino
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Merengue’s name resembles the sweet dessert, hence her appearance and her catchphrase, “shortcake.”. Her horn is even shaped like a strawberry. Her default outfit is similar to a chef or waiter’s uniform.
Her home itself is also designed like a diner, matching her pink and foodie themes. She has a “normal” personality type, meaning it is easy for players to form a bond with her, and she will get along well with most other villagers.
5 Julian – A Unicorn
A literal unicorn, Julian is technically classed as a horse but is aesthetically meant to resemble a turquoise unicorn. He has purple eyeshadow and typically has his eyes closed. He is one of the few villagers to be based on mythological creatures.
His house is galaxy/sky themed with the starry-night wallpaper and cloud flooring, and his catchphrase is "glitter." His interior décor features many of the Zodiac furniture-set items, which look heavenly.
4 Ribbot – Beep-Boop Robot Frog
As a robotic frog, Ribbot’s name is a combination of the sound frogs make, ribbit, plus the fact he is a robot. His body is constructed of metal plating bolted together, and his eyes are literally two headlights. His body also makes metallic noises when moving.
He has the "jock" personality type and has a great interest in sports and exercise. As a result, he may conflict with the laid-back lifestyles of lazy villagers.
3 Stitches – Stuffed Teddy
By his appearance, Stitches resembles a child’s well-loved stuffed toy, as indicated by the many patches of different fabrics on his body and visible seams. Stitches is one of the few Animal Crossing villagers that technically isn’t an animal at all.
Stitches’ house has a child-like theme, featuring various toys, including a building block set, a stuffed teddy bear (ironic), and an alphabet sheet, resembling a kid's playroom. He’s just too cute; players will want to give him all the love he deserves and a forever home.
2 Coco – Soulless Rabbit
Her empty, sunken eyes will stare straight into the depths of any villager's soul. Coco, whose name and terrifying appearance presumably come from the coconut fruit. She also resembles a gyroid with her corkboard-textured skin. Her unique catchphrase is ‘boing,’ which could be a reference to how rabbits hop.
Her house looks like the perfect island getaway tiki hut. Coco is also the only rabbit villager with the “normal" personality type and the only villager whose facial expression never changes. Always watching, Coco.
1 Pietro – Class Clown
Clowns are the non-binary holders of the quirky title, looking like nightmare fuel. Pietro is clearly the resident clown of any village. His design looks like a rainbow threw up on him; with neon blue horns, psychedelic clothing, and the standard clown make-up.
He is a smug villager, and so his permanent smile would be unnerving to any cranky villagers. Especially if he's spotted wandering around by the Town Hall at night.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available exclusively for Nintendo Switch.