Animal Crossing: New Horizons is less than a week away which means Nintendo fans are likely losing their minds in anticipation. The franchise may seem incredibly casual, but it's adorable aesthetic and carefree gameplay loop may helped it develop a dedicated fanbase that is just as hardcore as many other Nintendo properties.
Although many players heading to the island for Animal Crossing: New Horizons will be franchise veterans, the popularity of the Switch is likely also going to help make New Horizons a franchise first for many Nintendo console owners. With that in mind, Switcher owners new to the franchise may find themselves with a lot of questions about the upcoming game.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has been the spotlight game in a handful of Nintendo Directs, so fans have already learned a ton about the game. Don't feel overwhelmed by the laundry list of features, we'll make sure to keep things simple here for the new initiates...
What is Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the fifth entry in the main Animal Crossing franchise. The title is a real time life simulator that takes players to a deserted island where they can craft, buy, and find items to customize their home base as they also interact with other islanders and explore the relaxing world around them.
This time around, Animal Crossing players start out by purchasing a vacation package from Tom Nook and heading to an island with some basic supplies, a camping tent, and a NookPhone. Players then set out on their vacations and decide how they want to spend their time on the beautiful island as seasons come and go, weather changes, and friends drop by to visit.
When does Animal Crossing: New Horizons release?
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is out on March 20 for the Switch.
Will I be confused if I never played other Animal Crossing games?
Definitely not. Although there are characters who appear from game to game, there is no lore players learned in previous games that is required to jump into New Horizons. Switch owners should consider this a perfect jumping on point for the franchise and not hesitate to try it out.
What other Animal Crossing games can I play right now?
The easiest (and cheapest) Animal Crossing to get your hands on before New Horizons launches is the mobile Pocket Camp game. That said, the most recent main franchise game is Animal Crossing: New Leaf for the 3DS. The upcoming Switch game has made a ton of changes to the game's features and it's a brand new setting, so there's really no need to start with one of the previous games if you haven't already played them and are planning to pick up New Horizons on launch day. Animal Crossing is all about low stress gameplay, so don't feel like you need to prepare very much at all.
Are there pre-order bonuses available?
Nintendo isn't offering any pre-order bonuses for New Horizons, but many retailers have put together their own incentives to drive shoppers to their stores. Best Buy, GameStop, and Target all put out pre-order bonuses, but many may be sold out already.
Can I play Animal Crossing: New Horizon with friends locally?
In couch co-op mode, up to four people will be able to play simultaneously on a single Nintendo Switch and with only one copy of the game. For the four-player local multiplayer, one player will be the leader and the other players will take the role of followers - this is pretty different from how things work with the multiplayer experience when each player has their own Switch and own copy of the game. Also keep in mind that each player is going to need their own controller to participate in the game.
Can I play Animal Crossing: New Horizon with friends online?
Using a local wireless connection or online multiplayer will allow up to eight people to play together at the same time on one player’s island. For eight people to party in the game together at the same time using online play, each person must have a registered account on a Nintendo Switch console and of course everybody will need to have a paid subscription to the Nintendo Switch Online service, which can currently be purchased in one month, three month, or yearly increments. To play using the local wireless feature, players won’t need to have a paid subscription, but everyone will have to be within one another’s vicinity.
What are Nook Miles?
Nook Miles are a new in-game currency that players can use for purchases on the island. Think of them like airline miles reward points that can be earned by completing quests in the game. Players will also be able to earn miles from traveling or participating in activities throughout the island. There are a ton of items in the game that can be purchased and used to customize your player or your living space, so Nook Miles are going to be a popular resources and players will want to make sure to earn as many as possible.
Be sure to check back in the near future for more Animal Crossing: New Horizons updates, new, and strategy guides. Until then, happy camping!
Animal Crossing: New Horizons releases March 20 for the Nintendo Switch.