Everything You Need to Know About Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Saying that Nintendo’s Animal Crossing (AC) series is addicting is an understatement. Nintendo fans have probably gotten lost in one of these titles whether it was on the GameCube or the 3DS. Whether you’re a casual or hardcore gamer, its impossible to deny that AC has a lot to offer players. Prepare to quit your job and drop all responsibilities because the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is less than a month away! Here is everything you need to know before the game comes out in a couple of weeks.

What is Animal Crossing?

Animal Crossing is a Nintendo exclusive game dating as far back as the GameCube and Nintendo 64 with the release of AC in 2001. In this game players control a person living among other villagers who happen to be cute animals brimming with personality. Most of the gameplay consists of farming, fishing, and decorating. Most of the items that players collect can be sold in order to repay the inevitable debt to Tom Nook. For the uninitiated, Tom Nook is an evil raccoon that lives to ruin the life and wallets for all players.

Despite all the various simulation systems, the most important part of the game is building relationships with fellow villagers. Each of the characters have unique personalities that drives players to talk to everyone. After getting to know the villagers, players can then give them gifts and participate in activities/events together.

What’s New in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

New Horizons is the first AC game on the Nintendo Switch and the 5^th mainline game in the series. This new entry is introducing a slew of new features that work to improve the overall gameplay loop. One of the most important additions is the game is the location itself. New Horizons sees players on an island vacation where they sleep in a tent and explore a beach.

Terraforming will play a BIG part in the way players design their island. In previous AC games, players had no choice over the shape of their village. If they didn’t like a body of water in the middle of town, then too bad! Although it is unknown when, the most recent Nintendo Direct revealed players will be given control over how to shape their island.

While the game’s primary currency has always been “bells”, New Horizons features an additional currency known as “Nook Miles”. In past AC games players could find objects or creatures to sell for a profit which in turn affected the general gameplay loop. Yet, In New Horizons players are now assigned specific tasks from Tom Nook in order to earn Nook Miles. This new system will allow players to travel to other islands in order to collect rare resources.

Customization has always been a key feature in AC games, and New Horizons is no different. Players will be able to choose from numerous customization options and are not limited by gender. This means that players can truly be whoever they want to be!

Final Thoughts:

Despite a lack of combat or a skill tree Animal Crossing: New Horizons can be appreciated by most players. The addicting, peaceful gameplay loop is the perfect palette cleanser for games like the upcoming DOOM Eternal. If you enjoy simulation games like Harvest Mood or Stardew Valley you will feel right at home with New Horizons.

Nintendo’s relationship-building, life-sim Animal Crossing: New Horizons will release exclusively for the Switch on March 20, 2020. The game is $59.99 (USD) for both physical and digital editions. However, some stores are including special pre-order bonuses alongside the game itself. If you just can’t wait for a new game to release, Telltale’s Walking Dead is now available with every season! Are you going to going to be picking up New Horizons at launch this month? For all upcoming Animal Crossing coverage be sure to check back at LoadingXP!