When Animal Crossing: New Horizons was released at the start of 2020, it created a cultural phenomenon unlike any other. Its relaxing atmosphere, simple mechanics, and charming characters led it to become the second best-selling Switch game of all time, with over thirty million copies sold as of March 2021.
At launch, the Nintendo team promised an array of free updates that slowly decreased a year and a half into New Horizons, prompting many anxious fans to worry about the future of the game. Unbeknownst to them, the team had something huge up their sleeves in the form of the biggest and last New Horizons update, which will add and improve multiple features when it drops on November 5th.
10 Connecting The Island With More Bridges & Inclines
Terraforming is arguably the best addition to the Animal Crossing franchise. Being able to create and customize rivers and cliffs took New Horizons to the next level, truly making it a standout and a true rival to the fan-favorite New Leaf.
Initially, players depended on their trusty vaulting poles and ladders to traverse the island, but after obtaining their construction permit they can also access an array of bridges and inclines with a limit of eight per structure. The new update will expand the limit, allowing for a maximum number of ten bridges and ten inclines to connect the island more efficiently.
9 Expanded & Improved Storage For Item Collectors
Out of all Animal Crossing aficionados, none is as dependent on storage space as collectors. A previous update had allowed players to keep up to 2400 items—including furniture, resources, creatures, and clothes—safely stored inside their houses, but New Horizons will be more than doubling that number soon.
Not only will players be able to max out their home storage capacity up to 5000 items, but they'll also be able to access them from the brand new storage sheds introduced in the trailer. These can be placed almost anywhere on the island, so say goodbye to hurrying back home to empty one's pockets!
8 New & Customizable Fencing To Beautify The Island
Using fences is one of the best ways to not only section the island but also to beautify and give it a specific style. While twenty different types already exist in the game, the new update will add nine more—including the park, corrugated iron, and lattice fencings—to help players make the most of their creativity.
In addition to the new fence types, the November update will also allow players to change their fences' colors with the help of the customization kits that can be purchased from Nook's Cranny.
7 Town Ordinances & Morning Aerobics Are Back
Two beloved features from previous entries will also get their own New Horizons makeover. In the original Animal Crossing released in 2002, the player and other villagers could join police dog Copper in Morning Aerobics from the end of July to the end of August. This feature is returning as Group Stretching, now conducted in the plaza by the island representative.
The ordinances from New Leaf are also back. After starting a conversation with Isabelle, players can choose from a list of ordinances that will affect the way the entire island behaves, from encouraging villagers to wake up earlier to forcing the Bell economy to increase the residents' wealth.
6 Harv's Island Gets An Expansion
Harv's Island had always seemed like a wasted opportunity. It did its job as a highly customizable photo studio, but other than its purpose during the Wedding Season event, it hadn't received any updates since the game's launch. The upcoming update, however, promises to turn it into a colorful hub of fan-favorite NPCs.
Not only are vendors like Leif, Sahara, and even the elusive Redd setting up semi-permanent shops in the area, but New Horizons newcomers like fortune teller Katrina and hairstylist Harriet are also joining the party. Reese and Cyrus are returning to customize special items for the player, and even Tortimer is going to show up at some point!
5 Players Can Now Tend To Their Crops & Cook With Their Produce
Perhaps inspired by similar feel-good games like farming simulator Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing is taking a leap by introducing farming and cooking in their full version.
New Horizons gave fans a taste of both features back in late 2020 with its Halloween update, but players will now be able to grow their own tomatoes, wheat, potatoes, carrots, and sugarcanes, in addition to the already pre-existing pumpkins. Once harvested, these ingredients can be used to cook some of the new recipes that can be obtained with Nook Miles, including minestrone soup, pizza, and sandwiches.
4 Kapp'n's Tours Takes Players To Special Islands
Everyone's favorite sailor, Kapp'n, is also returning to the franchise. Armed with the trusty motorized boat he obtained in New Leaf, Kapp'n will transport the player to special islands that are only accessible through his service for 1000 Nook Miles a round-trip.
These mysterious islands can vary in season and time of day—regardless of one's original timezone and hemisphere—and are home to unique flora that the player can take back to their own island. Taking one of Kapp'n's Tours will be worth it if only to listen to his nostalgic sea shanties once again!
3 Gyroids Make The Perfect Collectibles
Fans have been begging for Gyroids practically since the game dropped, but aside from Lloid's occasional appearance as a construction foreman, the collectibles had yet to make a true return. A year and a half later, Gyroids are finally ready to make their victorious comeback and they're cuter and more colorful than ever.
In New Horizons, Gyroid fragments can be unearthed after rainy days. They can then be planted and watered until they've grown into a full Gyroid that can be customized like any other décor. Once placed as decoration, they can dance and match the tempo of nearby music or whistle to make their own.
2 The Roost Makes Its Triumphant Return
After months of speculation, and many online petitions, Brewster is making his New Horizons debut at last. He will be opening his beloved café, The Roost, on the second floor of the museum, where players will be able to meet up with other villagers and invite characters through Amiibo. Even Isabelle will finally get to leave the safety of her desk to enjoy a steaming cup of coffee.
In past games, the player has also been able to work at The Roost and even use it as a Gyroid storage, and while neither of these features has been confirmed, the second seems to be hinted at by some of the collectibles in Brewster's pantry.
1 There Are New & Returning Villagers To Befriend
Alongside the free update and Happy Home Paradise paid DLC, Nintendo also announced the release of series five Amiibo cards, which include eight brand new villagers and eight returning villagers from the original Animal Crossing and the Japanese-only Animal Forest e+ release.
Starting November 5th, players will be able to meet never-before-seen additions like Cyan Rabbit Sasha and robot Octopus Cephalobot, and villagers like Cranky Dog Frett/Champagne and Lazy Penguin Chabwick/Nobuo, who are new to New Horizons. They can be encountered by visiting mystery islands or by inviting them to the campsite via Amiibo.