Animal Crossing fans have been begging Nintendo for a major update for months now. While the company reassured fans this summer that more content was on the way, New Horizons has not received anything outside of small, seasonal event or items since the Super Mario-themed update way back in February. However, last month's Nintendo Direct teased an Animal Crossing-centric presentation that would finally announced what was coming to the game and when to expect it.
While the Animal Crossing Direct did include the perhaps disappointing news that this would be the final major update to New Horizons, the amount of new content -- free and paid -- November's 2.0 update will add is pretty much everything fans have been requesting from the start. While much of it is returning from previous games, is mixed with enough fresh twists and charm for longtime fans and those introduced to the series with its Nintendo Switch entry to enjoy. Here are the most exciting additions coming on November 5.
Brewster and The Roost Are Finally Back
Considering he's been teased in-game pretty much since New Horizons launched, the return of Brewster and The Roost has always been more of a "when" than an "if." Still, it's great to see the coffee-loving pigeon and his cozy little café finally make it to the island. Just like in previous games, players will be able to sometimes run into NPCs visiting The Roost for a cup of joe, including Isabelle, who's finally getting a break from her demanding Resident Services job.
Additionally, players will be able to invite characters to the café using amiibo, some of whom will bring along guests. Multiple players will also be able to hang out in The Roost together. While it doesn't look like the New Leaf mini-game where players could work in the café and serve villagers is returning, The Roost is certainly an exciting addition that's long overdue.
Kapp'n's Boat Tours Put a New Spin on Mystery Tours
Another returning character, Kapp'n, will serve a similar role to the one he played in New Leaf. The ferry operator will, once again, take players to new islands -- and serenade them with a sea shanty on their journey. But rather than one specific destination as in the Nintendo 3DS game, this will be a new twist on the Mystery Island Tours. For 1,000 Nook Miles, players will be transported to different islands, which can have different flora or be experiencing a different season or time of day. The Direct shows a snowflake falling on a Mystery Island, teasing that this will be a way to get seasonally-exclusive materials at any time of the year.
Harv's Island Is Growing in a Huge Way
While Harv's Island has been part of the game from the very beginning, the 2.0 update will give players more reasons to visit. In addition to the photography studio, players will be able to help expand the island into a plaza full of shops. After donating Bells, traveling NPCs who typically visit islands on random says will open up shops, giving players a more reliable way to access them. It's likely that, to compensate, their wares will be more limited each day, as Redd is seen with just one painting on display rather than the usual selection of four pieces of real and fake artwork.
On top of this, Harv's Island will also have new options. Reese and Cyrus (previously only in New Horizons as part of the Wedding Season event) will be able to customize furniture than typically can't be customized, a role similar to the one Cyrus played in New Leaf. The hairdresser Harriet, whose job from previous games was made obsolete in New Horizons, will also return to help her friend Harv and to teach the player some new hairstyle options. The fortune teller Katrina is also coming back, as will Tortimer, the elderly tortoise who served as mayor in older Animal Crossing games.
Island Ordinances Give Resident Representatives More Power
Another returning feature from New Leaf, Island Ordinances let the Resident Representative influence how their island operates. The four options are returning from the previous game: Beautiful Island, Early Bird, Night Owl and Bell Boom. These are a great way for players to customize their play experience to fit their needs. For example, a player who usually picks up New Horizons early in the morning or late at night might be frustrated by the lack of things to do while everyone is asleep and the shops are closed; Early Bird and Night Owl adjust when villagers are awake and when shops open and close.
Gyroids Return - With a Twist
Previously a series staple, Gyroids were conspicuously missing when New Horizons launched outside of being used to collect money for island projects like new bridges. Like in previous games, players will be able to dig up Gyroids, though this time, they will initially be found as fragments. Planting and watering these will allow them to grow into full Gyroids overnight, which can be used as decorations and even customized.
Even More Customization & Quality-of-Life Options
One of the best parts of New Horizons is how much freedom the game provides in terms of customization options -- and these are about to get even more expansive with the 2.0 update. With a Pro Decorating License, players will be able to add things like ceiling decor and accent walls to their homes, and the Pro Construction License will increase the number of bridges and inclines from eight to ten of each. Tom Nook will also offer new home exterior options. As for character customization, there will be 11 new reactions and hairstyles (including those taught by Harriet), and custom patterns originally used on items can now also be used as clothing designs, flooring or wallpaper.
There are also some great additions coming that will improve the overall gameplay experience. Players will be able to spend Miles to buy a storage shed, which connects to their home storage -- which the update will also give the option to expand to a maximum of 5,000 items from its current max of 2,400. This means players will no longer have to go all the way home (and wait through a loading screen) just to store or retrieve items. There's also a ABD to buy, which will let players deposit and withdraw Bells without having to visit Resident Services. Finally, there's a new tool, the wooden ladder set-up kit, that will allow players to set up permanent ladders as an alternative to inclines.
New Horizons' Happy Home Paradise DLC Updates an Animal Crossing Spinoff
While the 2.0 update and all of its content will be free, New Horizons is also getting paid DLC in the form of Happy Home Paradise. Essentially a new version of Happy Home Designer for the 3DS, this will allow players to travel to an island archipelago to help various animals find their perfect vacation home. Players will be able to choose the location and decorate both the interior and exterior of the homes according to the client's wishes.
Happy Home Paradise will also let players design other facilities, like schools and restaurants, which animals will actually use as intended. Vacation Homes and Facilities can be shared and visited through the Happy Home Network. Players can also use amiibo to create vacation homes for certain character, including major NPCs like Isabelle and the Nooklings.
Perhaps the best part of the DLC is that the techniques players learn while working as an interior decorator can be applied once they return to their own homes. These include are new options like pillar, partition walls and counters. Plus, after completing a certain number of vacation homes, players will be able to remodel their neighbors homes as well.
Happy Home Paradise will release alongside Version 2.0 on November 5. While it can be purchased for $24.99, those planning to upgrade to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack will get the DLC as part of the service alongside the previously announced Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games.