In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, there are only three octopus characters. A new Reddit theory suggests octopus rarity is due to endangerment.
However, there is another possibility as to why certain animal villagers are rarer than others. Both frog and octopus characters are considered fish and villager species. The theory hypothesizes that octopus villagers slowly transform into humans via a strange form of evolution that would leave Charles Darwin scratching his head.
Species endangerment is a genuine threat around the globe. Could it be New Horizons brings attention to the issue by mimicking it in its virtual world, or is the rarity of some species actually a result of a peculiar villager evolution?
The Statistics
New Horizons has only three octopus villagers: Zucker, Marina and Octavian. Due to their low numbers, octopus villagers are the rarest in the game. Cows have the second-lowest amount at four villagers, followed by bulls with six. Cats take the title of most common with 23 and rabbits hover just beneath them at 20.
If the Nintendo Switch exclusive is mimicking real endangerment numbers, it isn't consistent. Sure, it makes sense that cats, rabbits, squirrels and dogs would have high numbers. However, cows are one of the most common domesticated animals globally, so having such low numbers doesn't fit the pattern.
According to the World Wildlife Organization, some critically endangered species like rhinos and gorillas coincide with New Horizons' simulated variety. However, considering most elephant species are endangered, New Horizons' prevalent elephant villager population seems to disprove the idea that the game is trying to simulate endangerment levels accurately. Not to mention, octopuses are not currently endangered. So why make them the least common villager as opposed to another vulnerable species like eagles or rhinos?
Evolution
With the endangered theory mostly debunked, could evolution explain New Horizons' lack of octopus villagers? Inkwell was an octopus villager that has not been seen since his appearance in Animal Crossing: New Leaf. Many players wonder whatever became of the jock villager. Is Inkwell an example of Animal Crossing evolution?
The Reddit theory ponders the possibility of octopus villagers evolving into humans because of their rare distinction of being two species. Perhaps Inkwell didn't disappear: He just changed. Although this is an interesting possibility, why don't frog villagers have lower numbers? After all, they share this unique feature with their octopus peers.
The Verdict
After reviewing the facts, the theories of endangerment and evolution seem unlikely. They are exciting possibilities, but almost impossible to get behind without more details or clues. However, the idea that octopus villagers are endangered cannot totally be ruled out. Although New Horizons' species rates do not mimic real numbers, it does not mean Animal Crossing devs aren't exploring their own form of endangerment in a fictional setting.
Cows aren't vulnerable in the real world, but maybe they are in New Horizons. Either way, the endangerment theory remains what it is -- a fun fan theory to ponder.