While it may be a while before Nintendo develops anotherAnimal Crossing, fans are eagerly anticipating what comes next for the cozy franchise. Back in 2020, no one could have quite expected just how bigAnimal Crossing: New Horizonswould be, but thanks to many factors, the game went on to beat out every past entry considerably in sales. Players from all over flocked to the world ofAnimal Crossing, and with this massive fanbase, there is a lot riding on the eventual sequel.
The nextAnimal Crossinggamewill need to shake a lot of things up, as Nintendo tends to do that with every single entry. Players can expect new gameplay elements, new villagers, a new style, and numerous changes or tweaks. Alongside those standard additions, Nintendo might want to consider taking things to a whole new level by delving into just what makes villagers tick. Instead of sticking with the tried-and-true villager model, it might be time to make them more lifelike.
Animal Crossing’s Villagers Have So Much Potential
Villagers Should Actually Behave Like Real People
One of the first areas that this nextAnimal Crossingshould focus on is giving villagers the ability to form relationships with one another. These relationships could come in all shapes and sizes, from friendly or romantic to bitter rivals. Already, these villagers can grow closer to the playerthroughout theirAnimal Crossingadventure, so there is seemingly no reason that cannot be applied to inter-villager relations as well.
These villagers should be allowed to form attachments as the village grows, with their personalities serving as a way to tie them together. Then, those relationships could have an actual effect on the way thattheAnimal Crossingvillage operates. Maybe certain villagers can be found hanging out with each other often, maybe two villagers will react negatively if they are forced to do certain activities together, and maybe players can help the villagers grow even closer through some fun little side activities. Additionally, these relationships could go even further by actually having villagers move in together. And even though it may be a massive change for the series, it might be time forAnimal Crossingeven to introduce children into the mix.
The Village Itself Needs to Be Opened Up To Its Residents
While these deeper personalities will be a lot of work for Nintendo, the villager expansion should not stop there. In the nextAnimal Crossing, villagers should finally be able to actually interact with the village itself. Up until now, they really only got to fish, water plants, and wander the land aimlessly. They have never been able to mess around with most of the things players fill their villages with, nor did they have much of a say in how their own home looks.
Animal Crossing’s Villagersshould be allowed to mess around with the various objects decorating their village. They should be able to get a tan on the beach, actually play instruments, ride or play with the many carnival-themed objects, and act like a normal person would. Additionally, it should not be solely up to the player to decorate villagers' houses or land. Even if some may be a bit annoyed by random objects suddenly appearing, it is about time that villagers utilize their own property to its fullest extent.
There is no news onwhen the nextAnimal Crossingwill come out, but when it eventually does, it really needs to expand villagers. It has been over two decades since they were first introduced, yet they still lack lifelike features like relationship forming and the ability to interact with their surroundings more.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
WHERE TO PLAY
Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online** or with others beside you***, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you’ll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.
