Highlights
Animal Crossing: New Horizons may be getting an update or a new title in 2024, based on the game's usual release timeline.
The next game should incorporate features such as dream addresses, terraforming, wetsuits, and The Roost to elevate the player experience. Additionally, it would be great to see the return of group stretching, a beloved activity in the franchise, which enables players to engage in exercise sessions with their favorite villagers.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has undeniably become a huge success in Nintendo's cherished life simulation series. However, as we approach March 2024, marking its official four-year anniversary, many fans are eagerly anticipating news about either an update for New Horizons or the exciting announcement of a brand new title.
Considering the pattern of releasing a new mainline game every three to four years, it is reasonable to expect a follow-up to Animal Crossing: New Horizons in 2024. While Nintendo has yet to confirm any ongoing development, it seems unlikely that the company would abandon one of its most profitable intellectual properties. Whether the next game is already in progress or not, there are numerous exceptional features from New Horizons that the developers should definitely take into consideration for the upcoming installment.
Dream Addresses
Dream addresses were first introduced in 2012's New Leaf and allowed players to explore other locations by specifying their desired destination. This feature proved to be valuable for various purposes, particularly for those who wished to explore someone's town without having to wait for them to be online or establish a friendship. Regrettably, the option to dream was not immediately available upon the release of New Horizons, but it is undeniably a crucial aspect that should be readily accessible from day one in the upcoming game.
Terraforming
Animal Crossing: New Horizons introduces the captivating feature of terraforming, which typically becomes available after approximately two weeks of gameplay. The ability to shape the landscape has become a major attraction for players, with many finding immense satisfaction in crafting their own dream islands. The Animal Crossing community is renowned for their boundless imagination, and terraforming serves as yet another outlet for their creative expression. Whether it's transforming an island paradise or any other environment, the versatility of terraforming knows no bounds.
Wetsuits
New Leaf revolutionized the exploration of the ocean depths by introducing the ability for players to don wetsuits. Consequently, when it was announced that the fifth installment of the franchise would be set in a tropical biome, the reintroduction of this exciting feature was not unexpected. If future iterations of the series include expansive bodies of water, the incorporation of wetsuits should unquestionably be a permanent fixture.
The Roost
The Roost, a cozy cafe introduced in the 2005 Animal Crossing game, Wild World, allowed players to experience the joy of being served different blends of coffee by the aloof pigeon, Brewster. In New Horizons, this charming location has become an extension of the museum, providing villagers with a place to socialize and enjoy a beverage together. With its snug environment and stunning aesthetics, The Roost is undoubtedly one of the most delightful areas on the map, and fans eagerly await its return in future games.
Group Stretches
Since the first GameCube title, group stretching, also known as morning aerobics, has been a regular activity in the Animal Crossing franchise. However, it gained even more importance in the 2020 installment. Over the years, group stretching in Animal Crossing has undergone significant changes. For instance, in New Horizons, players could use motion controls instead of just pressing buttons to follow along. The opportunity to exercise with beloved villagers is a delightful experience that should be brought back in the next game.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is currently accessible on Nintendo Switch.