In a special Nintendo Direct released on Friday, October 15th, 2021, Nintendo unveiled the final free update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a content-packed batch of DLC that will keep you occupied well into 2022.

In addition to the final free update for AC:NH, the Direct also included the announcement of Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise, paid DLC (either $24.99, or when you pay for the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack – but note that you need a copy of AC:NH to use this DLC).

Free DLC

First and foremost, the final free update for AC:NH will deliver on one of our most anticipated features: Brewster’s Roost! When I was visiting cartoonists on their islands during for summer of 2020 for Acrossing the Miles, I consistently found that creators demanded the return of Brewster! Fortuantely, that time has finally arrived, and players will be able to share a cup of coffee with villagers and other players alike in the museum-located Roost.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Everything’s coo now.

The other most-requested feature that is being included in this free update is crops, which will come with new DIY recipies to allow you to craft a whole slough of appetizing food items to place around your island.

The DLC will also include a significant update to Harv’s Island. Not only will new shops be opening (similar to the main street above your town in Animal Crossing: New Leaf), including stores for Kicks and Saharah and a location for Katrina to tell fortunes in-game (and not just in the Nintendo Online app). 

Plus, previous Harv’s Island visitors like Cyrus and Reese, allowing you to customize additional furniture items. Furthermore, AC franchise alums like Mayor Tortimer will be making appearances in Harv’s updated plaza, so you’ll want to visit often.

And have you been missing the Gyroids that have long been a part of the AC franchise? This update will bring the noisy, mysterious entities to your island, and they will work a little differently than they used to this time. While they’ll still be most likely to appear after a day of rain on your island, you’ll now have to plant “Gyroid pieces” in order to “grow” full versions. Once you have a set you’re satisfied, you can set them up in your house to add new harmonies to class K.K. Slider songs! You can even customize them to better match your décor.

Speaking of K.K. Slider, he’ll be getting a dozen new tracks for you to enjoy when he plays shows on your island. In addition, a new furniture item will allow you to listen to a music box version of his tunes.

And if you want some sea shanties, you’re gonna have some sea shanties! Kapp’n is returning to Animal Crossing, docking his boat at the pier on your island (which has just been waiting for his arrival since March 2020). If you climb aboard, you’ll be treated to a one-of-a-kind serenade as he ferries you to all-new mystery islands!

Somehow, this isn’t even all of the content included in the free update! There’s also new hairstyles, new furniture, and even new reactions. Get out of here, seasonal depression: I won’t have time for you with all this AC:NH (and I haven’t even beaten Metroid: Dread yet)!

Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise

In a play mode that heavily evokes the Nintendo 3DS game Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer, the new paid DLC Happy Home Paradise will allow you to design vacation homes for various Animal Crossing characters. Using Amiibo and Amiibo cards, you can summon specific characters to design their homes; and perhaps better yet, you’ll also eventually be able to invite your island residents to enjoy a vacation home on this archipelago.

 

In HHP, you’ll join the Paradise Planning Team, featuring returning character Lottie and new characters Wardell and Niko (don’t look directly at these two – they’re too cute).

HHP will introduce plenty of new features, including the ability to put in partial walls and pillars, opening up new avenues for interior design. Better yet, you’ll be able to utilize these design features on your island, as well.

HHP also includes features like designing a single home for two roommates, plus an online showroom where you can display your greatest creations!

Not Enough Animal Crossing?

On top of all this, both the free and paid DLC will be compatible with Animal Crossing Amiibo cards and Amiibo – not only those that are already available, but also with the fifth series of Amiibo cards, featuring previously unreleased and brand-new characters, set to release on November 5th, as well.

What do you think of all this AC:NH news? What feature are you most excited about?

Remember that bad times… are just times that are bad.

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