
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has taken the gaming world by storm, offering players a serene escape to a virtual island paradise. While the single-player experience is undeniably charming, the multiplayer aspect adds a whole new layer of fun, chaos, and creativity. Whether you’re looking to visit a friend’s island, host a virtual party, or simply trade rare items, multiplayer in Animal Crossing opens up a world of possibilities. But how do you dive into this cooperative experience? And what are the best ways to make the most of it? Let’s explore the ins and outs of multiplayer in Animal Crossing, from the basics to the unexpected.
1. Getting Started: The Basics of Multiplayer
Before you can invite friends to your island or visit theirs, you’ll need to ensure you’ve met a few prerequisites. First, you must have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. This is essential for accessing online multiplayer features. Once that’s sorted, you’ll need to progress far enough in the game to unlock the Airport, which becomes available on the second day of gameplay. The Airport is your gateway to multiplayer, allowing you to travel to other islands or welcome visitors to your own.
To play multiplayer, you have two options: local play and online play. Local play allows you to connect with nearby players using wireless communication, while online play lets you connect with friends or strangers across the globe. Both options have their unique advantages, but online play is where the real magic happens.
2. Inviting Friends to Your Island
Hosting a multiplayer session on your island is a great way to show off your hard work and creativity. To invite friends, head to the Airport and speak to Orville, the friendly dodo bird at the front desk. Choose the “I want visitors” option, and then select “Via online play.” You’ll be prompted to open your island to either “All my friends” or “Invite via Dodo Code.” The latter option is particularly useful if you want to limit access to specific players.
Once your island is open, your friends can visit by entering your Dodo Code or selecting your island from their list of available destinations. Keep in mind that while visitors are on your island, certain actions (like terraforming or redecorating) will be restricted to prevent chaos. However, visitors can still fish, catch bugs, and interact with your island’s residents.
3. Visiting Other Islands
If you’re in the mood to explore, visiting a friend’s island is a fantastic way to gather inspiration, trade items, or simply hang out. To visit another island, head to the Airport and choose the “I wanna fly” option. Select “Via online play,” and then choose whether you’re visiting a friend’s island or using a Dodo Code. If you’re visiting a friend, their island will appear on your list of available destinations. If you’re using a Dodo Code, simply enter the code provided by the host.
While visiting another island, be sure to respect the host’s rules. Some players may have specific guidelines, such as not picking flowers or shaking trees. Communication is key, so use the in-game chat feature or an external messaging app to coordinate with your friends.
4. The Joy of Trading and Sharing
One of the biggest draws of multiplayer in Animal Crossing is the ability to trade items with other players. Whether you’re looking for rare furniture, DIY recipes, or specific fruit, trading can help you complete your collection faster. To trade, simply drop the item you’re offering on the ground, and your friend can pick it up. In return, they’ll drop the item they’re trading. It’s a simple system, but it opens up endless possibilities for collaboration.
Sharing is another key aspect of multiplayer. If you have extra DIY recipes, fossils, or other items, consider giving them to friends who might need them. This not only strengthens your in-game relationships but also fosters a sense of community.
5. Hosting Events and Parties
Animal Crossing’s multiplayer mode is perfect for hosting virtual events and parties. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a fashion show, or a treasure hunt, the possibilities are endless. To host an event, start by setting a theme and inviting your friends. Decorate your island accordingly, and prepare activities or games to keep everyone entertained.
For example, you could organize a fishing tournament, where players compete to catch the rarest fish. Or, you could host a fashion show, where participants dress up in themed outfits and walk the runway. The key is to be creative and have fun!
6. The Unexpected Chaos of Multiplayer
While multiplayer in Animal Crossing is generally a peaceful experience, it’s not without its moments of chaos. For instance, visitors might accidentally trample your flowers or leave unwanted items on your island. To mitigate this, consider setting clear rules before opening your island. You can also use fences or other barriers to protect sensitive areas.
On the flip side, some players embrace the chaos, turning their islands into obstacle courses or prank-filled playgrounds. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not host a “chaos mode” session, where anything goes? Just be prepared for the unexpected!
7. Exploring the Community
Beyond playing with friends, Animal Crossing’s multiplayer mode allows you to connect with a vibrant online community. Social media platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Discord are filled with players sharing tips, hosting events, and organizing trades. Joining these communities can enhance your multiplayer experience, providing you with new friends, ideas, and opportunities.
For example, you might stumble upon a group hosting a cataloging event, where players gather to share rare furniture items. Or, you might find a community dedicated to creating custom designs, offering endless inspiration for your island.
8. Tips for a Smooth Multiplayer Experience
To make the most of multiplayer in Animal Crossing, keep these tips in mind:
- Communicate Clearly: Whether you’re hosting or visiting, clear communication is essential. Use the in-game chat or an external app to coordinate with your friends.
- Respect the Host’s Rules: Every island is unique, and some players may have specific guidelines for visitors. Always ask before picking flowers, shaking trees, or taking items.
- Prepare for Disconnections: Multiplayer sessions can sometimes be interrupted by connection issues. To avoid losing progress, save your game frequently.
- Have Fun: At the end of the day, Animal Crossing is about having fun and expressing yourself. Don’t stress too much about perfection—embrace the chaos and enjoy the ride!
FAQs
Q: Can I play multiplayer without a Nintendo Switch Online subscription?
A: No, an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required for online multiplayer. However, local play does not require a subscription.
Q: How many players can visit my island at once?
A: Up to eight players can visit your island simultaneously, including yourself.
Q: Can I visit a random player’s island?
A: No, you can only visit islands hosted by friends or those with a shared Dodo Code.
Q: What happens if a visitor picks my flowers or shakes my trees?
A: Flowers will regrow after a few days, and fruit will respawn on trees. However, it’s always a good idea to set rules with your visitors to avoid unwanted surprises.
Q: Can I play multiplayer with players from different regions?
A: Yes, Animal Crossing supports cross-region multiplayer, allowing you to connect with players from around the world.
Multiplayer in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a delightful way to connect with friends, explore new islands, and unleash your creativity. Whether you’re trading items, hosting events, or simply enjoying the chaos, the possibilities are endless. So grab your NookPhone, head to the Airport, and start your multiplayer adventure today!