
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has taken the gaming world by storm, offering players a serene escape to a virtual island paradise. One of the most exciting features of the game is the ability to play with friends and family through multiplayer mode. Whether you’re looking to trade items, visit each other’s islands, or just hang out, multiplayer in Animal Crossing opens up a world of possibilities. In this guide, we’ll explore how to play Animal Crossing multiplayer, along with some quirky tips and tricks to make your experience even more enjoyable.
1. Understanding the Basics of Multiplayer
Before diving into the multiplayer world, it’s essential to understand the different types of multiplayer modes available in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Local Play
Local play allows you to connect with players who are physically near you, using the same Wi-Fi network. This is perfect for family members or friends who are in the same room or house. To start local play:
- Ensure all players have their Nintendo Switch consoles and a copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
- Open the game and access the Airport on your island.
- Speak to Orville, the dodo bird at the front desk, and select “I want visitors.”
- Choose “Local play” and follow the on-screen instructions to connect with other players.
Online Play
Online play lets you connect with players from around the world. This mode requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Here’s how to get started:
- Open the game and head to the Airport.
- Talk to Orville and select “I want visitors.”
- Choose “Online play” and follow the prompts to connect with friends via the internet.
- You can either open your island to all friends or generate a Dodo Code to share with specific players.
2. Inviting Friends to Your Island
Once you’ve set up multiplayer, the next step is inviting friends to your island. Here’s how to do it:
Using Dodo Codes
Dodo Codes are temporary codes that allow specific players to visit your island. To generate a Dodo Code:
- Speak to Orville at the Airport and select “I want visitors.”
- Choose “Online play” and then “Invite via Dodo Code.”
- Orville will generate a unique code that you can share with your friends.
- Your friends can enter this code at their Airport to visit your island.
Adding Friends on Nintendo Switch
To make the process smoother, you can add friends on your Nintendo Switch console. Here’s how:
- From the Nintendo Switch Home Menu, select your user icon in the top-left corner.
- Scroll down to “Add Friend” and choose “Search with Friend Code.”
- Enter your friend’s Friend Code, which can be found in their profile.
- Once added, you can invite them directly from the game without needing a Dodo Code.
3. Exploring Multiplayer Activities
Multiplayer in Animal Crossing isn’t just about visiting each other’s islands; there are plenty of activities to enjoy together. Here are some ideas:
Trading Items
One of the most popular multiplayer activities is trading items. Whether you’re looking for rare furniture, clothing, or DIY recipes, trading with friends can help you complete your collection. To trade:
- Drop the item you want to trade on the ground.
- Have your friend pick it up and drop the item they’re trading in return.
- Make sure both parties are happy with the trade before ending the session.
Fishing and Bug Catching
Fishing and bug catching are more fun with friends! You can compete to see who can catch the rarest fish or bug, or simply enjoy the activity together. Remember that some fish and bugs are only available during specific times or seasons, so plan your visits accordingly.
Island Tours
Take your friends on a tour of your island and show off your creativity. Whether you’ve designed a beautiful garden, a cozy café, or a bustling marketplace, sharing your island with others can be incredibly rewarding. Don’t forget to ask for feedback and ideas to improve your island further.
Turnip Trading
The Stalk Market is a big part of Animal Crossing, and multiplayer can make it even more exciting. If your island’s turnip prices are high, invite friends over to sell their turnips for a profit. Alternatively, visit their island if their prices are better. Just be sure to coordinate and plan your visits to maximize your earnings.
4. Etiquette and Tips for Multiplayer
Playing with others can be a lot of fun, but it’s essential to follow some basic etiquette to ensure everyone has a good time.
Respect the Host
When visiting someone else’s island, always respect the host’s rules and wishes. Don’t pick flowers, shake trees, or take items without permission. If the host has specific areas off-limits, respect their boundaries.
Communicate Effectively
Communication is key in multiplayer. Use the in-game chat feature to talk to your friends, or use voice chat through the Nintendo Switch Online app for a more seamless experience. If you’re trading or planning activities, make sure everyone is on the same page.
Be Mindful of Time
Time zones can be a challenge when playing with friends from around the world. Be mindful of the time when scheduling visits, and try to accommodate each other’s schedules as much as possible.
Have Fun!
Most importantly, remember to have fun! Animal Crossing is all about relaxation and enjoyment, so don’t stress too much about the details. Whether you’re trading, exploring, or just hanging out, the goal is to have a good time with friends.
5. Advanced Multiplayer Tips
For those looking to take their multiplayer experience to the next level, here are some advanced tips:
Hosting Events
Consider hosting events on your island, such as fashion shows, treasure hunts, or fishing tournaments. These events can be a great way to bring friends together and create lasting memories.
Creating Shared Spaces
Designate areas on your island for shared activities, such as a communal garden, a marketplace, or a picnic area. These spaces can serve as gathering points for you and your friends.
Using Custom Designs
Custom designs can add a personal touch to your island and make it more inviting for visitors. Share your designs with friends or download designs from the Custom Design Portal to decorate your island.
Exploring Dream Islands
While not strictly multiplayer, the Dream Suite feature allows you to visit other players’ islands in a dream state. This can be a great way to get inspiration for your own island or simply explore new places without the pressure of interacting with others.
6. Troubleshooting Multiplayer Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned in multiplayer. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
Connection Problems
If you’re having trouble connecting with friends, ensure that both parties have a stable internet connection. Restarting your Nintendo Switch or router can often resolve connectivity issues.
Full Island
Each island can only host a limited number of visitors at a time. If you’re unable to visit a friend’s island, it might be because their island is full. Try again later or coordinate with other players to take turns visiting.
Game Updates
Make sure that both you and your friends have the latest version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons installed. Game updates often include bug fixes and new features that can improve the multiplayer experience.
Nintendo Switch Online Issues
If you’re experiencing issues with Nintendo Switch Online, such as being unable to connect or access online features, check the Nintendo Support website for troubleshooting steps.
7. Conclusion
Playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons in multiplayer mode is a fantastic way to connect with friends and family, whether they’re in the same room or halfway around the world. By understanding the basics, exploring different activities, and following proper etiquette, you can make the most of your multiplayer experience. So grab your Nintendo Switch, head to the Airport, and start building bridges (both literally and figuratively) with your fellow islanders!
FAQs
Q: Can I play Animal Crossing multiplayer without a Nintendo Switch Online subscription? A: Yes, you can play locally with friends who are nearby without a subscription. However, online play requires a Nintendo Switch Online 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 friend’s island if they’re not online? A: No, the host must be online and have their island open for visitors for you to visit.
Q: What happens if someone disconnects during multiplayer? A: If a player disconnects, the session will end, and all players will be returned to their own islands. Any unsaved progress may be lost.
Q: Can I trade villagers with friends? A: While you can’t directly trade villagers, you can invite a villager who is moving out of a friend’s island to move to yours. This requires coordination and timing.
Q: Are there any restrictions on what I can do on a friend’s island? A: Yes, visitors have limited abilities on someone else’s island. For example, you can’t move or place furniture, but you can pick up dropped items and interact with objects.
Q: Can I visit a random player’s island? A: No, you can only visit islands of players you’re friends with or those who have shared a Dodo Code with you.
Q: How do I end a multiplayer session? A: To end a multiplayer session, the host can speak to Orville at the Airport and select “End session.” Alternatively, all players can save and quit the game to end the session.