The Next Animal Crossing Should Avoid Ending With a Whimper Instead of a Bang Like New Horizons

While Nintendo hasn’t confirmed a new Animal Crossing game, the series’ popularity and consistent success suggest another installment is likely on the horizon. Given its dedicated fanbase and standing as one of Nintendo’s top-selling franchises, it would be surprising if the series was suddenly abandoned now. This is especially true after Animal Crossing: New Horizons‘ global success in 2020.

With its signature playful art style and charming villagers, the next game has plenty of exciting potential for new directions. Though straying too far from the original formula could hurt the charm of Animal Crossing, introducing meaningful quality-of-life and narrative improvements would be a welcome addition. For instance, the end-game stage of the next entry could be improved with more in-game rewards and content.

Nintendo Should Go Big With The Next Animal Crossing

New Horizons Sadly Lacked a Satisfying Ending

New Horizons doesn’t have a formal ending, but some players view the appearance of the credits after unlocking K.K. Slider as the game’s narrative conclusion. This isn’t a particularly easy feat, as it requires a 3-star island rating. This is achieved through various tasks, with the most crucial being recruiting seven villagers, paying off the initial debt, and following Isabelle’s decorating advice.

K.K. Slider’s arrival is a major moment, and his first live performance during the credits can feel truly emotional, marking a sense of achievement for players. However, after that initial performance, K.K. Slider’s concerts become a regular part of island life, taking place every Saturday in front of Residential Services. While these shows remain a fun, relaxing feature, their routine appearance can diminish what made the first encounter so memorable.

Furthermore, despite there being content after the introduction of K.K. to the island, this achievement is one of the game’s last major milestones. For many players, Version 2.0 of Animal Crossing launched after reaching this point, adding The Roost cafe, Kapp’n’s Boat Tours, Mystery Islands, new villagers, and more. Unfortunately, when it comes to New Horizons‘ loose storyline, there’s not much more to explore.

The Next Animal Crossing Game Deserves a More Memorable Ending

Rumors suggest that the next Animal Crossing will launch on the successor to the Switch, which fits the typical release pattern for mainline games in the series. Still, the next-gen console, tentatively dubbed the Switch 2, has yet to be officially announced and might not hit shelves until 2026. This means Animal Crossing fans could wait up to six years for a new mainline title.

With this in mind, and considering how much time players invested in New Horizons, it seems only fitting that Nintendo makes sure the next game ends with a bang, rewarding players for their dedication. Perhaps this could include special features, beyond unlocking terraforming or golden tools. A potential avenue could involve integrating a more narrative-focused Animal Crossing experience, featuring unlockable quests that contribute to the overarching storyline.

While there are distinct pros and cons to a more story-oriented version of Animal Crossing, it’s certainly enticing to imagine a world where players can actively participate in shaping the future of their towns through their choices. Perhaps they could influence the development of new shops, events, or even the village’s overall aesthetic. This could create a deeper sense of connection and investment, making the journey to the game’s conclusion all the more fulfilling.