Though Animal Crossing: New Horizons may be a game many Nintendo Switch owners haven’t played in some time, there will always be something to do on the island. Whether it’s adding that last fish or painting to Blathers’ museum, reorganizing furniture and decorations within the player’s home and across the island, or kicking old villagers out to replace them with fresh faces, there is always potential to return to the game. Even four years after its initial release, New Horizons remains relevant.

Players who return to the second-best-selling Switch game thus far will remember that certain activities can only be completed at specific times of the year. From June 1st until August 31st, players in the Northern Hemisphere will have summer activities unlocked, while players in the Southern Hemisphere will have access to winter events. Here are ten events players can participate in over the next few months.

10

The Bug-Off Makes Catching Bugs More Lucrative

Summer is Here & Flick Wants Those Bugs

Summer players in the Northern Hemisphere can participate in the Bug-Off starting on June 22 and then on the fourth Saturday in July, August, and September from 9 AM to 6 PM. Though the first entry is free, players will need to pay 500 Bells to participate again on the same day. Keep in mind that Flick will pay extra for any bugs caught and sold during these events – a total of 1.5x their usual sale price!

For each bug caught during the three-minute timer in each Bug-Off run, players will be awarded a point, which can later be exchanged for prizes. It will require several attempts if players want to complete their insect-themed collections of clothing and other decorative items. Since each type of critter awards the same – just a single point – players should focus on quantity over quality when it comes to bug catching.

9

C.J.’s Fishing Tourney Is Free To Enter

CJ Challenges Players to Catch as Many Fish as Possible

The Fishing Tourney is an event similar to the Bug-Off, wherein players will be tasked with catching fish. To initiate this tournament, players will need to speak to CJ in the plaza on the second Saturday of January, April, July, or October. The player villager will then need to catch as many fish as possible in three minutes. Each fish caught will award a single point, with bonus points awarded if players are able to catch three or more fish within the three minute time limit.

Players can prepare for this tournament by creating fishing poles and bait from manila clams at a crafting station. Points earned during this event can be exchanged for fish-themed apparel and decorations. Collectors can also speak to CJ at any time of the year to ask him to craft fish models if they own at least three of a species.

8

Fireworks Festival Occurs Throughout August

Decorate the Night Sky With a Custom Design

During the month of August, a fireworks show will be held every Sunday from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM. Players who speak to Isabelle will also be able to customize their own fireworks and see a personalized display explode in the night sky. She will also give the player a festive Bopper Hat on the day of the event; just find her before the show starts to claim the item.

Additionally, Redd holds a raffle in the plaza during these events. For just 500 Bells each, players will be able to purchase a raffle ticket and win a variety of prizes, including balloons, sparklers, and ice cream. Those who participate in this event will be able to enjoy the show with their favorite villagers without spending any real-world money on actual fireworks!

7

Wedding Season Requires A Good Photographer

There’s Romance In The Air

Players who have already completed this event have nothing to worry about — Reese and Cyrus will ask the player to take their anniversary photos every year. Starting on the first of June, Harvey will call players to his island, which can be reached by taking a Dodo Airlines flight. There, a custom wedding scene can be set up for the couple as they renew their vows.

Each time Harv’s Island is visited, Reese and Cyrus will ask the player to set up the chapel with a different theme. In doing so, rewards will be distributed in the form of new decorations that players can use in their homes or across their islands. Again, players will have to participate in the event several times in order to earn enough in-game currency to unlock them all.

6

Father’s Day Is An Opportunity To Show Pops Love

Customized Mug and Apron

In previous Animal Crossing games, Father’s Day was more of an event, with the player’s dad sending them a letter. In New Horizons, it’s just Mom who sends letters at various times throughout the year. However, there are still holiday-themed items that can be purchased from the Nook Stop terminal in the plaza building.

Players who log in during the month of June can purchase the “Thank you Dad” apron and “Thank you Dad” mug from Nook Shopping. For those whose fathers enjoy playing New Horizons, this gift — which can be sent by in-game mail — can be a small way to show Dad he’s appreciated. After the event is over on June 30, players will have to wait another year or cheat time by changing the Nintendo Switch system clock back to redeem these cosmetic items for Bells.

5

New Bug Types Added

Make Extra Bells by Selling Cicadas and Beetles

In the Northern Hemisphere, six bugs will become available in June. Players who have yet to collect them all can catch new insects, such as fireflies and mosquitoes. In July, a whopping 21 bugs enter the rotation, such as cicadas, grasshoppers, and stag beetles. If the museum already has these critters, Flick will pay over 10,000 bells for some of the larger insects, like the Horned Hercules.

In the Southern Hemisphere, players should expect to encounter dung beetles rolling up large snowballs around the island. Fewer new bugs appear during the colder months, but the dung beetles serve as a reminder to create snowboys in exchange for ice sculpture materials. For those with extra Nook Miles who want more bells, consider making trips to islands covered with Tarantulas or Scorpions, which can be sold to Flick for a substantial amount.

4

Bigger & Better Sea Creatures

Sharks Make a Splash During the Month of June

During summer, sharks begin appearing in New Horizons, and can be caught while fishing in the ocean. Great whites can be sold for 15,000 Bells to CJ but only appear from 4 PM – 9 AM every day. Eagle-eyed players who have enough practice will be able to identify which fish they will most likely catch based on the size of its shadow. Fortunately for shark hunters, the fin poking out of the water makes it pretty obvious.

Southern Hemisphere players will also be able to catch fish that were previously out of rotation, including the massive oarfish. Winter villagers should also be on the lookout for the elusive stringfish, which only appear on the clifftop rivers above waterfalls. Players who haven’t encountered this rare creature may have to edit their island through landscaping and waterscaping to make this critter appear.

3

Cool Deep-Sea Creatures

Dive Deep to Collect Them All

Deep-sea creatures were not available in the game at launch, so it’s likely many players have not collected them all. In June, the gazami crab becomes available in the Northern Hemisphere, while lobsters begin appearing in the Southern Hemisphere. A diving suit and a little bit of patience will be required to hunt for these critters. Some of them are quick and easily startled, so approach slowly as not to startle these creatures upon approach.

For players who are struggling or frustrated when it comes to keeping track of which critters or paintings they are missing, there are some apps available that can organize everything. ACNH Travel Guide is a popular one which includes checklists for collectibles, daily task reminders, and even tracks Stalk Market prices. Hardcore players and collectors will definitely want to consider using one of these apps.

2

Don’t Forget Your Favorite Villager’s Birthday

Building Relationships With Villagers is Rewarding

By using one of the aforementioned apps, players can receive a heads-up when a villager’s birthday is upcoming. Birthday wishes aren’t just kind, but there are benefits. For example, Sherb’s birthday is on June 18. Players who have him on their island can wish him a happy birthday, which in turn raises his friendship level.

Friendship in New Horizons is measured on a scale from 0 to 255. Once a villager’s friendship level has increased from the default 25 to 150, players will have a chance of receiving a framed photo of that villager, which can be collected or used as decoration. One simple way to increase a favorite villager’s friendship level is to give them a gift on their birthday. Remember, wrapping the present awards additional points.

1

Happy Home Paradise DLC

Become An Interior Designer With Additional Content

The Happy Home Paradise DLC was released over a year after the game’s initial launch but has been a fantastic addition to the game. In this additional content, players work as interior designers for villagers interested in owning vacation homes. Villagers here have themed requests, such as a reading room or space to exercise, and any necessary furniture will be provided.

Though this DLC costs $24.99 on the Nintendo eShop, gamers who subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service can play Happy Home Paradise for no additional cost. Playing this DLC also unlocks additional customization options that can be used in the base game, such as partition walls. Even players who have already played the base game for hundreds of hours can come back and redecorate everything. The creative possibilities are endless in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Source: Apple Store/ACNH Travel Guide